HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4802.54 – Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weighing less than 40g/m2, in rolls or sheets
HS code 4802.54 is the 6-digit subheading for uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803), printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weighing less than 40g/m2, in rolls or sheets. It is used for airmail paper, bible paper, lightweight dictionary paper, thin prospectus paper and specialized lightweight printing paper.
What HS 4802.54 covers
This HS code covers very lightweight uncoated paper and paperboard, primarily composed of chemical pulp (10% or less mechanical or chemi-mechanical fiber), used for printing, writing, or graphic purposes, with a grammage of less than 40g/m2. This specialized paper is designed for applications where minimal weight and bulk are crucial, such as airmail stationery, bible paper, or very thin inserts. Its trade involves paper mills exporting to specialized printers, publishers of lightweight books, and manufacturers of specific stationery items. Key characteristics include high opacity despite its low weight, often high brightness due to the chemical pulp content, and a fine, smooth surface. Environmental certifications like FSC, PEFC, and compliance with EUDR/EUTR are increasingly important for market access.
- Covers
- Airmail paper
- Bible paper
- Lightweight dictionary paper
- Thin prospectus paper
- Specialized lightweight printing paper
- Onion skin paper.
- Examples
- Domtar lightweight opaque paper
- Sappi lightweight coated paper (base)
- UPM lightweight printing paper
- ArjoWiggins Conqueror (some lightweight grades).
Codes often confused with 4802.54
Common mistake. Easily confused with other uncoated printing/writing papers in 4802.55-4802.58; however, the critical differentiator is its very low grammage (less than 40g/m2) combined with low mechanical pulp content.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 480254, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 480254 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $90M 32% of world exports
- 2 Finland $44M 15% of world exports
- 3 China $29M 10% of world exports
World total: $284M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $37M 11% of world imports
- 2 Nigeria $34M 10% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $28M 8.4% of world imports
World total: $335M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 4802.54 3
Brazil splits HS 4802.54 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 4802.54.10 Woodfree paper under 40 g/m², max 15 cm/360 mmEm tiras ou rolos de largura não superior a 15 cm ou em folhas em que nenhum lado exceda 360 mm, quando não dobradas
- 4802.54.9 OtherOutros Group
- 4802.54.91 Woodfree paper under 19 g/m², bleached/mech. pulpFabricado principalmente a partir de pasta branqueada ou pasta obtida por um processo mecânico, de peso inferior a 19 g/m²
- 4802.54.99 Other woodfree paper under 40 g/m²Outros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 48.02 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
This product is covered by the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), requiring operators to exercise due diligence to minimize the risk of placing illegally harvested timber on the EU market.
Questions about HS 4802.54
What is HS code 480254?
HS code 480254 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weighing less than 40g/m2, in rolls or sheets. This HS code covers very lightweight uncoated paper and paperboard, primarily composed of chemical pulp (10% or less mechanical or chemi-mechanical fiber), used for printing, writing, or graphic purposes, with a grammage of less than 40g/m2. This specialized paper is designed for applications where minimal weight and bulk are crucial, such as airmail stationery, bible paper, or very thin inserts. Its trade involves paper mills exporting to specialized printers, publishers of lightweight books, and manufacturers of specific stationery items. Key characteristics include high opacity despite its low weight, often high brightness due to the chemical pulp content, and a fine, smooth surface. Environmental certifications like FSC, PEFC, and compliance with EUDR/EUTR are increasingly important for market access.
What products fall under HS code 480254?
Airmail paper, bible paper, lightweight dictionary paper, thin prospectus paper, specialized lightweight printing paper, onion skin paper.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 480254?
Easily confused with other uncoated printing/writing papers in 4802.55-4802.58; however, the critical differentiator is its very low grammage (less than 40g/m2) combined with low mechanical pulp content.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 480254?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 480254 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($90M, 32% of world exports), Finland ($44M) and China ($29M). World exports came to about $284M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 480254?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 480254 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($37M, 11% of world imports), Nigeria ($34M) and the Netherlands ($28M). World imports came to about $335M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 480254 structured?
HS code 480254 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (48) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (54) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 480254?
Brazil splits HS code 480254 into 3 NCM codes: 4802.54.10 (Woodfree paper under 40 g/m², max 15 cm/360 mm), 4802.54.91 (Woodfree paper under 19 g/m², bleached/mech. pulp), 4802.54.99 (Other woodfree paper under 40 g/m²). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.