HS Code Subheading

Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, in rolls

4802.61 Subheading
Section X — Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard; paper and paperboard and articles thereof

About HS Code 480261

This category covers uncoated paper and paperboard containing more than 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibers, supplied in rolls. This type of paper is generally less expensive than chemical pulp-based papers, offering good opacity and bulk, making it suitable for high-volume printing where longevity and brightness are less critical. Applications include lower-grade printing, inserts, directories, and some packaging uses. Trade involves large paper mills exporting to commercial printers, publishers of mass-market materials, and converters. Key characteristics include cost-effectiveness, good printability, and often a slightly coarser texture compared to woodfree papers. The demand is often driven by price sensitivity and the need for high-volume, short-lifespan print products. Compliance with EUDR and EUTR is essential for sustainable sourcing.

Products Under This Code

Standard groundwood paper rolls, lightweight coated (LWC) base paper (uncoated stage), directory paper rolls, cheap book paper rolls, newsprint-grade paper (non-4801 specific), supercalendered (SC) paper base.

Real World Examples

UPM Standard News (non-4801), Stora Enso SC paper (base), Resolute Forest Products groundwood specialties, Catalyst Paper groundwood grades.

Common Misclassification

Often confused with newsprint (480100) if the specific weight range for newsprint isn't met, or with other uncoated papers (4802.5x) if the mechanical pulp content isn't accurately assessed. The 'in rolls' and >10% mechanical pulp are key.

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.

Products Classified Under 4802.61

Mechanical pulp paper rollsUncoated graphic paper rolls

Related Codes

4802.10 Hand-made paper or paperboard 4802.20 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); of a kind used as a base for photo-sensitive, heat-sensitive or electro-sensitive paper or paperboard, in rolls or sheets 4802.40 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); wallpaper base, in rolls or sheets 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 4802.55 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 40g/m2 to 150g/m2, in rolls 4802.56 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weight 40-150g/m2, in sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded) 4802.57 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weight 40-150g/m2, n.e.c. in item no. 4802.55 or 4802.56 4802.58 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 more than 150g/m2 4802.62 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, in sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded) 4802.69 Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, other than rolls, other than sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded)

Industry

This code belongs to the Paper & Printing industry.

Trade Overview

Canada, Finland, and Sweden are major exporters due to abundant forest resources, while the USA, China, and Germany are significant importers for various printing and industrial uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 480261?

HS code 480261 covers: Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, in rolls. This category covers uncoated paper and paperboard containing more than 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibers, supplied in rolls. This type of paper is generally less expensive than chemical pulp-based papers, offering good opacity and bulk, making it suitable for high-volume printing where longevity and brightness are less critical. Applications include lower-grade printing, inserts, directories, and some packaging uses. Trade involves large paper mills exporting to commercial printers, publishers of mass-market materials, and converters. Key characteristics include cost-effectiveness, good printability, and often a slightly coarser texture compared to woodfree papers. The demand is often driven by price sensitivity and the need for high-volume, short-lifespan print products. Compliance with EUDR and EUTR is essential for sustainable sourcing.

What products fall under HS code 480261?

Standard groundwood paper rolls, lightweight coated (LWC) base paper (uncoated stage), directory paper rolls, cheap book paper rolls, newsprint-grade paper (non-4801 specific), supercalendered (SC) paper base.

What are common misclassifications for HS code 480261?

Often confused with newsprint (480100) if the specific weight range for newsprint isn't met, or with other uncoated papers (4802.5x) if the mechanical pulp content isn't accurately assessed. The 'in rolls' and >10% mechanical pulp are key.

How is HS code 480261 structured?

HS code 480261 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 (61) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.