HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 4802.61 – Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, in rolls

HS code 4802.61 is the 6-digit subheading for uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803), over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, in rolls. It is used for standard groundwood paper rolls, lightweight coated (LWC) base paper (uncoated stage), directory paper rolls, cheap book paper rolls and newsprint-grade paper (non-4801 specific).

What HS 4802.61 covers

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.

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

Codes often confused with 4802.61

Common mistake. 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.

4801.00Newsprint; made of fibres obtained essentially by a chemi-mechanical process or of a weight, per m2, of more than 57g but not more than 65g, in rolls or sheets48.02Uncoated paper and paperboard, used for writing, printing or other graphics, non perforated punch-cards and punch tape paper, in rolls or rectangular sheets, of any size, other than paper of heading 4801 or 4803; hand-made paper and paperboard

Top exporters and importers of HS code 480261, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 480261 in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% 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. 1 Sweden $722M
  2. 2 Canada $687M
  3. 3 Germany $290M

World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $715M
  2. 2 Germany $318M
  3. 3 Poland $158M

World total: $2.5B 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 4802.61 4

Brazil splits HS 4802.61 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

  1. 4802.61.10 Paper over 10% mech. fibre, rolls up to 15 cmDe largura não superior a 15 cm
  2. 4802.61.9 OtherOutros Group
  3. 4802.61.91 Paper max 57 g/m², min 65% mech. wood, in rollsDe peso inferior ou igual a 57 g/m², em que 65 % ou mais, em peso, do conteúdo total de fibras seja constituído por fibras de madeira obtidas por processo mecânico
  4. 4802.61.92 Kraft paper over 10% mech. fibre, in rollsKraft
  5. 4802.61.99 Other paper over 10% mech. fibre, in rollsOutros

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 4802.61

What is HS code 480261?

HS code 480261 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that 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.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 480261?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 480261 in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($722M, 29% of world exports), Canada ($687M) and Germany ($290M). World exports came to about $2.5B, 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 480261?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 480261 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($715M, 28% of world imports), Germany ($318M) and Poland ($158M). World imports came to about $2.5B, 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 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.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 480261?

Brazil splits HS code 480261 into 4 NCM codes: 4802.61.10 (Paper over 10% mech. fibre, rolls up to 15 cm), 4802.61.91 (Paper max 57 g/m², min 65% mech. wood, in rolls), 4802.61.92 (Kraft paper over 10% mech. fibre, in rolls), 4802.61.99 (Other paper over 10% mech. fibre, in rolls). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.