HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4804.59 – Kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, weight 225g/m2 or more, in rolls or sheets, n.e.c. in item no. 4804.5, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803
HS code 4804.59 is the 6-digit subheading for kraft paper and paperboard, uncoated, weight 225g/m2 or more, in rolls or sheets, n.e.c. in item no. 4804.5, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803. It is used for heavy-duty kraft paperboard, industrial packaging kraft, corrugated board components (various finishes), protective layering paperboard and heavy-duty wrapping kraft.
What HS 4804.59 covers
This HS code serves as a residual category for heavy-duty, uncoated kraft paper and paperboard, weighing 225 g/m² or more, that doesn't fit the more specific classifications for unbleached (480451) or uniformly bleached (480452) types. This "not elsewhere specified" designation means it covers a diverse range of kraft products used in industrial and general packaging applications where specific bleaching or fibre content isn't the primary defining characteristic. Importers are typically industrial manufacturers, logistics companies, and packaging converters across a wide array of countries, including China, India, and Mexico, seeking robust and versatile materials. Exporters often come from countries with significant pulp and paper production capabilities, such as the USA, Russia, and Brazil. Key considerations in this trade include the demand for strong and durable packaging, the cost-effectiveness of the material, and the global push for recyclable and sustainable packaging solutions. It's a flexible category for various heavy-duty kraft needs.
- Covers
- Heavy-duty kraft paperboard
- Industrial packaging kraft
- Corrugated board components (various finishes)
- Protective layering paperboard
- Heavy-duty wrapping kraft
- Solid fibreboard components
- Core stock
- Examples
- WestRock Kraftliner (various grades)
- Smurfit Kappa Containerboard (various grades)
- Georgia-Pacific Kraft Paper (heavy industrial)
- KapStone Kraft Paper (heavy grades)
- Resolute Forest Products Kraft
Codes often confused with 4804.59
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 480451 if the unbleached characteristic is assumed, or with 480452 if the specific bleaching and fibre content are not precisely met.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 480459, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 480459 in UN Comtrade data was Finland, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 18% 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 Finland $61M 37% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $32M 19% of world exports
- 3 United States $25M 15% of world exports
World total: $164M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $31M 18% of world imports
- 2 India $25M 14% of world imports
- 3 Italy $16M 9.4% of world imports
World total: $172M 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 4804.59 2
Brazil splits HS 4804.59 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 4804.59.10 Semi-bleached kraft from 225 g/m², 100% chem. woodSemibranqueados, com um conteúdo de 100 %, em peso, de fibras de madeira obtidas por processo químico
- 4804.59.90 Other kraft paper/board, 225 g/m² or moreOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 48.04 →
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 4804.59
What is HS code 480459?
HS code 480459 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, weight 225g/m2 or more, in rolls or sheets, n.e.c. in item no. 4804.5, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803. This HS code serves as a residual category for heavy-duty, uncoated kraft paper and paperboard, weighing 225 g/m² or more, that doesn't fit the more specific classifications for unbleached (480451) or uniformly bleached (480452) types. This "not elsewhere specified" designation means it covers a diverse range of kraft products used in industrial and general packaging applications where specific bleaching or fibre content isn't the primary defining characteristic. Importers are typically industrial manufacturers, logistics companies, and packaging converters across a wide array of countries, including China, India, and Mexico, seeking robust and versatile materials. Exporters often come from countries with significant pulp and paper production capabilities, such as the USA, Russia, and Brazil. Key considerations in this trade include the demand for strong and durable packaging, the cost-effectiveness of the material, and the global push for recyclable and sustainable packaging solutions. It's a flexible category for various heavy-duty kraft needs.
What products fall under HS code 480459?
Heavy-duty kraft paperboard, industrial packaging kraft, corrugated board components (various finishes), protective layering paperboard, heavy-duty wrapping kraft, solid fibreboard components, core stock
What are common misclassifications for HS code 480459?
This code is often confused with 480451 if the unbleached characteristic is assumed, or with 480452 if the specific bleaching and fibre content are not precisely met.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 480459?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 480459 in UN Comtrade data were Finland ($61M, 37% of world exports), Sweden ($32M) and the United States ($25M). World exports came to about $164M, 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 480459?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 480459 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($31M, 18% of world imports), India ($25M) and Italy ($16M). World imports came to about $172M, 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 480459 structured?
HS code 480459 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (48) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (59) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 480459?
Brazil splits HS code 480459 into 2 NCM codes: 4804.59.10 (Semi-bleached kraft from 225 g/m², 100% chem. wood), 4804.59.90 (Other kraft paper/board, 225 g/m² or more). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.