HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4805.11 – Paper and paperboard; uncoated, semi-chemical fluting paper, rolls or sheets
HS code 4805.11 is the 6-digit subheading for paper and paperboard, uncoated, semi-chemical fluting paper, rolls or sheets. It is used for semi-chemical fluting, corrugating medium, NSSC fluting, high-performance fluting and virgin fibre fluting.
What HS 4805.11 covers
This HS code specifically covers semi-chemical fluting paper, an uncoated paperboard traded in rolls or sheets, which is a critical component in the production of corrugated cardboard. Fluting paper forms the wavy, or "fluted," layer between two linerboards, providing structural rigidity and cushioning properties to corrugated boxes. The semi-chemical pulping process used for this paper retains more of the wood's natural lignin, contributing to its stiffness and crush resistance. Major importers are typically countries with large manufacturing and export industries that rely heavily on corrugated packaging, such as China, the USA, and Germany. Exporters are often nations with significant forest resources and advanced paper mills, including the USA, Sweden, and Finland. Key aspects of this trade include the global demand for packaging materials driven by e-commerce, the importance of consistent quality for high-speed corrugating machines, and the increasing focus on recycled content and sustainability in packaging.
- Covers
- Semi-chemical fluting
- Corrugating medium
- NSSC fluting
- High-performance fluting
- Virgin fibre fluting
- Containerboard fluting
- Industrial packaging fluting
- Examples
- Smurfit Kappa Semi-Chemical Fluting
- WestRock Semi-Chemical Corrugating Medium
- Mondi ProVantage Flute
- International Paper Semi-Chemical Fluting
- DS Smith Fluting
Codes often confused with 4805.11
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 480519 (other fluting paper) if the semi-chemical pulping process is not explicitly confirmed, or with 480524/480525 (testliner) which is made from recycled fibers.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 480511, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 480511 in UN Comtrade data was Finland, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 14% 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 $313M 21% of world exports
- 2 United States $288M 19% of world exports
- 3 Sweden $255M 17% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $201M 14% of world imports
- 2 Italy $125M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 Spain $109M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 code for 4805.11
Brazil does not split HS 4805.11: its NCM code is 4805.11.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 48.05 →
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 4805.11
What is HS code 480511?
HS code 480511 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Paper and paperboard; uncoated, semi-chemical fluting paper, rolls or sheets. This HS code specifically covers semi-chemical fluting paper, an uncoated paperboard traded in rolls or sheets, which is a critical component in the production of corrugated cardboard. Fluting paper forms the wavy, or "fluted," layer between two linerboards, providing structural rigidity and cushioning properties to corrugated boxes. The semi-chemical pulping process used for this paper retains more of the wood's natural lignin, contributing to its stiffness and crush resistance. Major importers are typically countries with large manufacturing and export industries that rely heavily on corrugated packaging, such as China, the USA, and Germany. Exporters are often nations with significant forest resources and advanced paper mills, including the USA, Sweden, and Finland. Key aspects of this trade include the global demand for packaging materials driven by e-commerce, the importance of consistent quality for high-speed corrugating machines, and the increasing focus on recycled content and sustainability in packaging.
What products fall under HS code 480511?
Semi-chemical fluting, corrugating medium, NSSC fluting, high-performance fluting, virgin fibre fluting, containerboard fluting, industrial packaging fluting
What are common misclassifications for HS code 480511?
This code can be confused with 480519 (other fluting paper) if the semi-chemical pulping process is not explicitly confirmed, or with 480524/480525 (testliner) which is made from recycled fibers.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 480511?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 480511 in UN Comtrade data were Finland ($313M, 21% of world exports), the United States ($288M) and Sweden ($255M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 480511?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 480511 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($201M, 14% of world imports), Italy ($125M) and Spain ($109M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 480511 structured?
HS code 480511 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (48) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 480511?
In Brazil, HS code 480511 is NCM 4805.11.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.