HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 4805.40 – Paper and paperboard; filter paper and paperboard, uncoated, in rolls or sheets

HS code 4805.40 is the 6-digit subheading for paper and paperboard, filter paper and paperboard, uncoated, in rolls or sheets. It is used for coffee filter paper, laboratory filter paper, industrial air filter media, oil filter paper and tea bag paper.

What HS 4805.40 covers

HS 480540 encompasses uncoated filter paper and paperboard, traded globally in rolls or sheets. This specialized paper is critical for a vast array of filtration processes, from everyday coffee brewing to complex industrial and laboratory applications. Its unique porous structure and controlled permeability are designed to separate solids from liquids or gases. Manufacturers of filtration systems, laboratory suppliers, and food processing companies are key importers and exporters. Countries with advanced manufacturing and research sectors, such as Germany, Japan, and the USA, are significant producers and consumers of these technical papers, driving international trade in this niche but vital commodity.

Covers
  • Coffee filter paper
  • Laboratory filter paper
  • Industrial air filter media
  • Oil filter paper
  • Tea bag paper
  • Automotive filter paper
  • Water filter paper
Examples
  • Whatman Filter Paper
  • Melitta Coffee Filter Rolls
  • Hollingsworth & Vose (H&V) Filter Media

Codes often confused with 4805.40

Common mistake. Often confused with other specialty papers under 480591 if its primary function as a filter is not explicitly stated, or with certain nonwoven filter media in Chapter 56 if made from synthetic fibers.

4805.91Paper and paperboard; uncoated, weight 150g/m2 or less, in rolls or sheets, n.e.c. in heading no.4805

Top exporters and importers of HS code 480540, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 480540 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.2% 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 China $73M
  2. 2 United Kingdom $54M
  3. 3 Germany $42M

World total: $319M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $37M
  2. 2 Germany $35M
  3. 3 Indonesia $33M

World total: $402M 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 4805.40 2

Brazil splits HS 4805.40 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

  1. 4805.40.10 Filter paper 15–25 g/m², 20–30% heat-seal fibresDe peso superior a 15 g/m², mas não superior a 25 g/m², com um conteúdo de fibras sintéticas termossoldáveis igual ou superior a 20 %, mas não superior a 30 %, em peso, do conteúdo total de fibras
  2. 4805.40.90 Other filter paper and paperboardOutros

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 4805.40

What is HS code 480540?

HS code 480540 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Paper and paperboard; filter paper and paperboard, uncoated, in rolls or sheets. HS 480540 encompasses uncoated filter paper and paperboard, traded globally in rolls or sheets. This specialized paper is critical for a vast array of filtration processes, from everyday coffee brewing to complex industrial and laboratory applications. Its unique porous structure and controlled permeability are designed to separate solids from liquids or gases. Manufacturers of filtration systems, laboratory suppliers, and food processing companies are key importers and exporters. Countries with advanced manufacturing and research sectors, such as Germany, Japan, and the USA, are significant producers and consumers of these technical papers, driving international trade in this niche but vital commodity.

What products fall under HS code 480540?

Coffee filter paper, laboratory filter paper, industrial air filter media, oil filter paper, tea bag paper, automotive filter paper, water filter paper

What are common misclassifications for HS code 480540?

Often confused with other specialty papers under 480591 if its primary function as a filter is not explicitly stated, or with certain nonwoven filter media in Chapter 56 if made from synthetic fibers.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 480540?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 480540 in UN Comtrade data were China ($73M, 23% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($54M) and Germany ($42M). World exports came to about $319M, 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 480540?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 480540 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($37M, 9.2% of world imports), Germany ($35M) and Indonesia ($33M). World imports came to about $402M, 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 480540 structured?

HS code 480540 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 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 480540?

Brazil splits HS code 480540 into 2 NCM codes: 4805.40.10 (Filter paper 15–25 g/m², 20–30% heat-seal fibres), 4805.40.90 (Other filter paper and paperboard). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.