HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4806.40 – Paper; glassine and other glazed transparent or translucent papers, in rolls or sheets
HS code 4806.40 is the 6-digit subheading for paper, glassine and other glazed transparent or translucent papers, in rolls or sheets. It is used for glassine bags, release liner base paper, interleaving paper for photographs, window envelopes and candy twist wraps.
What HS 4806.40 covers
HS 480640 encompasses glassine and other glazed transparent or translucent papers, traded in rolls or sheets. Glassine is a highly dense, smooth, and transparent paper produced through extensive supercalendering, giving it excellent barrier properties against air, grease, and moisture. It is widely used in protective packaging, interleaving, and as a base for release liners. Importers and exporters include packaging companies, pharmaceutical firms, food manufacturers, and industrial suppliers. Germany, the USA, and China are significant players in the production and trade of glassine and similar transparent papers, driven by demand for high-performance, aesthetically pleasing, and protective packaging solutions across various industries.
- Covers
- Glassine bags
- Release liner base paper
- Interleaving paper for photographs
- Window envelopes
- Candy twist wraps
- Pharmaceutical packaging inserts
- Archival sleeves
- Examples
- Ahlstrom-Munksjö Glassine
- Sappi Translucent Paper
- Nordic Paper Glassine
Codes often confused with 4806.40
Common mistake. Often confused with tracing paper (480630) or even certain plastic films (Chapter 39) due to its transparency, but glassine is distinct due to its paper base and specific manufacturing process.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 480640, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 480640 in UN Comtrade data was Finland, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 13% 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 $251M 19% of world exports
- 2 France $228M 17% of world exports
- 3 Italy $205M 16% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $182M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $173M 12% of world imports
- 3 Poland $129M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 code for 4806.40
Brazil does not split HS 4806.40: its NCM code is 4806.40.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 48.06 →
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 4806.40
What is HS code 480640?
HS code 480640 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Paper; glassine and other glazed transparent or translucent papers, in rolls or sheets. HS 480640 encompasses glassine and other glazed transparent or translucent papers, traded in rolls or sheets. Glassine is a highly dense, smooth, and transparent paper produced through extensive supercalendering, giving it excellent barrier properties against air, grease, and moisture. It is widely used in protective packaging, interleaving, and as a base for release liners. Importers and exporters include packaging companies, pharmaceutical firms, food manufacturers, and industrial suppliers. Germany, the USA, and China are significant players in the production and trade of glassine and similar transparent papers, driven by demand for high-performance, aesthetically pleasing, and protective packaging solutions across various industries.
What products fall under HS code 480640?
Glassine bags, release liner base paper, interleaving paper for photographs, window envelopes, candy twist wraps, pharmaceutical packaging inserts, archival sleeves
What are common misclassifications for HS code 480640?
Often confused with tracing paper (480630) or even certain plastic films (Chapter 39) due to its transparency, but glassine is distinct due to its paper base and specific manufacturing process.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 480640?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 480640 in UN Comtrade data were Finland ($251M, 19% of world exports), France ($228M) and Italy ($205M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 480640?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 480640 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($182M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($173M) and Poland ($129M). World imports 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.
How is HS code 480640 structured?
HS code 480640 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (48) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (06) 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 480640?
In Brazil, HS code 480640 is NCM 4806.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.