HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 4808.40 – Paper and paperboard; kraft paper, creped or crinkled, whether or not embossed or perforated, in rolls or sheets, other than paper of heading 4803

HS code 4808.40 is the 6-digit subheading for paper and paperboard, kraft paper, creped or crinkled, whether or not embossed or perforated, in rolls or sheets, other than paper of heading 4803. It is used for creped kraft paper for bags, crinkled kraft paper for wrapping, embossed creped kraft, perforated creped kraft and high-stretch kraft paper.

What HS 4808.40 covers

This category covers creped or crinkled kraft paper and paperboard, traded in rolls or sheets. Kraft paper is renowned for its high tensile strength and tear resistance, making it ideal for demanding applications. The creping or crinkling process further enhances its elasticity, stretchability, and shock absorption properties, which are critical for protective packaging, industrial wrapping, and specialized converting applications. Importers include manufacturers of multi-wall bags, protective packaging, and automotive components, as well as companies requiring strong, flexible wrapping materials. Exporters are typically integrated pulp and paper mills in countries with extensive forest resources. Trade considerations include basis weight, stretch percentage, and compliance with environmental sourcing regulations such as EUDR and EUTR, which are increasingly important for global supply chains, ensuring responsible forestry practices and product traceability.

Covers
  • Creped kraft paper for bags
  • Crinkled kraft paper for wrapping
  • Embossed creped kraft
  • Perforated creped kraft
  • High-stretch kraft paper
  • Industrial creped kraft
  • Kraft paper for automotive masking
Examples
  • BillerudKorsnäs (kraft paper solutions)
  • Mondi Group (specialty kraft paper)
  • International Paper (packaging kraft)
  • Smurfit Kappa (industrial papers)

Codes often confused with 4808.40

Common mistake. This code can be confused with plain kraft paper under 4804 if the creping/crinkling feature is overlooked, or with other creped papers under 4803 if not specifically kraft.

48.04Uncoated kraft paper and paperboard, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 480348.03Tissue, towel, napkin stock or similar; for household or sanitary uses, cellulose wadding, webs of cellulose fibres, in rolls over 36cm in width or rectangular sheets with one side exceeding 36cm when unfolded

Top exporters and importers of HS code 480840, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 480840 in UN Comtrade data was France, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 15% 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 France $50M
  2. 2 United States $40M
  3. 3 Sweden $23M

World total: $187M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Italy $33M
  2. 2 Germany $23M
  3. 3 China $23M

World total: $227M 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 4808.40

Brazil does not split HS 4808.40: its NCM code is 4808.40.00.

  1. 4808.40.00 Creped or crinkled kraft paperPapel Kraft, encrespado ou plissado, mesmo gofrado, estampado ou perfurado

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 48.08 →

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 4808.40

What is HS code 480840?

HS code 480840 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Paper and paperboard; kraft paper, creped or crinkled, whether or not embossed or perforated, in rolls or sheets, other than paper of heading 4803. This category covers creped or crinkled kraft paper and paperboard, traded in rolls or sheets. Kraft paper is renowned for its high tensile strength and tear resistance, making it ideal for demanding applications. The creping or crinkling process further enhances its elasticity, stretchability, and shock absorption properties, which are critical for protective packaging, industrial wrapping, and specialized converting applications. Importers include manufacturers of multi-wall bags, protective packaging, and automotive components, as well as companies requiring strong, flexible wrapping materials. Exporters are typically integrated pulp and paper mills in countries with extensive forest resources. Trade considerations include basis weight, stretch percentage, and compliance with environmental sourcing regulations such as EUDR and EUTR, which are increasingly important for global supply chains, ensuring responsible forestry practices and product traceability.

What products fall under HS code 480840?

Creped kraft paper for bags, Crinkled kraft paper for wrapping, Embossed creped kraft, Perforated creped kraft, High-stretch kraft paper, Industrial creped kraft, Kraft paper for automotive masking

What are common misclassifications for HS code 480840?

This code can be confused with plain kraft paper under 4804 if the creping/crinkling feature is overlooked, or with other creped papers under 4803 if not specifically kraft.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 480840?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 480840 in UN Comtrade data were France ($50M, 27% of world exports), the United States ($40M) and Sweden ($23M). World exports came to about $187M, 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 480840?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 480840 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($33M, 15% of world imports), Germany ($23M) and China ($23M). World imports came to about $227M, 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 480840 structured?

HS code 480840 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (48) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) 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 480840?

In Brazil, HS code 480840 is NCM 4808.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.