HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4808.90 – Paper and paperboard; other than corrugated (with or without glued flat surface sheets) or kraft paper, creped or crinkled, whether or not embossed or perforated, in rolls or sheets, other than paper of heading 4803
HS code 4808.90 is the 6-digit subheading for paper and paperboard, other than corrugated (with or without glued flat surface sheets) or 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 tissue paper, embossed decorative paper, perforated industrial paper, crinkled specialty paper and absorbent creped paper.
What HS 4808.90 covers
This residual category captures various other types of creped, crinkled, embossed, or perforated paper and paperboard in rolls or sheets, excluding corrugated and creped/crinkled kraft paper. These materials are often specialized, designed for specific industrial, hygienic, or decorative purposes where enhanced texture, absorbency, or flexibility is required. Importers range from manufacturers of hygiene products, specialty packaging, and decorative items to industrial converters seeking unique material properties. Exporters are typically specialized paper mills capable of producing these unique textures and finishes, often leveraging advanced processing technologies. Key trade considerations include the specific properties imparted by the creping, crinkling, embossing, or perforating processes, such as absorbency, stretch, or aesthetic appeal, alongside adherence to environmental sourcing standards like EUDR and EUTR. This category highlights the diverse applications of paper beyond standard printing and packaging, catering to niche market demands.
- Covers
- Creped tissue paper
- Embossed decorative paper
- Perforated industrial paper
- Crinkled specialty paper
- Absorbent creped paper
- Textured paper for crafts
- Non-kraft creped paperboard
- Examples
- SCA (hygiene papers)
- Kimberly-Clark (specialty tissues)
- Ahlstrom-Munksjö (technical papers)
- Georgia-Pacific (various paper products)
Codes often confused with 4808.90
Common mistake. This code is a "basket" category and can be confused with 4803 (toilet or facial tissue stock) if the primary use is hygiene, or with 4805 (other uncoated paper) if the specific processing (creping, embossing) is not recognized.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 480890, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 480890 in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 9.1% 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 Switzerland $113M 27% of world exports
- 2 Italy $54M 13% of world exports
- 3 China $44M 10% of world exports
World total: $419M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $34M 9.1% of world imports
- 2 China $25M 6.6% of world imports
- 3 United States $17M 4.6% of world imports
World total: $372M 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 4808.90
Brazil does not split HS 4808.90: its NCM code is 4808.90.00.
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 4808.90
What is HS code 480890?
HS code 480890 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Paper and paperboard; other than corrugated (with or without glued flat surface sheets) or kraft paper, creped or crinkled, whether or not embossed or perforated, in rolls or sheets, other than paper of heading 4803. This residual category captures various other types of creped, crinkled, embossed, or perforated paper and paperboard in rolls or sheets, excluding corrugated and creped/crinkled kraft paper. These materials are often specialized, designed for specific industrial, hygienic, or decorative purposes where enhanced texture, absorbency, or flexibility is required. Importers range from manufacturers of hygiene products, specialty packaging, and decorative items to industrial converters seeking unique material properties. Exporters are typically specialized paper mills capable of producing these unique textures and finishes, often leveraging advanced processing technologies. Key trade considerations include the specific properties imparted by the creping, crinkling, embossing, or perforating processes, such as absorbency, stretch, or aesthetic appeal, alongside adherence to environmental sourcing standards like EUDR and EUTR. This category highlights the diverse applications of paper beyond standard printing and packaging, catering to niche market demands.
What products fall under HS code 480890?
Creped tissue paper, Embossed decorative paper, Perforated industrial paper, Crinkled specialty paper, Absorbent creped paper, Textured paper for crafts, Non-kraft creped paperboard
What are common misclassifications for HS code 480890?
This code is a "basket" category and can be confused with 4803 (toilet or facial tissue stock) if the primary use is hygiene, or with 4805 (other uncoated paper) if the specific processing (creping, embossing) is not recognized.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 480890?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 480890 in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($113M, 27% of world exports), Italy ($54M) and China ($44M). World exports came to about $419M, 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 480890?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 480890 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($34M, 9.1% of world imports), China ($25M) and the United States ($17M). World imports came to about $372M, 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 480890 structured?
HS code 480890 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 480890?
In Brazil, HS code 480890 is NCM 4808.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.