HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 48.10 – Paper and paperboard, coated one or both sides with kaolin (china clay) or inorganic substances, with binder or not, no other coating, surface coloured or not, surface decorated or printed, in rolls or rectangular (including square) sheets, of any size
What HS 48.10 covers
Heading 4810 encompasses a crucial category of paper and paperboard products in international trade: those coated on one or both sides specifically with kaolin (china clay) or other inorganic substances. A key differentiator is the explicit exclusion of other types of coatings, though a binder may be present. These papers can be surface-colored, decorated, or printed, and come in rolls or rectangular sheets of any size. This classification is vital for trade compliance as it defines a specific segment of high-quality printing, publishing, and packaging papers. Products under this heading are valued for their enhanced printability, smoothness, and brightness, making them ideal for magazines, brochures, high-end packaging, and art reproductions. The scope is precise, ensuring that only papers with these specific inorganic coatings are included, differentiating them from papers with organic or multiple coatings (like those in 4811) or uncoated papers (like 4802). Correct classification under 4810 ensures accurate duty assessment, adherence to import/export regulations, and compliance with anti-dumping measures, which can be significant for commodity papers. Historically, the development of coated papers greatly expanded the possibilities for graphic arts and premium packaging, making this a continuously relevant and high-volume trade category within Chapter 48, which broadly covers paper and paperboard.
- Covers
- Coated art paper
- Glossy magazine paper
- Premium brochure paper
- High-end label stock
- Pharmaceutical packaging board
- Luxury cosmetic packaging paperboard
- Photographic base paper
- Release liner base paper
- Calendar stock
- Poster paper
- Business card paper
- Greeting card paper
- High-quality catalog paper
- Direct mail paper
- Coated white top liner
- Coated kraft paperboard
- Fine art printing paper
- Specialized book paper
- Security document paper
- Inkjet photo paper base
- Digital printing paper
- Advertising poster paper
- Food packaging paperboard (inorganic coated)
- Industrial printing paper.
- Examples
A German printing house imports large rolls of high-gloss, kaolin-coated paper from Finland for its weekly magazine production, transported via container ship across the Baltic Sea. A Chinese manufacturer exports precision-cut sheets of inorganic-coated paperboard to the United States for luxury perfume packaging, typically shipped by ocean freight across the Pacific. An Italian art supplies distributor imports specialized fine art paper, coated with inorganic substances, from Japan for professional artists and galleries, often using air freight for expedited delivery and careful handling.
Subheadings under 48.10 10
Codes often confused with 48.10
Common mistake. A common misclassification involves confusing goods under 4810 with those in 4811 or 4802. Heading 4811 covers paper and paperboard with *other* types of coatings, impregnations, or coverings (e.g., plastic, wax, adhesive), not just kaolin or inorganic substances. The key for 4810 is the *specific* inorganic coating and the *absence* of other coatings. Conversely, 4802 covers *uncoated* printing and writing paper. Traders often overlook the precise nature of the coating. If a paper has a plastic coating, even if it also has an inorganic component, it would typically fall under 4811. Incorrectly classifying based on general appearance rather than the specific coating composition is a frequent error.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 4810, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 4810 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 11% 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 China $3.6B 15% of world exports
- 2 Finland $3.5B 14% of world exports
- 3 Sweden $3.2B 13% of world exports
World total: $24.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $2.7B 11% of world imports
- 2 United States $2.3B 9.3% of world imports
- 3 France $1.3B 5.3% of world imports
World total: $25.2B 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.
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 48.10
What is HS code 4810?
HS code 4810 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Paper and paperboard, coated one or both sides with kaolin (china clay) or inorganic substances, with binder or not, no other coating, surface coloured or not, surface decorated or printed, in rolls or rectangular (including square) sheets, of any size. Heading 4810 encompasses a crucial category of paper and paperboard products in international trade: those coated on one or both sides specifically with kaolin (china clay) or other inorganic substances. A key differentiator is the explicit exclusion of other types of coatings, though a binder may be present. These papers can be surface-colored, decorated, or printed, and come in rolls or rectangular sheets of any size. This classification is vital for trade compliance as it defines a specific segment of high-quality printing, publishing, and packaging papers. Products under this heading are valued for their enhanced printability, smoothness, and brightness, making them ideal for magazines, brochures, high-end packaging, and art reproductions. The scope is precise, ensuring that only papers with these specific inorganic coatings are included, differentiating them from papers with organic or multiple coatings (like those in 4811) or uncoated papers (like 4802). Correct classification under 4810 ensures accurate duty assessment, adherence to import/export regulations, and compliance with anti-dumping measures, which can be significant for commodity papers. Historically, the development of coated papers greatly expanded the possibilities for graphic arts and premium packaging, making this a continuously relevant and high-volume trade category within Chapter 48, which broadly covers paper and paperboard.
What products fall under HS code 4810?
Coated art paper, glossy magazine paper, premium brochure paper, high-end label stock, pharmaceutical packaging board, luxury cosmetic packaging paperboard, photographic base paper, release liner base paper, calendar stock, poster paper, business card paper, greeting card paper, high-quality catalog paper, direct mail paper, coated white top liner, coated kraft paperboard, fine art printing paper, specialized book paper, security document paper, inkjet photo paper base, digital printing paper, advertising poster paper, food packaging paperboard (inorganic coated), industrial printing paper.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 4810?
A common misclassification involves confusing goods under 4810 with those in 4811 or 4802. Heading 4811 covers paper and paperboard with *other* types of coatings, impregnations, or coverings (e.g., plastic, wax, adhesive), not just kaolin or inorganic substances. The key for 4810 is the *specific* inorganic coating and the *absence* of other coatings. Conversely, 4802 covers *uncoated* printing and writing paper. Traders often overlook the precise nature of the coating. If a paper has a plastic coating, even if it also has an inorganic component, it would typically fall under 4811. Incorrectly classifying based on general appearance rather than the specific coating composition is a frequent error.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 4810?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 4810 in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.6B, 15% of world exports), Finland ($3.5B) and Sweden ($3.2B). World exports came to about $24.3B, 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 4810?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 4810 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.7B, 11% of world imports), the United States ($2.3B) and France ($1.3B). World imports came to about $25.2B, 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 4810 structured?
HS code 4810 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 48 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (48) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (10) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.