HS Code Heading

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

48.10 Heading
Section X — Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard; paper and paperboard and articles thereof

About HS Code 4810

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.

Products Under This Code

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.

Real World 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.

Common Misclassification

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.

Subheadings 10

4810.13 Paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances, for printing & writing, graphics, containing no, or not more than 10% by weight of total fibres obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process, in rolls 4810.14 Paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances, for printing/writing/graphics, having 10% or less by weight of total fibres got mechanical/chemi-mechanical process, sheets, sides 435mm or less by 297mm or less, unfolded, 4810.19 Paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances, for printing/writing/graphics, having 10% or less by weight of total fibres got by mechanical/chemi-mechanical process, sides exceeding 435mm and 297mm, unfolded, sheets 4810.22 Paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibres, for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, light-weight coated paper, in rolls or sheets 4810.29 Paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanically processed fibres, (excluding light-weight paper), for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, in rolls or sheets 4810.31 Kraft paper and paperboard; uniformly bleached throughout, coated with inorganic substances, more than 95% of chemically processed wood fibres, weight 150g/m2 or less, for non-graphic purposes, in rolls or sheets 4810.32 Kraft paper and paperboard; uniformly bleached throughout, coated with inorganic substances, more than 95% of chemically processed wood fibres, weight more than 150g/m2, for non-graphic purposes, in rolls or sheets 4810.39 Kraft paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, for non-graphic purposes, n.e.c. in item no. 4810.31 and 4810.32, in rolls or sheets 4810.92 Paper and paperboard; multi-ply, coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, for non-graphic purposes, n.e.c. in heading no. 4810, in rolls or sheets 4810.99 Paper and paperboard; coated with inorganic substances only, whether or not surface-coloured, surface-decorated or printed, n.e.c. in heading no. 4810, in rolls or sheets

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.

Related Codes

48.01 Newsprint, in rolls or sheets 48.02 Uncoated paper and paperboard, used for writing, printing or other graphics, non perforated punch-cards and punch tape paper, in rolls or rectangular sheets, of any size, other than paper of heading 4801 or 4803; hand-made paper and paperboard 48.03 Tissue, 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 48.04 Uncoated kraft paper and paperboard, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803 48.05 Uncoated paper and paperboard n.e.c., in rolls or sheets 48.06 Vegetable parchment, greaseproof papers, tracing papers, glassine and other glazed transparent or translucent papers, in rolls or sheets 48.07 Composite paper and paperboard, (made by sticking layers together with an adhesive), not surface-coated or impregnated, whether or not internally reinforced, in rolls or sheets 48.08 Paper and paperboard, corrugated (with or without glued flat surface sheets), creped, crinkled, embossed or perforated, in rolls or sheets other than paper of the kind described in heading 4803 48.09 Carbon paper, self copy paper, and other copying or transfer papers (including coated or impregnated paper for duplicator stencils or offset plates), whether or not printed, in rolls or sheets 48.11 Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibres, coated, impregnated, covered, surface-coloured, decorated or printed, rolls or sheets, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810

Industry

This code belongs to the Paper & Printing industry.

Trade Overview

Major producers and exporters of goods under 4810 include Finland, Sweden, Germany, the USA, China, and Japan, known for their advanced papermaking and coating technologies. Significant importers are global printing hubs and consumer markets such as the USA, Germany, UK, France, and China. Tariffs can vary, often influenced by the level of processing and specific end-use. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) like the USMCA or EU-Japan EPA can offer preferential duty rates, reducing import costs for these essential printing and packaging materials. Anti-dumping duties are sometimes applied to specific paper types from certain countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 trade the most under HS code 4810?

Major producers and exporters of goods under 4810 include Finland, Sweden, Germany, the USA, China, and Japan, known for their advanced papermaking and coating technologies. Significant importers are global printing hubs and consumer markets such as the USA, Germany, UK, France, and China. Tariffs can vary, often influenced by the level of processing and specific end-use. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) like the USMCA or EU-Japan EPA can offer preferential duty rates, reducing import costs for these essential printing and packaging materials. Anti-dumping duties are sometimes applied to specific paper types from certain countries.

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.