HS Code Subheading

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

4810.22 Subheading
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 481022

This HS code identifies light-weight coated (LWC) paper and paperboard, primarily used for high-volume printing applications like magazines, catalogs, and advertising inserts. Unlike the premium papers in 481014/481019, this category contains a higher percentage (more than 10%) of mechanical or chemi-mechanical fibers, which contributes to its lighter weight and cost-effectiveness while still offering a good printing surface due to the inorganic coating. It's traded extensively in both rolls and sheets. Major importers are countries with large publishing and retail sectors, such as the United States, Germany, and the UK, where mass-produced printed materials are common. Exporters are typically large-scale paper producers like Canada, Sweden, and Finland. Key considerations for traders include grammage, brightness, and runnability on high-speed presses. The market is sensitive to pulp prices and digital media trends, which can impact demand for traditional print.

Products Under This Code

LWC magazine paper, Coated catalog paper, Advertising flyer paper, Retail insert paper, Direct mail paper, Coated newsprint, Promotional brochure paper

Real World Examples

UPM Ultra, Stora Enso NovaPress, Sappi Galerie Lite, Metsä Board Classic FBB, Resolute Forest Products LWC

Common Misclassification

This code can be confused with other coated papers in 4810, particularly those with lower mechanical pulp content (481014, 481019), but 481022 is distinguished by its higher mechanical fiber percentage and often lighter weight. It might also be mistaken for uncoated papers if the coating isn't prominent.

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.

Products Classified Under 4810.22

Lightweight coated paperLWC paper

Related Codes

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 4810.29 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

Industry

This code belongs to the Paper & Printing industry.

Trade Overview

Top importers include the USA, Germany, and the UK, while major exporters are Canada, Sweden, and Finland.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 481022?

HS code 481022 covers: 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. This HS code identifies light-weight coated (LWC) paper and paperboard, primarily used for high-volume printing applications like magazines, catalogs, and advertising inserts. Unlike the premium papers in 481014/481019, this category contains a higher percentage (more than 10%) of mechanical or chemi-mechanical fibers, which contributes to its lighter weight and cost-effectiveness while still offering a good printing surface due to the inorganic coating. It's traded extensively in both rolls and sheets. Major importers are countries with large publishing and retail sectors, such as the United States, Germany, and the UK, where mass-produced printed materials are common. Exporters are typically large-scale paper producers like Canada, Sweden, and Finland. Key considerations for traders include grammage, brightness, and runnability on high-speed presses. The market is sensitive to pulp prices and digital media trends, which can impact demand for traditional print.

What products fall under HS code 481022?

LWC magazine paper, Coated catalog paper, Advertising flyer paper, Retail insert paper, Direct mail paper, Coated newsprint, Promotional brochure paper

What are common misclassifications for HS code 481022?

This code can be confused with other coated papers in 4810, particularly those with lower mechanical pulp content (481014, 481019), but 481022 is distinguished by its higher mechanical fiber percentage and often lighter weight. It might also be mistaken for uncoated papers if the coating isn't prominent.

How is HS code 481022 structured?

HS code 481022 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (48) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (10) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (22) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.