HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 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

HS code 4810.22 is the 6-digit subheading for 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. It is used for LWC magazine paper, coated catalog paper, advertising flyer paper, retail insert paper and direct mail paper.

What HS 4810.22 covers

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.

Covers
  • LWC magazine paper
  • Coated catalog paper
  • Advertising flyer paper
  • Retail insert paper
  • Direct mail paper
  • Coated newsprint
  • Promotional brochure paper
Examples
  • UPM Ultra
  • Stora Enso NovaPress
  • Sappi Galerie Lite
  • Metsä Board Classic FBB
  • Resolute Forest Products LWC

Codes often confused with 4810.22

Common mistake. 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.

48.10Paper 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 size4810.14Paper 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,4810.19Paper 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

Top exporters and importers of HS code 481022, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 481022 in UN Comtrade data was Finland, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 Finland $640M
  2. 2 Germany $357M
  3. 3 Canada $158M

World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $316M
  2. 2 Germany $302M
  3. 3 France $175M

World total: $1.7B 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 codes for 4810.22 2

Brazil splits HS 4810.22 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

  1. 4810.22.10 Light-weight coated paper, max 15 cm/360 mmEm tiras ou rolos de largura não superior a 15 cm ou em folhas em que nenhum lado exceda 360 mm, quando não dobradas
  2. 4810.22.90 Other light-weight coated paperOutros

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 48.10 →

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 4810.22

What is HS code 481022?

HS code 481022 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that 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.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 481022?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 481022 in UN Comtrade data were Finland ($640M, 40% of world exports), Germany ($357M) and Canada ($158M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 481022?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 481022 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($316M, 19% of world imports), Germany ($302M) and France ($175M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 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.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 481022?

Brazil splits HS code 481022 into 2 NCM codes: 4810.22.10 (Light-weight coated paper, max 15 cm/360 mm), 4810.22.90 (Other light-weight coated paper). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.