HS Code Subheading

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

4810.31 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 481031

This category covers a specialized type of kraft paper and paperboard, distinguished by its uniform bleaching, inorganic coating, and high chemical pulp content (over 95%). Crucially, it's designed for non-graphic purposes and has a basis weight of 150 g/m² or less, making it suitable for lightweight packaging and industrial applications where strength, brightness, and a smooth surface are required. The bleaching ensures a clean, white appearance, while the coating enhances printability and barrier properties, even for non-graphic uses like food packaging liners or labels. Major importers are often countries with large consumer goods manufacturing sectors, such as the United States, Germany, and Japan, which require high-quality packaging materials. Exporters typically include Nordic countries, North America, and increasingly, Asian nations with advanced pulp and paper industries. Trade considerations include food contact safety regulations, sustainability certifications, and the ongoing shift towards paper-based packaging alternatives. Compliance with EUDR and EUTR is essential due to the significant wood fiber content.

Products Under This Code

Coated bleached kraft liner, Food packaging paper (coated), Release liner base paper, Coated label stock, Flexible packaging paper, Coated bag paper, Pharmaceutical packaging paper

Real World Examples

BillerudKorsnäs White Top Kraftliner, Mondi Advantage Coated White, Stora Enso CKB, International Paper Coated Bleached Board, Smurfit Kappa CKB

Common Misclassification

This code can be confused with 481032 due to similar composition, but 481031 is specifically for lighter weights (150g/m² or less). It's also distinct from uncoated kraft papers (e.g., 4804) which lack the inorganic coating.

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 4810.31

Coated bleached kraft paperPackaging kraft 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 4810.22 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 4810.32 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

Key importers are the USA, Germany, and Japan, with major exporters being Sweden, Finland, and Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 481031?

HS code 481031 covers: 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. This category covers a specialized type of kraft paper and paperboard, distinguished by its uniform bleaching, inorganic coating, and high chemical pulp content (over 95%). Crucially, it's designed for non-graphic purposes and has a basis weight of 150 g/m² or less, making it suitable for lightweight packaging and industrial applications where strength, brightness, and a smooth surface are required. The bleaching ensures a clean, white appearance, while the coating enhances printability and barrier properties, even for non-graphic uses like food packaging liners or labels. Major importers are often countries with large consumer goods manufacturing sectors, such as the United States, Germany, and Japan, which require high-quality packaging materials. Exporters typically include Nordic countries, North America, and increasingly, Asian nations with advanced pulp and paper industries. Trade considerations include food contact safety regulations, sustainability certifications, and the ongoing shift towards paper-based packaging alternatives. Compliance with EUDR and EUTR is essential due to the significant wood fiber content.

What products fall under HS code 481031?

Coated bleached kraft liner, Food packaging paper (coated), Release liner base paper, Coated label stock, Flexible packaging paper, Coated bag paper, Pharmaceutical packaging paper

What are common misclassifications for HS code 481031?

This code can be confused with 481032 due to similar composition, but 481031 is specifically for lighter weights (150g/m² or less). It's also distinct from uncoated kraft papers (e.g., 4804) which lack the inorganic coating.

How is HS code 481031 structured?

HS code 481031 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 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.