HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4811.49 – Paper and paperboard; gummed or adhesive paper and paperboard (excluding self-adhesive), in rolls or sheets, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810
HS code 4811.49 is the 6-digit subheading for paper and paperboard, gummed or adhesive paper and paperboard (excluding self-adhesive), in rolls or sheets, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810. It is used for water-activated tape, gummed label paper, postage stamp paper, envelope flap paper and gummed sealing tape.
What HS 4811.49 covers
This HS code covers gummed or other adhesive paper and paperboard, provided in rolls or sheets, but specifically excludes self-adhesive types. These materials typically feature an adhesive layer that requires moistening (e.g., with water) to activate its tackiness, making them distinct from pressure-sensitive self-adhesive products. Common applications include traditional postage stamps, envelope flaps, water-activated packaging tapes, and certain types of labels where a strong, permanent bond is desired after activation. The trade in these goods is driven by postal services, packaging industries, and specialized printing houses. Major importers often include countries with established postal systems and manufacturing sectors, such as the United States, Germany, and Japan. Exporters are typically nations with strong paper and adhesive manufacturing capabilities, including Germany, China, and the Netherlands. Traders should differentiate between the various types of water-activated adhesives and their specific performance characteristics, such as drying time and bond strength.
- Covers
- Water-activated tape
- Gummed label paper
- Postage stamp paper
- Envelope flap paper
- Gummed sealing tape
- Security tape paper
- Craft gummed paper
- Examples
- Shurtape Water-Activated Tape
- Intertape Polymer Group (IPG) Gummed Tape
- Uline Water-Activated Tape
- Tesa Gummed Paper
- Avery Gummed Labels
Codes often confused with 4811.49
Common mistake. This code is often confused with self-adhesive paper (481141), but 481149 specifically refers to gummed paper that requires moistening for activation, whereas 481141 is pressure-sensitive.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 481149, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 481149 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 18% 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 United States $193M 34% of world exports
- 2 Germany $86M 15% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $34M 6.1% of world exports
World total: $560M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $109M 18% of world imports
- 2 Germany $41M 6.9% of world imports
- 3 United States $37M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $592M 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 4811.49 2
Brazil splits HS 4811.49 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 4811.49.10 Gummed (not self-adhesive) 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
- 4811.49.90 Other gummed or adhesive paper and paperboardOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 48.11 →
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 4811.49
What is HS code 481149?
HS code 481149 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Paper and paperboard; gummed or adhesive paper and paperboard (excluding self-adhesive), in rolls or sheets, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810. This HS code covers gummed or other adhesive paper and paperboard, provided in rolls or sheets, but specifically excludes self-adhesive types. These materials typically feature an adhesive layer that requires moistening (e.g., with water) to activate its tackiness, making them distinct from pressure-sensitive self-adhesive products. Common applications include traditional postage stamps, envelope flaps, water-activated packaging tapes, and certain types of labels where a strong, permanent bond is desired after activation. The trade in these goods is driven by postal services, packaging industries, and specialized printing houses. Major importers often include countries with established postal systems and manufacturing sectors, such as the United States, Germany, and Japan. Exporters are typically nations with strong paper and adhesive manufacturing capabilities, including Germany, China, and the Netherlands. Traders should differentiate between the various types of water-activated adhesives and their specific performance characteristics, such as drying time and bond strength.
What products fall under HS code 481149?
Water-activated tape, Gummed label paper, Postage stamp paper, Envelope flap paper, Gummed sealing tape, Security tape paper, Craft gummed paper
What are common misclassifications for HS code 481149?
This code is often confused with self-adhesive paper (481141), but 481149 specifically refers to gummed paper that requires moistening for activation, whereas 481141 is pressure-sensitive.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 481149?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 481149 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($193M, 34% of world exports), Germany ($86M) and the United Kingdom ($34M). World exports came to about $560M, 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 481149?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 481149 in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($109M, 18% of world imports), Germany ($41M) and the United States ($37M). World imports came to about $592M, 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 481149 structured?
HS code 481149 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (48) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (11) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (49) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 481149?
Brazil splits HS code 481149 into 2 NCM codes: 4811.49.10 (Gummed (not self-adhesive) paper, max 15 cm/360 mm), 4811.49.90 (Other gummed or adhesive paper and paperboard). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.