HS Code Heading

Wallpaper and similar wall coverings; window transparencies of paper

48.14 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 4814

Heading 4814 covers wallpaper and similar wall coverings, as well as window transparencies made of paper. This classification is dedicated to decorative paper products primarily designed for interior architectural applications. It encompasses a wide variety of wallpapers, which can be printed, embossed, coated (e.g., with vinyl), or backed with other materials like non-woven textiles, provided the paper component remains dominant. Window transparencies, also made of paper, are included for decorative or privacy purposes. The scope is defined by the product's end-use as a decorative surface covering for walls or windows, distinguishing it from general printing papers, packaging materials, or wall coverings where the primary material is plastic or textile. For trade compliance, accurate classification under 4814 is essential for correct duty assessment, particularly in markets with active construction, interior design, and home renovation sectors. This heading represents a finished consumer product within Chapter 48, moving beyond raw paper forms to value-added decorative articles, highlighting the diverse applications of paper-based products in interior aesthetics and design.

Products Under This Code

Printed wallpaper, embossed wallpaper, vinyl-coated wallpaper, non-woven wallpaper (paper-backed), fabric-backed wallpaper (paper component dominant), textured wallpaper, metallic-effect wallpaper, paintable wallpaper, border wallpaper, mural wallpaper, children's wallpaper, self-adhesive wallpaper, peel-and-stick wallpaper, decorative window transparencies, frosted paper window film, stained-glass effect paper window film, privacy paper window screens, digitally printed custom wallpaper, grasscloth wallpaper (paper-backed), woodchip wallpaper, textile-effect paper wall coverings, geometric pattern wallpaper, holographic wallpaper, glitter wallpaper.

Real World Examples

A large home improvement retailer in the USA imports container loads of vinyl-coated wallpaper from China for its nationwide stores, transported by ocean freight across the Pacific. A European interior design firm exports high-end, embossed wallpaper to luxury residential projects in the Middle East, often using air cargo for expedited delivery and specialized handling. A Canadian distributor imports decorative paper window transparencies from Germany for its retail clients, utilizing a combination of ocean and truck freight for efficient distribution across North America.

Common Misclassification

Common misclassifications arise when traders confuse wallpaper under 4814 with other decorative papers (e.g., gift wrap under 4823) or, more significantly, with wall coverings where paper is not the dominant material. For example, if a wall covering is primarily plastic (e.g., thick PVC sheets), it would fall under Chapter 39. If it's predominantly textile (e.g., woven wall hangings), it would likely fall under Chapter 59. The key differentiator for 4814 is that paper must be the *primary material* of the wall or window covering. Overlooking the material composition or the specific end-use for wall/window decoration can lead to incorrect tariff assignments.

Subheadings 2

4814.20 Wallpaper and similar wall coverings; coated or covered on the face side, with a grained, embossed, coloured, design-printed or otherwise decorated layer of plastics 4814.90 Wallpaper and similar wall coverings and window transparencies of paper; n.e.c. in heading 4814

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 48.10 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

Industry

This code belongs to the Paper & Printing industry.

Trade Overview

Major producers and exporters of wallpaper and similar wall coverings include China, Germany, the UK, Belgium, the USA, and Italy, reflecting strong design and manufacturing capabilities. Key importers are countries with active construction, renovation, and interior design markets, such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and various European and Middle Eastern nations. Tariffs for these finished consumer goods can vary, often being higher than for raw paper materials. Design trends, housing market conditions, and regional aesthetic preferences significantly influence trade volumes. Preferential tariffs under Free Trade Agreements can offer a competitive advantage in global markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 4814?

HS code 4814 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Wallpaper and similar wall coverings; window transparencies of paper. Heading 4814 covers wallpaper and similar wall coverings, as well as window transparencies made of paper. This classification is dedicated to decorative paper products primarily designed for interior architectural applications. It encompasses a wide variety of wallpapers, which can be printed, embossed, coated (e.g., with vinyl), or backed with other materials like non-woven textiles, provided the paper component remains dominant. Window transparencies, also made of paper, are included for decorative or privacy purposes. The scope is defined by the product's end-use as a decorative surface covering for walls or windows, distinguishing it from general printing papers, packaging materials, or wall coverings where the primary material is plastic or textile. For trade compliance, accurate classification under 4814 is essential for correct duty assessment, particularly in markets with active construction, interior design, and home renovation sectors. This heading represents a finished consumer product within Chapter 48, moving beyond raw paper forms to value-added decorative articles, highlighting the diverse applications of paper-based products in interior aesthetics and design.

What products fall under HS code 4814?

Printed wallpaper, embossed wallpaper, vinyl-coated wallpaper, non-woven wallpaper (paper-backed), fabric-backed wallpaper (paper component dominant), textured wallpaper, metallic-effect wallpaper, paintable wallpaper, border wallpaper, mural wallpaper, children's wallpaper, self-adhesive wallpaper, peel-and-stick wallpaper, decorative window transparencies, frosted paper window film, stained-glass effect paper window film, privacy paper window screens, digitally printed custom wallpaper, grasscloth wallpaper (paper-backed), woodchip wallpaper, textile-effect paper wall coverings, geometric pattern wallpaper, holographic wallpaper, glitter wallpaper.

What are common misclassifications for HS code 4814?

Common misclassifications arise when traders confuse wallpaper under 4814 with other decorative papers (e.g., gift wrap under 4823) or, more significantly, with wall coverings where paper is not the dominant material. For example, if a wall covering is primarily plastic (e.g., thick PVC sheets), it would fall under Chapter 39. If it's predominantly textile (e.g., woven wall hangings), it would likely fall under Chapter 59. The key differentiator for 4814 is that paper must be the *primary material* of the wall or window covering. Overlooking the material composition or the specific end-use for wall/window decoration can lead to incorrect tariff assignments.

Which countries trade the most under HS code 4814?

Major producers and exporters of wallpaper and similar wall coverings include China, Germany, the UK, Belgium, the USA, and Italy, reflecting strong design and manufacturing capabilities. Key importers are countries with active construction, renovation, and interior design markets, such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and various European and Middle Eastern nations. Tariffs for these finished consumer goods can vary, often being higher than for raw paper materials. Design trends, housing market conditions, and regional aesthetic preferences significantly influence trade volumes. Preferential tariffs under Free Trade Agreements can offer a competitive advantage in global markets.

How is HS code 4814 structured?

HS code 4814 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 48 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (48) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (14) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.