HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 4816.20 – Paper; self-copy paper (other than those of heading no. 4809), whether or not put up in boxes

HS code 4816.20 is the 6-digit subheading for paper, self-copy paper (other than those of heading no. 4809), whether or not put up in boxes. It is used for NCR paper forms, continuous self-copy paper, multi-part business forms, receipt books and delivery notes.

What HS 4816.20 covers

This HS code specifically covers self-copy paper, commonly known as carbonless copy paper (NCR paper), excluding those of heading 4809 (carbon paper). This innovative paper is crucial in international trade for creating instant duplicates or triplicate copies without the need for carbon sheets, making it indispensable for multi-part business forms. Importers and exporters include specialty paper manufacturers, stationery suppliers, and printing companies that convert the paper into finished forms. The technology relies on micro-encapsulated dyes that react under pressure to create copies. While digital alternatives have reduced its overall use, it maintains a strong niche in applications requiring immediate, physical copies, such as delivery notes, invoices, and receipts, especially in environments where electronic systems are impractical or unavailable. Trade often involves large rolls or pre-cut sheets, sometimes put up in boxes.

Covers
  • NCR paper forms
  • Continuous self-copy paper
  • Multi-part business forms
  • Receipt books
  • Delivery notes
  • Purchase order forms
Examples
  • Appleton Coated NCR Paper
  • Domtar Carbonless Paper
  • various generic business forms
  • Office Depot NCR forms

Codes often confused with 4816.20

Common mistake. Can be confused with 4809 (carbon paper) which uses a different coating mechanism, or 4802 (uncoated printing paper) if its special self-copying property is overlooked.

48.09Carbon 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 sheets48.02Uncoated 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

Top exporters and importers of HS code 481620, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 481620 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 13% 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 Germany $40M
  2. 2 Indonesia $33M
  3. 3 United States $24M

World total: $154M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Canada $18M
  2. 2 United States $16M
  3. 3 Thailand $11M

World total: $146M 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 code for 4816.20

Brazil does not split HS 4816.20: its NCM code is 4816.20.00.

  1. 4816.20.00 Self-copy paper, small formats, boxed or notPapel autocopiativo

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 48.16 →

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 4816.20

What is HS code 481620?

HS code 481620 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Paper; self-copy paper (other than those of heading no. 4809), whether or not put up in boxes. This HS code specifically covers self-copy paper, commonly known as carbonless copy paper (NCR paper), excluding those of heading 4809 (carbon paper). This innovative paper is crucial in international trade for creating instant duplicates or triplicate copies without the need for carbon sheets, making it indispensable for multi-part business forms. Importers and exporters include specialty paper manufacturers, stationery suppliers, and printing companies that convert the paper into finished forms. The technology relies on micro-encapsulated dyes that react under pressure to create copies. While digital alternatives have reduced its overall use, it maintains a strong niche in applications requiring immediate, physical copies, such as delivery notes, invoices, and receipts, especially in environments where electronic systems are impractical or unavailable. Trade often involves large rolls or pre-cut sheets, sometimes put up in boxes.

What products fall under HS code 481620?

NCR paper forms, continuous self-copy paper, multi-part business forms, receipt books, delivery notes, purchase order forms

What are common misclassifications for HS code 481620?

Can be confused with 4809 (carbon paper) which uses a different coating mechanism, or 4802 (uncoated printing paper) if its special self-copying property is overlooked.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 481620?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 481620 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($40M, 26% of world exports), Indonesia ($33M) and the United States ($24M). World exports came to about $154M, 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 481620?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 481620 in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($18M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($16M) and Thailand ($11M). World imports came to about $146M, 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 481620 structured?

HS code 481620 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (48) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (16) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 481620?

In Brazil, HS code 481620 is NCM 4816.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.