HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 4816.90 – Paper; carbon paper and other copying or transfer papers (other than those of heading no. 4809), n.e.c. in item no. 4816.20

HS code 4816.90 is the 6-digit subheading for paper, carbon paper and other copying or transfer papers (other than those of heading no. 4809), n.e.c. in item no. 4816.20. It is used for carbon paper sheets, thermal transfer paper, sublimation transfer paper, tattoo transfer paper and stencil paper.

What HS 4816.90 covers

This HS code encompasses a specialized segment of the paper industry, focusing on carbon paper and various other copying or transfer papers not specifically covered elsewhere. These products are crucial for specific printing, duplicating, and transfer processes, serving both industrial and niche consumer markets. While traditional carbon paper has seen a decline due to digital advancements, other transfer papers, such as those used for sublimation printing, heat transfers, or tattoo stencils, remain vital. International trade involves specialized paper manufacturers and chemical coating companies as exporters, with importers ranging from office supply distributors and printing houses to craft and apparel businesses. Key considerations in this market include the quality of the coating, transfer efficiency, and compatibility with specific printing technologies. The demand is often driven by specialized manufacturing needs and creative industries.

Covers
  • Carbon paper sheets
  • Thermal transfer paper
  • Sublimation transfer paper
  • Tattoo transfer paper
  • Stencil paper
  • Heat transfer vinyl paper
  • Wax transfer paper
Examples
  • Pacon Carbon Paper
  • Siser EasySubli
  • Neenah Jet-Pro SS
  • Spirit Thermal Transfer Paper
  • Cricut Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets

Codes often confused with 4816.90

Common mistake. This code can be confused with 4809.90 (other carbon paper) or 4811.90 (coated paper for graphic purposes), as the distinction lies in the specific 'copying or transfer' function rather than just general coating or carbonization.

4809.90Paper; carbon 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 sheets4811.90Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of soft cellulose fibres; coated, impregnated, covered, surface-decorated or surface-coloured, n.e.c. in heading no. 4811, in rolls or sheets

Top exporters and importers of HS code 481690, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 481690 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 39% 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 China $82M
  2. 2 Japan $13M
  3. 3 United States $9.5M

World total: $153M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 South Korea $80M
  2. 2 Poland $11M
  3. 3 Indonesia $9.6M

World total: $203M 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 4816.90 2

Brazil splits HS 4816.90 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

  1. 4816.90.10 Carbon paper and similar, small formatsPapel-carbono e semelhantes
  2. 4816.90.90 Stencils, offset plates and other copy paperOutros

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 4816.90

What is HS code 481690?

HS code 481690 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Paper; carbon paper and other copying or transfer papers (other than those of heading no. 4809), n.e.c. in item no. 4816.20. This HS code encompasses a specialized segment of the paper industry, focusing on carbon paper and various other copying or transfer papers not specifically covered elsewhere. These products are crucial for specific printing, duplicating, and transfer processes, serving both industrial and niche consumer markets. While traditional carbon paper has seen a decline due to digital advancements, other transfer papers, such as those used for sublimation printing, heat transfers, or tattoo stencils, remain vital. International trade involves specialized paper manufacturers and chemical coating companies as exporters, with importers ranging from office supply distributors and printing houses to craft and apparel businesses. Key considerations in this market include the quality of the coating, transfer efficiency, and compatibility with specific printing technologies. The demand is often driven by specialized manufacturing needs and creative industries.

What products fall under HS code 481690?

Carbon paper sheets, thermal transfer paper, sublimation transfer paper, tattoo transfer paper, stencil paper, heat transfer vinyl paper, wax transfer paper

What are common misclassifications for HS code 481690?

This code can be confused with 4809.90 (other carbon paper) or 4811.90 (coated paper for graphic purposes), as the distinction lies in the specific 'copying or transfer' function rather than just general coating or carbonization.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 481690?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 481690 in UN Comtrade data were China ($82M, 54% of world exports), Japan ($13M) and the United States ($9.5M). World exports came to about $153M, 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 481690?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 481690 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($80M, 39% of world imports), Poland ($11M) and Indonesia ($9.6M). World imports came to about $203M, 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 481690 structured?

HS code 481690 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 481690?

Brazil splits HS code 481690 into 2 NCM codes: 4816.90.10 (Carbon paper and similar, small formats), 4816.90.90 (Stencils, offset plates and other copy paper). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.