HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4817.20 – Paper and paperboard; letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards
HS code 4817.20 is the 6-digit subheading for paper and paperboard, letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards. It is used for plain postcards, letter cards, correspondence cards, blank thank you cards and blank RSVP cards.
What HS 4817.20 covers
This HS code pertains to plain paper and paperboard items designed for written correspondence, specifically letter cards, plain postcards, and correspondence cards. These products are distinct from general stationery or pre-printed cards, serving as blank canvases for personal messages, invitations, or simple promotional uses. International trade in these items is driven by stationery suppliers, postal services, and businesses catering to tourism or personal communication. The market sees demand for both traditional, high-quality paper stock and more eco-friendly options, reflecting a blend of enduring personal communication habits and niche marketing needs. Exporters often focus on paper quality and finish, while importers cater to consumer preferences for aesthetics and functionality.
- Covers
- Plain postcards
- Letter cards
- Correspondence cards
- Blank thank you cards
- Blank RSVP cards
- Plain note cards
- Announcement cards (blank)
- Examples
Crane & Co. Correspondence Cards, Moo Luxe Postcards (blank), Paper Source Note Cards, G. Lalo Verge de France Letter Cards, Strathmore Blank Cards
Codes often confused with 4817.20
Common mistake. Can be confused with 4909.00 (printed postcards or greeting cards) if they feature images or specific messages, whereas 4817.20 is for *plain* items without pre-printed content.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 481720, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 481720 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 China $8.4M 18% of world exports
- 2 United States $5.6M 12% of world exports
- 3 Italy $4.5M 10.0% of world exports
World total: $45M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $8.8M 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $4.8M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 Canada $3.3M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $53M 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 4817.20
Brazil does not split HS 4817.20: its NCM code is 4817.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 48.17 →
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 4817.20
What is HS code 481720?
HS code 481720 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Paper and paperboard; letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards. This HS code pertains to plain paper and paperboard items designed for written correspondence, specifically letter cards, plain postcards, and correspondence cards. These products are distinct from general stationery or pre-printed cards, serving as blank canvases for personal messages, invitations, or simple promotional uses. International trade in these items is driven by stationery suppliers, postal services, and businesses catering to tourism or personal communication. The market sees demand for both traditional, high-quality paper stock and more eco-friendly options, reflecting a blend of enduring personal communication habits and niche marketing needs. Exporters often focus on paper quality and finish, while importers cater to consumer preferences for aesthetics and functionality.
What products fall under HS code 481720?
Plain postcards, letter cards, correspondence cards, blank thank you cards, blank RSVP cards, plain note cards, announcement cards (blank)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 481720?
Can be confused with 4909.00 (printed postcards or greeting cards) if they feature images or specific messages, whereas 4817.20 is for *plain* items without pre-printed content.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 481720?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 481720 in UN Comtrade data were China ($8.4M, 18% of world exports), the United States ($5.6M) and Italy ($4.5M). World exports came to about $45M, 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 481720?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 481720 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($8.8M, 17% of world imports), Germany ($4.8M) and Canada ($3.3M). World imports came to about $53M, 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 481720 structured?
HS code 481720 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (48) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (17) 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 481720?
In Brazil, HS code 481720 is NCM 4817.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.