HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4818.90 – Paper articles; articles of paper, cellulose wadding or fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 4818
HS code 4818.90 is the 6-digit subheading for paper articles, articles of paper, cellulose wadding or fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 4818. It is used for disposable bed sheets (paper), paper bibs, paper face masks (non-medical), disposable wipes (non-tissue) and paper examination rolls.
What HS 4818.90 covers
This 'not elsewhere specified' (NES) code serves as a residual category for various other articles made from paper, cellulose wadding, or cellulose fibers that do not fit into the more specific subheadings of 4818 (e.g., toilet paper, tissues, apparel). It covers a diverse array of disposable or single-use items, often for hygiene, cleaning, or specialized applications across different sectors. International trade in these products involves a wide range of industries, from healthcare to industrial cleaning and consumer goods. Importers and exporters vary greatly depending on the specific product, but generally include distributors of specialized paper products and manufacturers with versatile production lines. The broad nature of this category means it captures many innovative or niche paper-based solutions.
- Covers
- Disposable bed sheets (paper)
- Paper bibs
- Paper face masks (non-medical)
- Disposable wipes (non-tissue)
- Paper examination rolls
- Disposable headrest covers
- Paper sterilisation wraps
- Examples
- Tork Industrial Wipes
- Kimberly-Clark WypAll Wipes
- Dynarex Disposable Pillowcases
- Medline Disposable Bed Sheets
- Georgia-Pacific Paper Towel Rolls (non-kitchen)
Codes often confused with 4818.90
Common mistake. This is a residual code, so it's often confused with other specific paper article codes (e.g., 4823.90 for other paper articles) if the item has a more defined function, or with other 4818 subheadings if the primary use is similar but doesn't exactly match.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 481890, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 481890 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% 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 $586M 32% of world exports
- 2 Germany $159M 8.7% of world exports
- 3 Italy $102M 5.5% of world exports
World total: $1.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $696M 29% of world imports
- 2 Germany $166M 6.9% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $118M 4.9% of world imports
World total: $2.4B 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 4818.90 2
Brazil splits HS 4818.90 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 4818.90.10 Absorbent pads for food packagingAlmofadas absorventes do tipo utilizado em embalagens de produtos alimentícios
- 4818.90.90 Other household or hospital paper articlesOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 48.18 →
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 4818.90
What is HS code 481890?
HS code 481890 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Paper articles; articles of paper, cellulose wadding or fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 4818. This 'not elsewhere specified' (NES) code serves as a residual category for various other articles made from paper, cellulose wadding, or cellulose fibers that do not fit into the more specific subheadings of 4818 (e.g., toilet paper, tissues, apparel). It covers a diverse array of disposable or single-use items, often for hygiene, cleaning, or specialized applications across different sectors. International trade in these products involves a wide range of industries, from healthcare to industrial cleaning and consumer goods. Importers and exporters vary greatly depending on the specific product, but generally include distributors of specialized paper products and manufacturers with versatile production lines. The broad nature of this category means it captures many innovative or niche paper-based solutions.
What products fall under HS code 481890?
Disposable bed sheets (paper), paper bibs, paper face masks (non-medical), disposable wipes (non-tissue), paper examination rolls, disposable headrest covers, paper sterilisation wraps
What are common misclassifications for HS code 481890?
This is a residual code, so it's often confused with other specific paper article codes (e.g., 4823.90 for other paper articles) if the item has a more defined function, or with other 4818 subheadings if the primary use is similar but doesn't exactly match.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 481890?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 481890 in UN Comtrade data were China ($586M, 32% of world exports), Germany ($159M) and Italy ($102M). World exports came to about $1.8B, 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 481890?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 481890 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($696M, 29% of world imports), Germany ($166M) and the Netherlands ($118M). World imports came to about $2.4B, 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 481890 structured?
HS code 481890 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (48) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (18) 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 481890?
Brazil splits HS code 481890 into 2 NCM codes: 4818.90.10 (Absorbent pads for food packaging), 4818.90.90 (Other household or hospital paper articles). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.