HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 4819.20 – Paper and paperboard; folding cartons, boxes and cases, of non-corrugated paper or paperboard

HS code 4819.20 is the 6-digit subheading for paper and paperboard, folding cartons, boxes and cases, of non-corrugated paper or paperboard. It is used for cereal boxes, shoe boxes, medicine cartons, cosmetic packaging and gift boxes.

What HS 4819.20 covers

This HS code encompasses a vast array of non-corrugated paper and paperboard folding cartons, boxes, and cases, which are fundamental to global consumer goods packaging. These items are crucial for protecting, transporting, and marketing products across various industries, from food and pharmaceuticals to cosmetics and electronics. Major importers and exporters include large-scale packaging manufacturers, consumer brand companies, and retail chains seeking cost-effective and customizable packaging solutions. Key considerations in this trade involve material sustainability (e.g., recycled content, biodegradability), print quality for branding, and structural integrity to ensure product safety. The market is driven by consumer demand for convenience and brand differentiation, alongside increasing regulatory pressure for eco-friendly packaging alternatives. Innovations in design and printing technology continually shape this dynamic sector of international trade.

Covers
  • Cereal boxes
  • Shoe boxes
  • Medicine cartons
  • Cosmetic packaging
  • Gift boxes
  • Frozen food cartons
  • Confectionery boxes
  • Light bulb cartons
Examples
  • Kellogg's cereal boxes
  • Nike shoe boxes
  • Tylenol cartons
  • Apple iPhone boxes
  • Godiva chocolate boxes

Codes often confused with 4819.20

Common mistake. This code is often confused with 481910 (corrugated paper/paperboard boxes) due to similar function but different material structure, or 481950 (other packing containers) if the item is not clearly a folding carton.

4819.10Paper and paperboard; cartons, boxes and cases, of corrugated paper or paperboard4819.50Paper and paperboard; packing containers, including record sleeves, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 4819

Top exporters and importers of HS code 481920, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 481920 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 $2.0B
  2. 2 Germany $1.2B
  3. 3 Poland $745M

World total: $10.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $1.1B
  2. 2 France $907M
  3. 3 Germany $667M

World total: $9.9B 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 4819.20

Brazil does not split HS 4819.20: its NCM code is 4819.20.00.

  1. 4819.20.00 Folding cartons of non-corrugated paperCaixas e cartonagens, dobráveis, de papel ou cartão, não ondulados (canelados*)

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 48.19 →

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 4819.20

What is HS code 481920?

HS code 481920 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Paper and paperboard; folding cartons, boxes and cases, of non-corrugated paper or paperboard. This HS code encompasses a vast array of non-corrugated paper and paperboard folding cartons, boxes, and cases, which are fundamental to global consumer goods packaging. These items are crucial for protecting, transporting, and marketing products across various industries, from food and pharmaceuticals to cosmetics and electronics. Major importers and exporters include large-scale packaging manufacturers, consumer brand companies, and retail chains seeking cost-effective and customizable packaging solutions. Key considerations in this trade involve material sustainability (e.g., recycled content, biodegradability), print quality for branding, and structural integrity to ensure product safety. The market is driven by consumer demand for convenience and brand differentiation, alongside increasing regulatory pressure for eco-friendly packaging alternatives. Innovations in design and printing technology continually shape this dynamic sector of international trade.

What products fall under HS code 481920?

Cereal boxes, shoe boxes, medicine cartons, cosmetic packaging, gift boxes, frozen food cartons, confectionery boxes, light bulb cartons

What are common misclassifications for HS code 481920?

This code is often confused with 481910 (corrugated paper/paperboard boxes) due to similar function but different material structure, or 481950 (other packing containers) if the item is not clearly a folding carton.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 481920?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 481920 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0B, 19% of world exports), Germany ($1.2B) and Poland ($745M). World exports came to about $10.3B, 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 481920?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 481920 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.1B, 11% of world imports), France ($907M) and Germany ($667M). World imports came to about $9.9B, 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 481920 structured?

HS code 481920 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (48) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (19) 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 481920?

In Brazil, HS code 481920 is NCM 4819.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.