HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4820.20 – Paper and paperboard; exercise books
HS code 4820.20 is the 6-digit subheading for paper and paperboard, exercise books. It is used for lined exercise books, squared exercise books, blank drawing books, composition notebooks and spiral-bound school notebooks.
What HS 4820.20 covers
This HS code specifically covers exercise books, which are fundamental stationery items primarily used in educational settings. These are typically simple, mass-produced notebooks designed for students to practice writing, solve problems, and take notes across various subjects. They come in different rulings, such as lined, squared, or blank, and are often characterized by their cost-effectiveness and suitability for bulk purchasing. Importers and exporters include educational institutions, stationery wholesalers, school supply retailers, and government procurement agencies involved in distributing learning materials. Key aspects of trade include paper weight, ruling type, cover durability, and the ability to meet large-scale demand efficiently. The global education sector drives consistent demand for these essential learning tools, making them a significant item in international stationery trade.
- Covers
- Lined exercise books
- Squared exercise books
- Blank drawing books
- Composition notebooks
- Spiral-bound school notebooks
- Primary writing tablets
- Graph paper notebooks
- Examples
- Mead composition notebooks
- Oxford spiral notebooks
- Five Star notebooks
- generic school exercise books
- Hilroy exercise books
Codes often confused with 4820.20
Common mistake. Often confused with 482010 (general notebooks, diaries) if the distinction between a simple exercise book and a more specialized notebook isn't clear, or 482030 if it's a refillable binder.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 482020, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 482020 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 6.8% 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 $175M 29% of world exports
- 2 India $63M 10% of world exports
- 3 France $28M 4.6% of world exports
World total: $606M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $47M 6.8% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $44M 6.4% of world imports
- 3 Spain $32M 4.7% of world imports
World total: $690M 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 4820.20
Brazil does not split HS 4820.20: its NCM code is 4820.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 48.20 →
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 4820.20
What is HS code 482020?
HS code 482020 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Paper and paperboard; exercise books. This HS code specifically covers exercise books, which are fundamental stationery items primarily used in educational settings. These are typically simple, mass-produced notebooks designed for students to practice writing, solve problems, and take notes across various subjects. They come in different rulings, such as lined, squared, or blank, and are often characterized by their cost-effectiveness and suitability for bulk purchasing. Importers and exporters include educational institutions, stationery wholesalers, school supply retailers, and government procurement agencies involved in distributing learning materials. Key aspects of trade include paper weight, ruling type, cover durability, and the ability to meet large-scale demand efficiently. The global education sector drives consistent demand for these essential learning tools, making them a significant item in international stationery trade.
What products fall under HS code 482020?
Lined exercise books, squared exercise books, blank drawing books, composition notebooks, spiral-bound school notebooks, primary writing tablets, graph paper notebooks
What are common misclassifications for HS code 482020?
Often confused with 482010 (general notebooks, diaries) if the distinction between a simple exercise book and a more specialized notebook isn't clear, or 482030 if it's a refillable binder.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 482020?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 482020 in UN Comtrade data were China ($175M, 29% of world exports), India ($63M) and France ($28M). World exports came to about $606M, 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 482020?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 482020 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($47M, 6.8% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($44M) and Spain ($32M). World imports came to about $690M, 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 482020 structured?
HS code 482020 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (48) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (20) 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 482020?
In Brazil, HS code 482020 is NCM 4820.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.