HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4821.10 – Paper and paperboard; labels or all kinds, printed
HS code 4821.10 is the 6-digit subheading for paper and paperboard, labels or all kinds, printed. It is used for product labels, shipping labels, barcode labels, food packaging labels and pharmaceutical labels.
What HS 4821.10 covers
This HS code covers all types of printed labels made from paper or paperboard, a vital component in nearly every industry for product identification, branding, and logistical purposes. The international trade in these labels is robust, driven by global manufacturing and retail sectors. Major importers include consumer goods manufacturers, food and beverage companies, pharmaceutical firms, and logistics providers worldwide, particularly in regions with high production and consumption. Exporters are often specialized printing companies, frequently located in countries with advanced printing technologies and competitive manufacturing costs, such as China, Germany, and the USA. Key considerations include print quality, adhesive properties, sustainability certifications, and compliance with various labeling regulations, which are increasingly stringent, especially for food and pharmaceutical products. The demand is also influenced by e-commerce growth, requiring efficient and durable labeling solutions.
- Covers
- Product labels
- Shipping labels
- Barcode labels
- Food packaging labels
- Pharmaceutical labels
- Clothing tags
- Warning labels
- Promotional stickers
- Examples
- Avery shipping labels
- Dymo label rolls
- Zebra thermal labels
- UPM Raflatac product labels
Codes often confused with 4821.10
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 482190 (unprinted labels), as it specifically covers labels that have already undergone the printing process, making the distinction crucial for customs.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 482110, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 482110 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 6.2% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 3.0% of its imports here ($7.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.0B 23% of world exports
- 2 United States $377M 8.4% of world exports
- 3 Germany $366M 8.2% of world exports
World total: $4.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $278M 6.2% of world imports
- 2 France $259M 5.8% of world imports
- 3 United States $245M 5.4% of world imports
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 3.0% of its imports here ($7.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $4.5B 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 4821.10
Brazil does not split HS 4821.10: its NCM code is 4821.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 48.21 →
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 4821.10
What is HS code 482110?
HS code 482110 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Paper and paperboard; labels or all kinds, printed. This HS code covers all types of printed labels made from paper or paperboard, a vital component in nearly every industry for product identification, branding, and logistical purposes. The international trade in these labels is robust, driven by global manufacturing and retail sectors. Major importers include consumer goods manufacturers, food and beverage companies, pharmaceutical firms, and logistics providers worldwide, particularly in regions with high production and consumption. Exporters are often specialized printing companies, frequently located in countries with advanced printing technologies and competitive manufacturing costs, such as China, Germany, and the USA. Key considerations include print quality, adhesive properties, sustainability certifications, and compliance with various labeling regulations, which are increasingly stringent, especially for food and pharmaceutical products. The demand is also influenced by e-commerce growth, requiring efficient and durable labeling solutions.
What products fall under HS code 482110?
Product labels, shipping labels, barcode labels, food packaging labels, pharmaceutical labels, clothing tags, warning labels, promotional stickers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 482110?
This code is distinct from 482190 (unprinted labels), as it specifically covers labels that have already undergone the printing process, making the distinction crucial for customs.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 482110?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 482110 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.0B, 23% of world exports), the United States ($377M) and Germany ($366M). World exports came to about $4.5B, 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 482110?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 482110 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($278M, 6.2% of world imports), France ($259M) and the United States ($245M). World imports came to about $4.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 3.0% of its imports here ($7.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 482110 structured?
HS code 482110 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (48) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (21) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 482110?
In Brazil, HS code 482110 is NCM 4821.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.