HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4821.90 – Paper and paperboard; labels of all kinds, unprinted
HS code 4821.90 is the 6-digit subheading for paper and paperboard, labels of all kinds, unprinted. It is used for thermal transfer label rolls, direct thermal label stock, adhesive paper sheets, blank die-cut labels and fanfold labels.
What HS 4821.90 covers
This category encompasses unprinted labels made from paper or paperboard, serving as the raw material for various labeling applications across industries. These labels are traded internationally primarily as semi-finished goods, destined for printing houses, manufacturers with in-house printing capabilities, and packaging companies. Importers are typically businesses that add value through printing, customization, and application, found globally wherever goods are produced and packaged. Exporters are often large paper mills or specialized label stock manufacturers, frequently located in countries with strong pulp and paper industries like Finland, Sweden, and the USA, as well as major manufacturing hubs like China. Key aspects of this trade include the type of paper (e.g., thermal, coated, uncoated), adhesive quality, roll or sheet format, and increasingly, sustainability certifications. The demand is closely tied to global manufacturing output and the need for efficient, customizable labeling solutions.
- Covers
- Thermal transfer label rolls
- Direct thermal label stock
- Adhesive paper sheets
- Blank die-cut labels
- Fanfold labels
- Continuous label rolls
- Tag stock
- Examples
- Avery blank labels
- UPM Raflatac unprinted label stock
- Fasson (Avery Dennison) blank rolls
- Zebra blank thermal labels
Codes often confused with 4821.90
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 482110 (printed labels), but the key differentiator is the absence of any printing, making it a raw or semi-finished product.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 482190, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 482190 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 $356M 25% of world exports
- 2 United States $197M 14% of world exports
- 3 Germany $114M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $181M 12% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $118M 7.7% of world imports
- 3 Germany $96M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 4821.90
Brazil does not split HS 4821.90: its NCM code is 4821.90.00.
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 4821.90
What is HS code 482190?
HS code 482190 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Paper and paperboard; labels of all kinds, unprinted. This category encompasses unprinted labels made from paper or paperboard, serving as the raw material for various labeling applications across industries. These labels are traded internationally primarily as semi-finished goods, destined for printing houses, manufacturers with in-house printing capabilities, and packaging companies. Importers are typically businesses that add value through printing, customization, and application, found globally wherever goods are produced and packaged. Exporters are often large paper mills or specialized label stock manufacturers, frequently located in countries with strong pulp and paper industries like Finland, Sweden, and the USA, as well as major manufacturing hubs like China. Key aspects of this trade include the type of paper (e.g., thermal, coated, uncoated), adhesive quality, roll or sheet format, and increasingly, sustainability certifications. The demand is closely tied to global manufacturing output and the need for efficient, customizable labeling solutions.
What products fall under HS code 482190?
Thermal transfer label rolls, direct thermal label stock, adhesive paper sheets, blank die-cut labels, fanfold labels, continuous label rolls, tag stock
What are common misclassifications for HS code 482190?
This code is often confused with 482110 (printed labels), but the key differentiator is the absence of any printing, making it a raw or semi-finished product.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 482190?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 482190 in UN Comtrade data were China ($356M, 25% of world exports), the United States ($197M) and Germany ($114M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 482190?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 482190 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($181M, 12% of world imports), Mexico ($118M) and Germany ($96M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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.
How is HS code 482190 structured?
HS code 482190 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 482190?
In Brazil, HS code 482190 is NCM 4821.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.