HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 4823.70 – Paper pulp; moulded or pressed articles or paper pulp

HS code 4823.70 is the 6-digit subheading for paper pulp, moulded or pressed articles or paper pulp. It is used for moulded pulp egg cartons, fruit trays, electronics packaging inserts, cup holders and end caps for packaging.

What HS 4823.70 covers

This HS code covers articles that are moulded or pressed directly from paper pulp, rather than being made from pre-formed paper or paperboard sheets. These products are known for their protective, cushioning, and often biodegradable properties, making them popular alternatives to plastic or foam packaging. The international trade is driven by industries requiring sustainable and cost-effective packaging solutions. Importers include electronics manufacturers, fruit and vegetable packers, egg producers, and general consumer goods companies globally, seeking protective inserts and trays. Exporters are typically specialized manufacturers of moulded pulp products, often located in countries with strong pulp industries and advanced moulding technologies, such as China, the USA, and various European nations. Key considerations include the strength-to-weight ratio, shock absorption capabilities, water resistance (if treated), and biodegradability. The market is growing due to environmental pressures and the demand for eco-friendly packaging.

Covers
  • Moulded pulp egg cartons
  • Fruit trays
  • Electronics packaging inserts
  • Cup holders
  • End caps for packaging
  • Medical device trays
  • Industrial protective packaging
Examples
  • Huhtamaki moulded fiber products
  • Pactiv Evergreen egg cartons
  • UFP Technologies moulded pulp
  • FibreForm packaging

Codes often confused with 4823.70

Common mistake. This code is distinct because the articles are "moulded or pressed from paper pulp," differentiating them from articles made from paper or paperboard sheets (e.g., 482369 or 4819).

4823.69Paper and paperboard; trays, dishes, plates, cups and the like, of paper or paperboard other than of bamboo48.19Cartons, boxes, cases, bags and the like, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres; box files, letter trays and the like, of paper or paperboard, of a kind used in offices, shops or the like

Top exporters and importers of HS code 482370, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 482370 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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 $605M
  2. 2 Germany $117M
  3. 3 United States $113M

World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $538M
  2. 2 Germany $155M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $117M

World total: $2.2B 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 4823.70

Brazil does not split HS 4823.70: its NCM code is 4823.70.00.

  1. 4823.70.00 Moulded or pressed paper pulp articlesArtigos moldados ou prensados, de pasta de papel

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 48.23 →

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 4823.70

What is HS code 482370?

HS code 482370 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Paper pulp; moulded or pressed articles or paper pulp. This HS code covers articles that are moulded or pressed directly from paper pulp, rather than being made from pre-formed paper or paperboard sheets. These products are known for their protective, cushioning, and often biodegradable properties, making them popular alternatives to plastic or foam packaging. The international trade is driven by industries requiring sustainable and cost-effective packaging solutions. Importers include electronics manufacturers, fruit and vegetable packers, egg producers, and general consumer goods companies globally, seeking protective inserts and trays. Exporters are typically specialized manufacturers of moulded pulp products, often located in countries with strong pulp industries and advanced moulding technologies, such as China, the USA, and various European nations. Key considerations include the strength-to-weight ratio, shock absorption capabilities, water resistance (if treated), and biodegradability. The market is growing due to environmental pressures and the demand for eco-friendly packaging.

What products fall under HS code 482370?

Moulded pulp egg cartons, fruit trays, electronics packaging inserts, cup holders, end caps for packaging, medical device trays, industrial protective packaging

What are common misclassifications for HS code 482370?

This code is distinct because the articles are "moulded or pressed from paper pulp," differentiating them from articles made from paper or paperboard sheets (e.g., 482369 or 4819).

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 482370?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 482370 in UN Comtrade data were China ($605M, 30% of world exports), Germany ($117M) and the United States ($113M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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 482370?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 482370 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($538M, 25% of world imports), Germany ($155M) and the United Kingdom ($117M). World imports came to about $2.2B, 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 482370 structured?

HS code 482370 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (48) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (23) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (70) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 482370?

In Brazil, HS code 482370 is NCM 4823.70.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.