Product classification
HS code for A4 printing paper: 4802.56
Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803), printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weight 40-150g/m2, in sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded).
Classification of A4 printing paper under HS 4802.56
A4 printing paper is classified under HS code 480256 due to its specific characteristics aligning precisely with the subheading description: "Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weight 40-150g/m2, in sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded)." This detailed description covers the essential attributes of standard A4 office paper, including its uncoated nature, intended use for printing, low mechanical pulp content, typical grammage range, and precise dimensions (A4 paper is 210mm x 297mm, falling within the specified limits).
- Covers
- Standard office copier paper (A4 size)
- Laser printer paper (A4 size)
- Inkjet printer paper (A4 size)
- Multipurpose printing paper (A4 size)
- Recycled printing paper (A4 size, meeting other criteria)
- White bond paper (A4 size, for printing/writing)
- Also under 4802.56
- HP Everyday Paper
- Xerox Multipurpose Paper
- Navigator Universal
- Double A Copy Paper
- Canon Standard Paper.
Codes often confused with 4802.56
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for A4 printing paper often arise from slight variations in its characteristics. HS code 480255 covers similar uncoated paper but "in rolls or sheets with one side exceeding 435mm or 297mm (unfolded)," which applies to larger format papers. HS code 480257 is for uncoated paper with a weight "exceeding 150g/m2," meaning heavier cardstock or specialty papers would be classified there. Furthermore, HS code 480262 applies to other uncoated paper and paperboard, in sheets with one side not exceeding 435mm and the other not exceeding 297mm, but with "more than 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre," indicating lower quality or different composition papers. Careful attention to grammage, dimensions, and fiber content is crucial to avoid these errors.
Top exporters and importers of HS 480256 (the code used for A4 printing paper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480256 (the code used for A4 printing paper) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 24% 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 480256, not only A4 printing paper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $1.1B 24% of world exports
- 2 Portugal $655M 14% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $435M 9.0% of world exports
World total: $4.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $513M 11% of world imports
- 2 Japan $391M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 Germany $380M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $4.8B 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 codes for A4 printing paper
Brazil splits HS 4802.56 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4802.56.10Woodfree paper 40–150 g/m², sheets up to 360 mm
- 4802.56.91Banknote paper 40–150 g/m², sheets max 435×297 mm
- 4802.56.92Drawing paper 40–150 g/m², sheets max 435×297 mm
- 4802.56.93Woodfree kraft 40–150 g/m², sheets max 435×297 mm
- 4802.56.99Other woodfree 40–150 g/m², sheets max 435×297 mm
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
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 A4 printing paper
What is the HS code for A4 printing paper?
The HS code for A4 printing paper is 480256 (Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weight 40-150g/m2, in sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded)). The HS code for standard A4 printing paper, meeting the specified criteria for uncoated, low mechanical fiber content, and grammage, is 480256.
How do I classify A4 printing paper for customs?
A4 printing paper is classified under HS code 480256 — Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weight 40-150g/m2, in sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does coated printing paper fall under 480256?
No, HS code 480256 specifically covers "uncoated" paper. Coated printing papers, which have a surface coating to improve print quality, are classified under different headings, such as 4810, depending on their specific characteristics and coating type.
Which countries are the top exporters of A4 printing paper (HS 480256)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480256 (the code used for A4 printing paper) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($1.1B, 24% of world exports), Portugal ($655M) and Thailand ($435M). World exports came to about $4.8B, 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 A4 printing paper (HS 480256)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 480256 (the code used for A4 printing paper) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($513M, 11% of world imports), Japan ($391M) and Germany ($380M). World imports came to about $4.8B, 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.
Is the HS code for A4 printing paper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 480256 for A4 printing paper is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for A4 printing paper in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 480256 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for A4 printing paper depends on the product's details: 4802.56.10 (Woodfree paper 40–150 g/m², sheets up to 360 mm), 4802.56.91 (Banknote paper 40–150 g/m², sheets max 435×297 mm), 4802.56.92 (Drawing paper 40–150 g/m², sheets max 435×297 mm), 4802.56.93 (Woodfree kraft 40–150 g/m², sheets max 435×297 mm), 4802.56.99 (Other woodfree 40–150 g/m², sheets max 435×297 mm).