Product classification
HS code for Adhesive paper: 4811.49
Paper and paperboard, gummed or adhesive paper and paperboard (excluding self-adhesive), in rolls or sheets, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810.
Classification of adhesive paper under HS 4811.49
Adhesive paper, specifically gummed or adhesive paper that is not self-adhesive, is classified under HS code 4811.49. This classification falls within Chapter 48, which covers paper and paperboard and articles made from them. Heading 4811 is for paper and paperboard that has been coated, impregnated, covered, surface-colored, surface-decorated, or printed. Within this heading, the 4811.4x series specifically addresses gummed or adhesive paper. Subheading 4811.49 is the residual category for adhesive papers that do not meet the definition of "self-adhesive" (which are classified under 4811.41). These products usually require an external activator, such as water or heat, to become tacky. The classification is determined by the coating applied to the paper substrate and the method of adhesion. This code is essential for distinguishing traditional gummed tapes and labels from modern pressure-sensitive (self-adhesive) products.
- Covers
- Water-activated gummed paper
- Heat-activated adhesive paper
- Gummed paper in rolls for industrial use
- Non-self-adhesive gummed labels
- Adhesive-coated paperboard (non-pressure sensitive)
- Also under 4811.49
- Shurtape Water-Activated Tape
- Intertape Polymer Group (IPG) Gummed Tape
- Uline Water-Activated Tape
- Tesa Gummed Paper
- Avery Gummed Labels
Codes often confused with 4811.49
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with self-adhesive paper, which belongs under HS code 4811.41. Self-adhesive paper is pressure-sensitive and does not require moisture or heat to stick. Another common error is classifying finished labels under 4821.10 or 4821.90. While 4811.49 covers the material in rolls or sheets, 4821 is for paper labels of all kinds, whether or not printed. Additionally, adhesive tapes on a backing of plastics are classified in Chapter 39 (3919), not Chapter 48.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481149 (the code used for adhesive paper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481149 (the code used for adhesive paper) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 18% 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 481149, not only adhesive paper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $193M 34% of world exports
- 2 Germany $86M 15% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $34M 6.1% of world exports
World total: $560M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $109M 18% of world imports
- 2 Germany $41M 6.9% of world imports
- 3 United States $37M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $592M 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 adhesive paper
Brazil splits HS 4811.49 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4811.49.10Gummed (not self-adhesive) paper, max 15 cm/360 mm
- 4811.49.90Other gummed or adhesive paper and paperboard
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 adhesive paper
What is the HS code for Adhesive paper?
The HS code for Adhesive paper is 481149 (Paper and paperboard; gummed or adhesive paper and paperboard (excluding self-adhesive), in rolls or sheets, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810). The HS code for gummed or adhesive paper (excluding self-adhesive) is 4811.49.
How do I classify Adhesive paper for customs?
Adhesive paper is classified under HS code 481149 — Paper and paperboard; gummed or adhesive paper and paperboard (excluding self-adhesive), in rolls or sheets, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is self-adhesive paper classified under 4811.49?
No, self-adhesive (pressure-sensitive) paper is classified under HS code 4811.41. 4811.49 is for other adhesive papers like water-activated types.
Which countries are the top exporters of adhesive paper (HS 481149)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481149 (the code used for adhesive paper) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($193M, 34% of world exports), Germany ($86M) and the United Kingdom ($34M). World exports came to about $560M, 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 adhesive paper (HS 481149)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481149 (the code used for adhesive paper) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($109M, 18% of world imports), Germany ($41M) and the United States ($37M). World imports came to about $592M, 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 Adhesive paper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481149 for Adhesive 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 adhesive paper in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 481149 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for adhesive paper depends on the product's details: 4811.49.10 (Gummed (not self-adhesive) paper, max 15 cm/360 mm), 4811.49.90 (Other gummed or adhesive paper and paperboard).