Product classification
HS code for Binders: 4820.30
Paper and paperboard, binders, folders and file covers.
Classification of binders under HS 4820.30
Binders are classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 482030. This classification falls within Chapter 48, which covers "Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or of paperboard." Specifically, heading 4820 addresses "Registers, account books, note books, order books, receipt books, letter pads, memorandum pads, diaries and similar articles, exercise books, blotting-pads, binders (loose-leaf or other), folders, file covers, manifold business forms, interleaved carbon sets and other articles of stationery, of paper or paperboard; albums for samples or for collections and book covers, of paper or paperboard." Subheading 482030 is precisely designated for "Binders (other than loose-leaf), folders and file covers." This categorization applies to binders primarily constructed from paper or paperboard, even if they incorporate minor components of other materials like metal rings or plastic laminations, provided the paper/paperboard character predominates.
- Covers
- Ring binders made of paperboard (often covered with paper or plastic film)
- Lever arch files of paperboard
- Presentation binders of paper or paperboard
- Report covers of paper or paperboard
- File folders of paper or paperboard
- Document wallets of paper or paperboard
- Also under 4820.30
- Avery binders
- Smead manila folders
- Leitz lever arch files
- Staples presentation folders
- Oxford file folders
Codes often confused with 4820.30
Common mistake. A common misclassification for binders involves HS code 392610, which covers "Office or school supplies of plastics." If a binder is predominantly made of plastic, it would indeed fall under 392610. However, 482030 is specifically for binders where paper or paperboard constitutes the essential character. Another potential confusion is with 482010, which covers "Registers, account books, note books, order books, receipt books, letter pads, memorandum pads, diaries and similar articles, exercise books." These are primarily for writing or recording, whereas 482030 is for organizing loose documents. General articles of paper or paperboard, such as those in 4819 for cartons, boxes, cases, and bags, are also distinct as they serve packaging purposes rather than document organization.
Top exporters and importers of HS 482030 (the code used for binders), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 482030 (the code used for binders) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 31% 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 482030, not only binders.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $151M 24% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$75M 12% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $59M 9.2% of world exports
World total: $638M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $209M 31% of world imports
- 2 Germany $74M 11% of world imports
- 3 Nigeria $52M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $684M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 binders
Brazil classifies binders under NCM 4820.30.00: HS 4820.30 with 00 added.
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 binders
What is the HS code for Binders?
The HS code for Binders is 482030 (Paper and paperboard; binders, folders and file covers).
How do I classify Binders for customs?
Binders is classified under HS code 482030 — Paper and paperboard; binders, folders and file covers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for paper binders?
The HS code for paper binders is 482030.
Does this HS code include plastic binders?
No, HS code 482030 is specifically for binders "of paper or paperboard." Binders predominantly made of plastic would typically be classified under HS code 392610, which covers "Office or school supplies of plastics."
Which countries are the top exporters of binders (HS 482030)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 482030 (the code used for binders) in UN Comtrade data were China ($151M, 24% of world exports), Vietnam (about $75M) and Germany ($59M). World exports came to about $638M, 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 binders (HS 482030)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 482030 (the code used for binders) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($209M, 31% of world imports), Germany ($74M) and Nigeria ($52M). World imports came to about $684M, 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 Binders the same in all countries?
The base HS code 482030 for Binders 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 binders in Brazil?
In Brazil, binders (HS 482030) is classified under NCM 4820.30.00.