Product classification
HS code for Blank labels: 4821.90
Paper and paperboard, labels of all kinds, unprinted.
Classification of blank labels under HS 4821.90
Blank labels made of paper or paperboard are classified under HS code 4821.90. Heading 4821 covers all types of paper and paperboard labels, whether they are used for packaging, identification, or pricing. The heading is divided into two main subheadings: 4821.10 for printed labels and 4821.90 for 'other,' which includes unprinted or blank labels. The classification depends primarily on the material composition (paper) and the intended use (as a label). Even if the labels have a self-adhesive backing, they remain in Chapter 48 as long as the paper component provides the essential character of the product. This classification is crucial for the stationery and packaging industries, as it distinguishes between raw labeling materials and those that have undergone a printing process, which often carries different duty rates. The 'other' category (4821.90) is broad, encompassing various shapes, sizes, and adhesive types, provided the surface remains unprinted. If the labels are supplied in rolls or sheets, they are still classified here as long as they are clearly identifiable as labels (e.g., via die-cutting or specific sizing).
- Covers
- Self-adhesive blank paper labels
- Non-adhesive paper tags and labels
- Thermal transfer paper labels (unprinted)
- Die-cut blank labels in rolls or sheets
- Pressure-sensitive paper labels without printing
- Also under 4821.90
- 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. The most frequent misclassification is 4821.10, which is only for labels that have been printed with text or images. Another common error is 3919.90, which applies to self-adhesive labels made of plastics. If the label is made of a plastic film (like vinyl or polyester) rather than paper, it must be classified under Chapter 39 instead of Chapter 48.
Top exporters and importers of HS 482190 (the code used for blank labels), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 482190 (the code used for blank labels) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 482190, not only blank labels.
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 blank labels
Brazil classifies blank labels under NCM 4821.90.00: HS 4821.90 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 blank labels
What is the HS code for Blank labels?
The HS code for Blank labels is 482190 (Paper and paperboard; labels of all kinds, unprinted). The HS code for blank paper labels is 4821.90. If they are printed, the code changes to 4821.10.
How do I classify Blank labels for customs?
Blank labels is classified under HS code 482190 — Paper and paperboard; labels of all kinds, unprinted. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the blank labels are made of plastic?
If the labels are made of plastic (synthetic) material, they should be classified under HS code 3919, typically 3919.90 for self-adhesive varieties.
Which countries are the top exporters of blank labels (HS 482190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 482190 (the code used for blank labels) 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 blank labels (HS 482190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 482190 (the code used for blank labels) 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.
Is the HS code for Blank labels the same in all countries?
The base HS code 482190 for Blank labels 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 blank labels in Brazil?
In Brazil, blank labels (HS 482190) is classified under NCM 4821.90.00.