Product classification
HS code for Bleached plastic coated paper: 4811.51
Paper and paperboard, coated, impregnated or covered with plastics (excluding adhesives), bleached, weighing more than 150g/m2, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810.
Classification of bleached plastic coated paper under HS 4811.51
Bleached plastic coated paper is classified under HS code 4811.51. This classification is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), specifically focusing on the material composition and the manufacturing process. Chapter 48 covers paper and paperboard, while heading 4811 applies to paper that has been coated, impregnated, or covered. Subheading 4811.51 is specifically reserved for paper and paperboard that is bleached, weighs more than 150g/m², and is coated with plastics. The term 'bleached' refers to paper that has been chemically treated to increase its whiteness and brightness, often for printing or aesthetic purposes. The plastic coating, which can include polyethylene or polypropylene, provides a moisture barrier or heat-sealable properties, making it distinct from paper coated with inorganic substances like kaolin. To qualify for this specific code, the paper must not be an adhesive-backed product and must exceed the 150g/m² weight threshold, which typically categorizes it as paperboard used in heavy-duty packaging or liquid containers.
- Covers
- Polyethylene-coated bleached paperboard for liquid packaging
- Plastic-laminated bleached cardstock for food service
- Bleached paperboard with a clear plastic protective layer
- High-weight bleached paper coated with polypropylene for industrial use
- Also under 4811.51
- Tetra Pak (packaging material)
- Elopak (carton board)
- Stora Enso Natura
- Metsä Board Pro FBB
- International Paper Coated Board
Codes often confused with 4811.51
Common mistake. This product is frequently confused with HS code 4810, which covers paper coated with inorganic substances like clay or calcium carbonate. It may also be misclassified under 4811.59 if the paper is unbleached or weighs 150g/m² or less. Additionally, if the product is self-adhesive, it must be classified under 4811.41. Importers often mistakenly look at Chapter 39 for plastics, but because the paper provides the essential character and structural support, Chapter 48 remains the correct primary classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481151 (the code used for bleached plastic coated paper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481151 (the code used for bleached plastic coated paper) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 481151, not only bleached plastic coated paper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $641M 21% of world exports
- 2 United States $564M 19% of world exports
- 3 Finland $528M 18% of world exports
World total: $3.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $461M 14% of world imports
- 2 Canada $263M 7.7% of world imports
- 3 Japan $226M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $3.4B 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 bleached plastic coated paper
Brazil splits HS 4811.51 into 7 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4811.51.10Plastic-coated bleached over 150 g/m², small sizes
- 4811.51.21Bleached silicone paper over 150 g/m², unembossed
- 4811.51.22Printed PE/aluminium paper, bleached over 150 g/m²
- 4811.51.23Bleached photo base over 150 g/m², two-side PE/PP
- 4811.51.28Embossed plastic-coated bleached, over 150 g/m²
- 4811.51.29Other plastic-coated bleached paper over 150 g/m²
- 4811.51.30Plastic-impregnated bleached paper over 150 g/m²
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 bleached plastic coated paper
What is the HS code for Bleached plastic coated paper?
The HS code for Bleached plastic coated paper is 481151 (Paper and paperboard; coated, impregnated or covered with plastics (excluding adhesives), bleached, weighing more than 150g/m2, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810). The primary HS code for bleached plastic coated paper weighing more than 150g/m² is 4811.51.
How do I classify Bleached plastic coated paper for customs?
Bleached plastic coated paper is classified under HS code 481151 — Paper and paperboard; coated, impregnated or covered with plastics (excluding adhesives), bleached, weighing more than 150g/m2, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include paper coated with wax or oil?
No, paper coated with wax, paraffin, or oil is classified under HS code 4811.60, as these are distinct from plastic coatings.
Which countries are the top exporters of bleached plastic coated paper (HS 481151)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481151 (the code used for bleached plastic coated paper) in UN Comtrade data were China ($641M, 21% of world exports), the United States ($564M) and Finland ($528M). World exports came to about $3.0B, 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 bleached plastic coated paper (HS 481151)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481151 (the code used for bleached plastic coated paper) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($461M, 14% of world imports), Canada ($263M) and Japan ($226M). World imports came to about $3.4B, 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.
Is the HS code for Bleached plastic coated paper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481151 for Bleached plastic coated 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 bleached plastic coated paper in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 481151 into 7 NCM codes, so the right one for bleached plastic coated paper depends on the product's details: 4811.51.10 (Plastic-coated bleached over 150 g/m², small sizes), 4811.51.21 (Bleached silicone paper over 150 g/m², unembossed), 4811.51.22 (Printed PE/aluminium paper, bleached over 150 g/m²), 4811.51.23 (Bleached photo base over 150 g/m², two-side PE/PP), 4811.51.28 (Embossed plastic-coated bleached, over 150 g/m²), 4811.51.29 (Other plastic-coated bleached paper over 150 g/m²), and more.