Product classification

HS code for Brown wrapping paper: 4804.31

Kraft paper and paperboard, uncoated, unbleached, weight 150g/m2 or less, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803.

Classification of brown wrapping paper under HS 4804.31

Brown wrapping paper is classified under HS code 480431 when it is uncoated, unbleached, and weighs 150 g/m² or less. This category includes standard kraft paper used for wrapping parcels, making grocery bags, and producing multi-wall sacks. The classification depends on the paper being "unbleached," meaning it has not undergone a whitening process, and "uncoated," meaning it has not been treated with kaolin or other substances to create a smooth printing surface. The weight limit of 150 g/m² distinguishes it from "paperboard." This paper is valued for its high tensile strength and elasticity, which are characteristic of the kraft process. It is a staple in the packaging industry for light to medium-duty protection and containment. The Harmonized System requires that this paper be presented in rolls or large sheets. If the paper is cut to specific small sizes for retail sale, it may be classified under heading 4823, but for bulk industrial supply, 480431 is the standard code.

Covers
  • Sack kraft paper for cement bags
  • Brown grocery bag paper
  • Standard brown parcel wrapping paper
  • Unbleached kraft paper for envelope manufacturing
  • Lightweight unbleached interleaving paper
Also under 4804.31
  • Georgia-Pacific Kraft Paper
  • International Paper Kraft Paper
  • Mondi EcoKraft
  • WestRock Natural Kraft

Codes often confused with 4804.31

Common mistake. Brown wrapping paper is often confused with HS code 480441, which is for heavier kraft paperboard (over 150 g/m²). It is also frequently misclassified under 480511 (semi-chemical fluting paper) or 480591 (other uncoated paper) if the fiber composition is not strictly 80% chemical sulfate pulp. If the paper has been bleached to a white or off-white color, it must be classified under 480432. Furthermore, if the paper is coated with wax, stearin, or oil for waterproof wrapping, it moves to heading 4811. Accurate grammage testing is essential to distinguish between 480431 and 480441.

4804.41Kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, unbleached, weight more than 150g/m2 but less than 225g/m2, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 48034805.11Paper and paperboard; uncoated, semi-chemical fluting paper, rolls or sheets4805.91Paper and paperboard; uncoated, weight 150g/m2 or less, in rolls or sheets, n.e.c. in heading no.480548.11Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibres, coated, impregnated, covered, surface-coloured, decorated or printed, rolls or sheets, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810

Top exporters and importers of HS 480431 (the code used for brown wrapping paper), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480431 (the code used for brown wrapping paper) in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, 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 480431, not only brown wrapping paper.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Sweden $268M
  2. 2 Czechia $181M
  3. 3 United States $135M

World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $188M
  2. 2 Italy $153M
  3. 3 Türkiye $93M

World total: $1.7B 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 brown wrapping paper

Brazil splits HS 4804.31 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 4804.31.10Unbleached kraft to 150 g/m², min 600 V dielectric
  • 4804.31.90Other unbleached kraft paper up to 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 brown wrapping paper

What is the HS code for Brown wrapping paper?

The HS code for Brown wrapping paper is 480431 (Kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, unbleached, weight 150g/m2 or less, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803). The HS code for unbleached, uncoated brown kraft wrapping paper weighing 150g/m2 or less is 480431.

How do I classify Brown wrapping paper for customs?

Brown wrapping paper is classified under HS code 480431 — Kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, unbleached, weight 150g/m2 or less, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this include recycled brown paper?

No, if the paper is made primarily from recycled fibers and does not meet the 80% chemical pulp requirement, it is classified under 4805.

Which countries are the top exporters of brown wrapping paper (HS 480431)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480431 (the code used for brown wrapping paper) in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($268M, 16% of world exports), Czechia ($181M) and the United States ($135M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 brown wrapping paper (HS 480431)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 480431 (the code used for brown wrapping paper) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($188M, 11% of world imports), Italy ($153M) and Türkiye ($93M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 Brown wrapping paper the same in all countries?

The base HS code 480431 for Brown wrapping 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 brown wrapping paper in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 480431 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for brown wrapping paper depends on the product's details: 4804.31.10 (Unbleached kraft to 150 g/m², min 600 V dielectric), 4804.31.90 (Other unbleached kraft paper up to 150 g/m²).