Product classification
HS code for Cigarette paper: 4813.90
Paper, cigarette, (other than in rolls of a width not exceeding 5cm, or in booklets or tubes).
Classification of cigarette paper under HS 4813.90
Cigarette paper is classified under HS code 4813.90 when it is presented in forms other than booklets, tubes, or rolls with a width not exceeding 5 cm. This classification falls under Chapter 48, which covers paper and paperboard. The specific heading 4813 is dedicated to cigarette paper, regardless of whether it is cut to size or not. The sub-heading 4813.90 acts as a residual category for bulk paper, such as large industrial rolls or flat sheets that do not meet the dimensional criteria of the other sub-headings. This paper is technically distinguished by its high strength, specific porosity to control the burning rate, and often the inclusion of calcium carbonate to ensure even combustion. It must be thin yet opaque enough to conceal the tobacco. The classification is governed by General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since 4813.10 and 4813.20 cover specific shapes and sizes, 4813.90 captures all other cigarette paper. This includes wide rolls used in the initial stages of manufacturing before they are slit into narrower widths. The paper must be specifically intended for use as cigarette paper; general-purpose tissue paper or thin writing paper would be classified elsewhere in Chapter 48, such as under 4802 or 4803, depending on its characteristics and weight. Furthermore, the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System for heading 4813 specify that the paper may be colored, printed, or impregnated with substances like potassium nitrate or sodium silicate to improve burning. If the paper is coated with substances other than those used for cigarette paper functionality, it might be classified under 4811. However, 4813.90 remains the primary code for bulk cigarette paper that has not been converted into retail-ready booklets or narrow machine-ready rolls.
- Covers
- Bulk cigarette paper in large rolls (width > 5cm)
- Cigarette paper in flat sheets
- Uncut cigarette paper for industrial processing
- Impregnated cigarette paper in bulk form
- Colored or printed cigarette paper in wide rolls
- Also under 4813.90
- Large format rolls from SWM International
- Delfort Group
- Glatfelter
- specialized paper for cigarillos
Codes often confused with 4813.90
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 4813.10 and 4813.20. The primary distinction is the physical form and dimensions. If the paper is in a booklet or tube, it must be 4813.10. If it is in a roll but the width is 5 cm or less, it must be 4813.20. Additionally, importers sometimes mistakenly use 4802.54 for thin paper, but if the paper is specifically for cigarettes, 4813.90 takes precedence due to its specificity.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481390 (the code used for cigarette paper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481390 (the code used for cigarette paper) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 9.2% 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 481390, not only cigarette paper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $111M 17% of world exports
- 2 China $96M 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $88M 14% of world exports
World total: $638M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Poland $78M 9.2% of world imports
- 2 United States $76M 8.9% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $44M 5.2% of world imports
World total: $852M 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 cigarette paper
Brazil classifies cigarette paper under NCM 4813.90.00: HS 4813.90 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 cigarette paper
What is the HS code for Cigarette paper?
The HS code for Cigarette paper is 481390 (Paper, cigarette; (other than in rolls of a width not exceeding 5cm, or in booklets or tubes)). The HS code for cigarette paper in bulk form (not in booklets, tubes, or narrow rolls) is 4813.90.
How do I classify Cigarette paper for customs?
Cigarette paper is classified under HS code 481390 — Paper, cigarette; (other than in rolls of a width not exceeding 5cm, or in booklets or tubes). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include paper for rolling herbal cigarettes?
Yes, as long as the paper is specifically manufactured as cigarette paper and meets the dimensional requirements of the sub-heading, it is classified here regardless of the intended filler.
Which countries are the top exporters of cigarette paper (HS 481390)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481390 (the code used for cigarette paper) in UN Comtrade data were France ($111M, 17% of world exports), China ($96M) and Germany ($88M). 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 cigarette paper (HS 481390)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481390 (the code used for cigarette paper) in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($78M, 9.2% of world imports), the United States ($76M) and Türkiye ($44M). World imports came to about $852M, 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 Cigarette paper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481390 for Cigarette 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 cigarette paper in Brazil?
In Brazil, cigarette paper (HS 481390) is classified under NCM 4813.90.00.