Product classification
HS code for Coated mechanical paper: 4810.29
Paper and paperboard, coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanically processed fibres, (excluding light-weight paper), for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, in rolls or sheets.
Classification of coated mechanical paper under HS 4810.29
Coated mechanical paper is classified under HS code 4810.29. This code covers paper and paperboard used for writing, printing, or graphic purposes where more than 10% of the total fiber content consists of fibers obtained by a mechanical or chemi-mechanical process. The paper must be coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances. This subheading specifically excludes "light-weight coated paper" (LWC), which has its own code (4810.22). Mechanical paper is generally more opaque and bulkier than woodfree paper but has lower archival stability. The coating is applied to improve the printability of the relatively rough mechanical fiber surface, making it suitable for mass-market publications.
- Covers
- Medium weight coated (MWC) mechanical paper
- Coated groundwood paper for magazines
- Heavyweight coated mechanical printing paper
- Coated catalog paper (non-LWC)
- Inorganic coated paper with high mechanical pulp content
- Also under 4810.29
- Sappi Magno Gloss
- UPM Finesse Gloss
- Stora Enso LumiArt
- Domtar Lynx Opaque Ultra
- International Paper Accent Opaque
Codes often confused with 4810.29
Common mistake. The most frequent error is misclassifying this as 4810.22 (Light-weight coated paper). LWC paper is specifically defined as paper weighing not more than 72 g/m2 with a coating weight not exceeding 15 g/m2 per side. If the paper exceeds these weights, it falls under 4810.29. Another common mistake is 4810.19, which is for woodfree paper (mechanical fiber content of 10% or less). Importers must have a lab analysis of the fiber composition to accurately distinguish between these codes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481029 (the code used for coated mechanical paper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481029 (the code used for coated mechanical paper) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 10% 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 481029, not only coated mechanical paper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.2B 32% of world exports
- 2 Germany $441M 11% of world exports
- 3 Finland $408M 11% of world exports
World total: $3.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $344M 10% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $231M 6.8% of world imports
- 3 United States $208M 6.1% 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 coated mechanical paper
Brazil splits HS 4810.29 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4810.29.10Coated paper over 10% mech. fibre, small formats
- 4810.29.90Other coated paper over 10% mechanical fibre
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 coated mechanical paper
What is the HS code for Coated mechanical paper?
The HS code for Coated mechanical paper is 481029 (Paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanically processed fibres, (excluding light-weight paper), for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, in rolls or sheets).
How do I classify Coated mechanical paper for customs?
Coated mechanical paper is classified under HS code 481029 — Paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanically processed fibres, (excluding light-weight paper), for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, in rolls or sheets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for coated magazine paper?
If the paper has >10% mechanical fiber and is not light-weight (LWC), the HS code is 4810.29. LWC paper is 4810.22.
How is mechanical fiber content determined for HS classification?
It is determined by weight. If more than 10% of the total fiber mass is derived from mechanical or chemi-mechanical pulping, it is classified as mechanical paper.
Which countries are the top exporters of coated mechanical paper (HS 481029)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481029 (the code used for coated mechanical paper) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 32% of world exports), Germany ($441M) and Finland ($408M). World exports came to about $3.9B, 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 coated mechanical paper (HS 481029)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481029 (the code used for coated mechanical paper) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($344M, 10% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($231M) and the United States ($208M). 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 Coated mechanical paper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481029 for Coated mechanical 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 coated mechanical paper in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 481029 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for coated mechanical paper depends on the product's details: 4810.29.10 (Coated paper over 10% mech. fibre, small formats), 4810.29.90 (Other coated paper over 10% mechanical fibre).