Product classification
HS code for Coated specialty paper: 4810.99
Paper and paperboard, coated with inorganic substances only, whether or not surface-coloured, surface-decorated or printed, n.e.c. in heading no. 4810, in rolls or sheets.
Classification of coated specialty paper under HS 4810.99
HS code 4810.99 serves as a residual category for paper and paperboard coated with inorganic substances that do not meet the specific criteria of the preceding subheadings in heading 4810. This classification is used for specialty papers that may be multi-ply or have specific surface treatments such as being surface-colored, surface-decorated, or printed, provided these treatments are secondary to the inorganic coating. The primary requirement remains that the coating must consist of kaolin or other inorganic materials. This code is often applied to high-end packaging materials, specialized technical papers, or multi-layered paperboard where the fiber composition or the specific use case does not align with standard printing or writing paper definitions. Because it is a \"not elsewhere classified\" (n.e.c.) category, it requires a process of elimination during the classification procedure. It covers both rolls and sheets that do not fit the descriptions of 4810.13 through 4810.92, making it a catch-all for unique inorganic coated paper products. The versatility of this code allows for the inclusion of advanced paper products used in industrial and luxury retail sectors.
- Covers
- Multi-ply paperboard coated with inorganic substances
- Surface-decorated inorganic coated specialty paper
- Inorganic coated paper for technical industrial applications
- Coated paperboard used for luxury rigid box manufacturing
- Specialty graphic paper with unique inorganic finishes not for standard writing
- Also under 4810.99
- Avery Dennison Coated Label Stock
- Sappi Atelier
- UPM Fine Coated
- Stora Enso Ensocoat
- International Paper Coated Specialty Board
Codes often confused with 4810.99
Common mistake. Importers often confuse 4810.99 with heading 4811, which covers paper coated with organic substances like plastics, resins, or wax. Another common mistake is using 4810.13 or 4810.14 for specialty papers that actually have a multi-ply structure or a fiber content that excludes them from those specific printing paper codes. Additionally, if the paper is coated with metal powder or flakes (like imitation gold paper), it might be misclassified here instead of under 4811.90 or other specific metal-coated headings.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481099 (the code used for coated specialty paper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481099 (the code used for coated specialty paper) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 9.6% 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 481099, not only coated specialty paper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $125M 25% of world exports
- 2 India $98M 20% of world exports
- 3 United States $80M 16% of world exports
World total: $492M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Poland $64M 9.6% of world imports
- 2 United States $48M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 Canada $47M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $668M 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 specialty paper
Brazil splits HS 4810.99 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4810.99.10Other coated paper/board, max 15 cm/360 mm
- 4810.99.90Other inorganic-coated paper and paperboard
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 specialty paper
What is the HS code for Coated specialty paper?
The HS code for Coated specialty paper is 481099 (Paper and paperboard; coated with inorganic substances only, whether or not surface-coloured, surface-decorated or printed, n.e.c. in heading no. 4810, in rolls or sheets). The HS code for specialty paper and paperboard coated with inorganic substances, not elsewhere specified, is 4810.99.
How do I classify Coated specialty paper for customs?
Coated specialty paper is classified under HS code 481099 — Paper and paperboard; coated with inorganic substances only, whether or not surface-coloured, surface-decorated or printed, n.e.c. in heading no. 4810, in rolls or sheets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code cover paper with a plastic coating?
No, 4810.99 is only for inorganic coatings. If the paper has a plastic or other organic coating, it is classified under heading 4811, typically 4811.51 or 4811.59.
Which countries are the top exporters of coated specialty paper (HS 481099)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481099 (the code used for coated specialty paper) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($125M, 25% of world exports), India ($98M) and the United States ($80M). World exports came to about $492M, 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 specialty paper (HS 481099)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481099 (the code used for coated specialty paper) in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($64M, 9.6% of world imports), the United States ($48M) and Canada ($47M). World imports came to about $668M, 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 specialty paper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481099 for Coated specialty 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 specialty paper in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 481099 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for coated specialty paper depends on the product's details: 4810.99.10 (Other coated paper/board, max 15 cm/360 mm), 4810.99.90 (Other inorganic-coated paper and paperboard).