Product classification
HS code for Correspondence cards: 4817.20
Paper and paperboard, letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards.
Classification of correspondence cards under HS 4817.20
Correspondence cards are classified under HS code 4817.20. This classification is situated within Chapter 48, which encompasses paper and paperboard articles. Heading 4817 specifically covers postal stationery, including envelopes, letter cards, plain postcards, and correspondence cards. The classification is determined by the product's primary function as a medium for personal or business written communication. Correspondence cards are typically single sheets of heavy-weight paper or cardstock, cut to specific sizes, and intended for short messages. According to the Section X notes, paper products that are printed with significant pictorial matter or messages that are not merely incidental to the primary use of the goods as stationery are excluded from Chapter 48. Therefore, 4817.20 is reserved for cards where the writing surface is the dominant feature. If the cards are sold in a set with envelopes, the entire set may be classified under 4817.30, but individual cards remain under 4817.20.
- Covers
- Plain correspondence cards
- Gilt-edged social stationery cards
- Flat note cards for written messages
- Unprinted social cards
- Professional correspondence cardstock cut to size
- Also under 4817.20
Crane & Co. Correspondence Cards, Moo Luxe Postcards (blank), Paper Source Note Cards, G. Lalo Verge de France Letter Cards, Strathmore Blank Cards
Codes often confused with 4817.20
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification for correspondence cards is HS code 4909.00, which covers printed postcards and greeting cards. If a card features a printed greeting like "Thank You" or "Happy Birthday" as its primary feature, it must be classified under 4909.00. Another common error is HS code 4802, which covers bulk paper and cardstock; once the paper is cut to the specific dimensions of a correspondence card, it moves to 4817.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481720 (the code used for correspondence cards), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481720 (the code used for correspondence cards) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 481720, not only correspondence cards.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $8.4M 18% of world exports
- 2 United States $5.6M 12% of world exports
- 3 Italy $4.5M 10.0% of world exports
World total: $45M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $8.8M 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $4.8M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 Canada $3.3M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $53M 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 correspondence cards
Brazil classifies correspondence cards under NCM 4817.20.00: HS 4817.20 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 correspondence cards
What is the HS code for Correspondence cards?
The HS code for Correspondence cards is 481720 (Paper and paperboard; letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards). The HS code for plain or minimally decorated correspondence cards is 4817.20.
How do I classify Correspondence cards for customs?
Correspondence cards is classified under HS code 481720 — Paper and paperboard; letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the cards are sold in a box with matching envelopes?
If the cards and envelopes are sold together as a retail set, the correct HS code is 4817.30, which covers boxes, pouches, and similar assortments of paper stationery.
Which countries are the top exporters of correspondence cards (HS 481720)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481720 (the code used for correspondence cards) in UN Comtrade data were China ($8.4M, 18% of world exports), the United States ($5.6M) and Italy ($4.5M). World exports came to about $45M, 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 correspondence cards (HS 481720)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481720 (the code used for correspondence cards) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($8.8M, 17% of world imports), Germany ($4.8M) and Canada ($3.3M). World imports came to about $53M, 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 Correspondence cards the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481720 for Correspondence cards 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 correspondence cards in Brazil?
In Brazil, correspondence cards (HS 481720) is classified under NCM 4817.20.00.