Product classification
HS code for Crinkled kraft paper: 4808.40
Paper and paperboard, kraft paper, creped or crinkled, whether or not embossed or perforated, in rolls or sheets, other than paper of heading 4803.
Classification of crinkled kraft paper under HS 4808.40
Crinkled kraft paper is classified under HS code 4808.40. This classification is situated within Chapter 48, which covers paper and paperboard and articles of paper pulp. Heading 4808 is specifically for paper and paperboard that has been mechanically processed to be corrugated, creped, crinkled, embossed, or perforated. Subheading 4808.40 is dedicated to kraft paper that has been creped or crinkled, whether or not it is also embossed or perforated. Kraft paper is defined by its high strength and production via the chemical sulfate process. The crinkling or creping process involves mechanical deformation while the paper is moist, providing it with stretch and cushioning properties. This classification excludes paper that has been processed in this manner but is intended for sanitary or toilet use, which is classified under heading 4803.
- Covers
- Creped kraft paper in rolls
- Crinkled kraft sheets for packaging
- Elasticated kraft paper
- Heavy-duty creped industrial paper
- Embossed and crinkled kraft liners
- Also under 4808.40
- BillerudKorsnäs (kraft paper solutions)
- Mondi Group (specialty kraft paper)
- International Paper (packaging kraft)
- Smurfit Kappa (industrial papers)
Codes often confused with 4808.40
Common mistake. Crinkled kraft paper is often misclassified under HS code 4804, which covers uncoated kraft paper and paperboard. However, once the paper undergoes the mechanical crinkling process, it must be moved to heading 4808. It is also sometimes confused with HS code 4803, which covers toilet or facial tissue stock; the distinction lies in the weight and the intended industrial or packaging use of kraft paper versus the sanitary nature of products in 4803.
Top exporters and importers of HS 480840 (the code used for crinkled kraft paper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480840 (the code used for crinkled kraft paper) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 15% 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 480840, not only crinkled kraft paper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $50M 27% of world exports
- 2 United States $40M 21% of world exports
- 3 Sweden $23M 13% of world exports
World total: $187M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $33M 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $23M 10% of world imports
- 3 China $23M 10% of world imports
World total: $227M 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 crinkled kraft paper
Brazil classifies crinkled kraft paper under NCM 4808.40.00: HS 4808.40 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 crinkled kraft paper
What is the HS code for Crinkled kraft paper?
The HS code for Crinkled kraft paper is 480840 (Paper and paperboard; kraft paper, creped or crinkled, whether or not embossed or perforated, in rolls or sheets, other than paper of heading 4803). The specific HS code for creped or crinkled kraft paper is 4808.40.
How do I classify Crinkled kraft paper for customs?
Crinkled kraft paper is classified under HS code 480840 — Paper and paperboard; kraft paper, creped or crinkled, whether or not embossed or perforated, in rolls or sheets, other than paper of heading 4803. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include colored or printed crinkled paper?
Yes, as long as the base material is kraft paper and it has been crinkled, it remains under 4808.40 even if it is dyed or printed.
Which countries are the top exporters of crinkled kraft paper (HS 480840)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480840 (the code used for crinkled kraft paper) in UN Comtrade data were France ($50M, 27% of world exports), the United States ($40M) and Sweden ($23M). World exports came to about $187M, 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 crinkled kraft paper (HS 480840)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 480840 (the code used for crinkled kraft paper) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($33M, 15% of world imports), Germany ($23M) and China ($23M). World imports came to about $227M, 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 Crinkled kraft paper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 480840 for Crinkled kraft 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 crinkled kraft paper in Brazil?
In Brazil, crinkled kraft paper (HS 480840) is classified under NCM 4808.40.00.