Product classification
HS code for Decorated paper: 4811.90
Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of soft cellulose fibres, coated, impregnated, covered, surface-decorated or surface-coloured, n.e.c. in heading no. 4811, in rolls or sheets.
Classification of decorated paper under HS 4811.90
Decorated paper is classified under HS code 4811.90 because it represents paper and paperboard that has undergone surface treatment after the initial manufacturing process. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 48, heading 4811 covers paper that has been coated, impregnated, covered, surface-decorated, or surface-colored. The subheading 4811.90 is a residual category for products that do not fall under more specific subheadings like gummed, adhesive, or specific mineral-coated papers. This classification is determined by the fact that the decoration is applied to the surface rather than being incorporated into the pulp during the paper-making process. The material remains essentially paper, but its utility is enhanced for aesthetic or functional purposes through printing, embossing, or coating techniques that do not change its fundamental character as a product of the paper industry.
- Covers
- Marbled paper used for bookbinding and stationery
- Embossed paper with raised patterns or textures
- Surface-colored paper where the pigment is only on the exterior
- Printed wrapping paper not elsewhere specified
- Paper coated with plastics or resins for decorative finishes
- Gilded or silvered paper for luxury packaging
- Also under 4811.90
- UPM Raflatac release liners
- AR Metallizing packaging paper
- 3M abrasive backing paper
- specialty decorative papers
Codes often confused with 4811.90
Common mistake. Decorated paper is frequently misclassified under HS code 4802, which covers uncoated paper and paperboard used for writing or printing. The distinction lies in the surface treatment; 4802 is for paper that is "in the macro," whereas 4811.90 requires a distinct surface application. Another common error is using HS code 4814 for wallpaper. While wallpaper is decorated, it is specifically excluded from 4811 if it meets the criteria for wall coverings. Additionally, paper coated with kaolin or inorganic substances should be classified under 4810 rather than 4811.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481190 (the code used for decorated paper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481190 (the code used for decorated paper) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 481190, not only decorated paper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.2B 25% of world exports
- 2 China $897M 19% of world exports
- 3 United States $370M 7.7% of world exports
World total: $4.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $635M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $255M 5.1% of world imports
- 3 Italy $233M 4.7% of world imports
World total: $5.0B 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 decorated paper
Brazil splits HS 4811.90 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4811.90.11Electrolytic starch-paste paper, 75–120 g/m²
- 4811.90.19Other coated paper n.e.c., max 15 cm/360 mm
- 4811.90.20Sandpaper base rolls, 105–135 g/m², min 15% latex
- 4811.90.90Other coated or impregnated 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 decorated paper
What is the HS code for Decorated paper?
The HS code for Decorated paper is 481190 (Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of soft cellulose fibres; coated, impregnated, covered, surface-decorated or surface-coloured, n.e.c. in heading no. 4811, in rolls or sheets). The primary HS code for decorated paper that is coated, surface-colored, or surface-decorated and not specified elsewhere is 4811.90.
How do I classify Decorated paper for customs?
Decorated paper is classified under HS code 481190 — Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of soft cellulose fibres; coated, impregnated, covered, surface-decorated or surface-coloured, n.e.c. in heading no. 4811, in rolls or sheets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include printed invitations?
No, printed invitations and similar stationery items are generally classified under heading 4909 as printed cards, as the printing gives them their primary character.
Which countries are the top exporters of decorated paper (HS 481190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481190 (the code used for decorated paper) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.2B, 25% of world exports), China ($897M) and the United States ($370M). World exports came to about $4.8B, 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 decorated paper (HS 481190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481190 (the code used for decorated paper) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($635M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($255M) and Italy ($233M). World imports came to about $5.0B, 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 Decorated paper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481190 for Decorated 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 decorated paper in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 481190 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for decorated paper depends on the product's details: 4811.90.11 (Electrolytic starch-paste paper, 75–120 g/m²), 4811.90.19 (Other coated paper n.e.c., max 15 cm/360 mm), 4811.90.20 (Sandpaper base rolls, 105–135 g/m², min 15% latex), 4811.90.90 (Other coated or impregnated paper and paperboard).