Product classification
HS code for Disposable apparel: 4818.50
Paper articles, apparel and clothing accessories of paper, cellulose wadding or fibres.
Classification of disposable apparel under HS 4818.50
Disposable apparel made from paper, cellulose wadding, or webs of cellulose fibers is classified under HS code 4818.50. This classification is situated within Chapter 48, which covers paper and paperboard articles. Heading 4818 specifically addresses household, sanitary, or hospital articles of paper. Subheading 4818.50 is the designated code for articles of apparel and clothing accessories. The classification is strictly determined by the material of construction. If a garment is made from paper or cellulose fibers, it is excluded from the textile chapters (Chapters 61 and 62) and must be classified here. These items are typically designed for single-use in medical, laboratory, or food service environments. The classification includes the complete garment as well as accessories like paper aprons, hats, and smocks. It is important to distinguish these from non-woven textile garments; if the material is a non-woven synthetic textile, it would move to Chapter 62. Customs officials look for the presence of paper-based fibers to confirm the 4818.50 classification, often requiring a material composition breakdown.
- Covers
- Disposable paper hospital gowns
- Paper aprons for catering
- Disposable paper headgear (chef hats)
- Paper-based protective coveralls
- Also under 4818.50
- Medline Disposable Gowns
- Kimberly-Clark KleenGuard Aprons
- 3M Disposable Coveralls (paper-based)
- Dynarex Disposable Shoe Covers
- TIDI Products Disposable Capes
Codes often confused with 4818.50
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with garments made of non-woven man-made fibers, which fall under HS code 6210.10. While both are "disposable," the material determines the code. Paper-based items go to 4818.50, while non-woven textile items go to 6210.10. Another error is using 6307.90 for miscellaneous made-up articles, which is only for items not specified elsewhere.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481850 (the code used for disposable apparel), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481850 (the code used for disposable apparel) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 9.4% 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 481850, not only disposable apparel.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $22M 18% of world exports
- 2 China $22M 18% of world exports
- 3 United States $18M 14% of world exports
World total: $126M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $10.0M 9.4% of world imports
- 2 Germany $8.6M 8.2% of world imports
- 3 Spain $6.8M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $106M 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 disposable apparel
Brazil classifies disposable apparel under NCM 4818.50.00: HS 4818.50 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 disposable apparel
What is the HS code for Disposable apparel?
The HS code for Disposable apparel is 481850 (Paper articles; apparel and clothing accessories of paper, cellulose wadding or fibres). Disposable apparel made of paper or cellulose is classified under HS code 4818.50.
How do I classify Disposable apparel for customs?
Disposable apparel is classified under HS code 481850 — Paper articles; apparel and clothing accessories of paper, cellulose wadding or fibres. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are plastic disposable aprons included here?
No, disposable aprons made of plastic sheeting are classified under HS code 3926.20. Only paper or cellulose-based apparel falls under 4818.50.
Which countries are the top exporters of disposable apparel (HS 481850)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481850 (the code used for disposable apparel) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($22M, 18% of world exports), China ($22M) and the United States ($18M). World exports came to about $126M, 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 disposable apparel (HS 481850)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481850 (the code used for disposable apparel) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($10.0M, 9.4% of world imports), Germany ($8.6M) and Spain ($6.8M). World imports came to about $106M, 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 Disposable apparel the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481850 for Disposable apparel 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 disposable apparel in Brazil?
In Brazil, disposable apparel (HS 481850) is classified under NCM 4818.50.00.