Product classification
HS code for Disposable paper products: 4818.90
Paper articles, articles of paper, cellulose wadding or fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 4818.
Classification of disposable paper products under HS 4818.90
Disposable paper products of a specific variety are classified under HS code 4818.90, which serves as a residual category for articles of paper pulp, paper, cellulose wadding, or webs of cellulose fibers not elsewhere specified within heading 4818. This heading generally covers household, sanitary, or hospital articles. While specific items like toilet paper (4818.10) and napkins (4818.30) have their own subheadings, 4818.90 captures miscellaneous disposable items such as surgical drapes, gowns, and specialized bedsheets used in clinical settings. The classification relies on the material composition (predominantly paper or cellulose) and the intended use (sanitary or hospital utility). According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, these products must be of a kind used for domestic or sanitary purposes. The "disposable" nature is a commercial characteristic, but the HS code is technically driven by the fact that these are finished articles made from the materials described in Chapter 48, specifically processed for end-use hygiene or protection.
- Covers
- Disposable paper bedsheets
- Paper surgical gowns and drapes
- Cellulose-based examination table covers
- Disposable paper pillowcases
- Sterilization wraps made of paper
- Also under 4818.90
- Tork Industrial Wipes
- Kimberly-Clark WypAll Wipes
- Dynarex Disposable Pillowcases
- Medline Disposable Bed Sheets
- Georgia-Pacific Paper Towel Rolls (non-kitchen)
Codes often confused with 4818.90
Common mistake. These products are often misclassified under 4818.50, which is specifically for articles of apparel and clothing accessories. While a surgical gown is apparel, if it is made of paper or cellulose wadding, it must be carefully distinguished from non-woven textile gowns, which fall under 6210.10. Another common error is using 4823.90, which is a general residual code for other paper articles, but 4818.90 takes precedence for items with a sanitary or hospital application.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481890 (the code used for disposable paper products), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481890 (the code used for disposable paper products) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% 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 481890, not only disposable paper products.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $586M 32% of world exports
- 2 Germany $159M 8.7% of world exports
- 3 Italy $102M 5.5% of world exports
World total: $1.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $696M 29% of world imports
- 2 Germany $166M 6.9% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $118M 4.9% of world imports
World total: $2.4B 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 disposable paper products
Brazil splits HS 4818.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4818.90.10Absorbent pads for food packaging
- 4818.90.90Other household or hospital paper articles
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 paper products
What is the HS code for Disposable paper products?
The HS code for Disposable paper products is 481890 (Paper articles; articles of paper, cellulose wadding or fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 4818). The HS code for miscellaneous disposable paper products for sanitary or hospital use is 4818.90.
How do I classify Disposable paper products for customs?
Disposable paper products is classified under HS code 481890 — Paper articles; articles of paper, cellulose wadding or fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 4818. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are paper napkins included in 4818.90?
No, paper napkins and tablecloths are specifically classified under HS code 4818.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of disposable paper products (HS 481890)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481890 (the code used for disposable paper products) in UN Comtrade data were China ($586M, 32% of world exports), Germany ($159M) and Italy ($102M). World exports came to about $1.8B, 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 disposable paper products (HS 481890)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481890 (the code used for disposable paper products) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($696M, 29% of world imports), Germany ($166M) and the Netherlands ($118M). World imports came to about $2.4B, 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 paper products the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481890 for Disposable paper products 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 paper products in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 481890 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for disposable paper products depends on the product's details: 4818.90.10 (Absorbent pads for food packaging), 4818.90.90 (Other household or hospital paper articles).