Product classification
HS code for Disposable plates: 4823.69
Paper and paperboard, trays, dishes, plates, cups and the like, of paper or paperboard other than of bamboo.
Classification of disposable plates under HS 4823.69
Disposable plates made of paper or paperboard are classified under HS code 4823.69. This classification is governed by the principles of Chapter 48, which encompasses paper and paperboard articles. Specifically, heading 4823 covers other paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding, and webs of cellulose fibers that have been cut to size or shape. Subheading 4823.69 is a specific category for trays, dishes, plates, cups, and similar items that are not made of bamboo. The classification is based on the material composition and the intended use as single-use food service articles. For a product to be classified here, the paperboard must provide the essential character of the item. Even if the plates feature a thin plastic coating or lamination to provide grease or water resistance, they remain classified under this code as long as the paperboard remains the dominant component by weight and function. This classification follows GRI 1, as the terms of the heading and subheadings specifically describe these articles of paperboard.
- Covers
- Disposable paper plates
- Paperboard trays for food service
- Single-use paper dishes
- Molded pulp plates (non-bamboo)
- Laminated paperboard party plates
- Also under 4823.69
- Solo Cup Company products
- Dart Container paper cups
- Huhtamaki food service packaging
- Dixie paper plates
Codes often confused with 4823.69
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 4823.61, which is specifically reserved for articles made of bamboo. If the plates are manufactured from bamboo pulp or fibers, they must be declared under 4823.61. Another frequent error is classifying these items under 3924.10, which covers plastic tableware. While many disposable plates are plastic, paper-based versions must stay within Chapter 48. Additionally, if the plates are made of wood (such as veneer), they should be classified under heading 4419.
Top exporters and importers of HS 482369 (the code used for disposable plates), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 482369 (the code used for disposable plates) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% 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 482369, not only disposable plates.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.8B 43% of world exports
- 2 Italy $325M 7.6% of world exports
- 3 United States $243M 5.7% of world exports
World total: $4.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $707M 17% of world imports
- 2 Canada $288M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 France $261M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $4.1B 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 plates
Brazil classifies disposable plates under NCM 4823.69.00: HS 4823.69 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 plates
What is the HS code for Disposable plates?
The HS code for Disposable plates is 482369 (Paper and paperboard; trays, dishes, plates, cups and the like, of paper or paperboard other than of bamboo). The HS code for disposable plates made of paper or paperboard (excluding bamboo) is 4823.69.
How do I classify Disposable plates for customs?
Disposable plates is classified under HS code 482369 — Paper and paperboard; trays, dishes, plates, cups and the like, of paper or paperboard other than of bamboo. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are bamboo plates classified under this code?
No, bamboo plates are specifically classified under HS code 4823.61. Code 4823.69 is for paperboard plates made from other materials.
Which countries are the top exporters of disposable plates (HS 482369)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 482369 (the code used for disposable plates) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.8B, 43% of world exports), Italy ($325M) and the United States ($243M). World exports came to about $4.3B, 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 plates (HS 482369)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 482369 (the code used for disposable plates) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($707M, 17% of world imports), Canada ($288M) and France ($261M). World imports came to about $4.1B, 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 plates the same in all countries?
The base HS code 482369 for Disposable plates 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 plates in Brazil?
In Brazil, disposable plates (HS 482369) is classified under NCM 4823.69.00.