Product classification
HS code for Egg cartons: 4823.70
Paper pulp, moulded or pressed articles or paper pulp.
Classification of egg cartons under HS 4823.70
Egg cartons made from recycled paper or wood fibers are classified under HS code 4823.70. This classification is found in Chapter 48, which covers paper and paperboard and articles made from paper pulp. Heading 4823 is a broad category for "other" paper and paperboard products, and subheading 4823.70 specifically identifies moulded or pressed articles of paper pulp. These items are manufactured by creating a slurry of fibers and pressing them into specific shapes using molds. This process is distinct from folding flat sheets of cardboard. Because egg cartons are designed with specific cavities to protect fragile goods and are formed through this molding process, they are perfectly described by the technical definition of this HS code.
- Covers
- Moulded paper pulp egg trays
- Pressed pulp egg boxes with lids
- Recycled fiber protective egg packaging
- Biodegradable paper pulp cartons
- Industrial-sized pulp egg flats
- Also under 4823.70
- Huhtamaki moulded fiber products
- Pactiv Evergreen egg cartons
- UFP Technologies moulded pulp
- FibreForm packaging
Codes often confused with 4823.70
Common mistake. Egg cartons are frequently misclassified based on material. If the carton is made of plastic (such as PET or polystyrene), it must be classified under 3923.90. If the carton is made from corrugated paperboard that has been folded and glued rather than moulded from pulp, it would fall under 4819.10. Importers must verify the manufacturing process—moulded pulp vs. folded sheet—to ensure the correct application of 4823.70.
Top exporters and importers of HS 482370 (the code used for egg cartons), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 482370 (the code used for egg cartons) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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 482370, not only egg cartons.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $605M 30% of world exports
- 2 Germany $117M 5.7% of world exports
- 3 United States $113M 5.6% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $538M 25% of world imports
- 2 Germany $155M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $117M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $2.2B 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 egg cartons
Brazil classifies egg cartons under NCM 4823.70.00: HS 4823.70 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 egg cartons
What is the HS code for Egg cartons?
The HS code for Egg cartons is 482370 (Paper pulp; moulded or pressed articles or paper pulp). The HS code for paper pulp egg cartons is 4823.70. Plastic versions are classified under 3923.90.
How do I classify Egg cartons for customs?
Egg cartons is classified under HS code 482370 — Paper pulp; moulded or pressed articles or paper pulp. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include egg grading machinery?
No, this code only covers the physical packaging. Machinery for grading or cleaning eggs is classified under 8433.60.
Which countries are the top exporters of egg cartons (HS 482370)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 482370 (the code used for egg cartons) in UN Comtrade data were China ($605M, 30% of world exports), Germany ($117M) and the United States ($113M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of egg cartons (HS 482370)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 482370 (the code used for egg cartons) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($538M, 25% of world imports), Germany ($155M) and the United Kingdom ($117M). World imports came to about $2.2B, 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 Egg cartons the same in all countries?
The base HS code 482370 for Egg cartons 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 egg cartons in Brazil?
In Brazil, egg cartons (HS 482370) is classified under NCM 4823.70.00.