Product classification

HS code for Envelopes: 4817.10

Paper and paperboard, envelopes.

Classification of envelopes under HS 4817.10

Envelopes made of paper or paperboard are classified under HS code 4817.10. This code falls under heading 4817, which encompasses envelopes, letter cards, plain postcards, and correspondence cards, as well as boxes and similar containers of paper or paperboard containing an assortment of stationery. The classification is based on the material (paper/paperboard) and the specific function of the article as a container for correspondence. According to the Chapter 48 notes, this heading is specific to stationery items. If an envelope is padded with plastic bubbles but the exterior is primarily paper, it generally remains in 4817.10. However, the classification is strictly for unused stationery; if an envelope is used and contains mail, it is no longer classified as a commodity in this manner. The HS system distinguishes these items from general packaging containers (heading 4819) because envelopes are specifically designed for personal or business correspondence.

Covers
  • Standard office envelopes
  • Window envelopes
  • Airmail envelopes
  • Padded paper envelopes for mailing
  • Invitation and greeting card envelopes
Also under 4817.10
  • JAM Paper Envelopes
  • Quality Park Envelopes
  • Domtar Cougar Envelopes
  • Southworth Business Envelopes
  • Staples Brand Envelopes

Codes often confused with 4817.10

Common mistake. Envelopes are often misclassified under HS code 4819, which covers cartons, boxes, and cases used for packing goods. However, 4817 is the more specific heading for correspondence stationery. Another common error involves plastic mailing bags, which should be classified under Chapter 39 (specifically 3923.21 or 3923.29) rather than 4817. Additionally, if a box contains a set of paper and envelopes, it may be classified under 4817.30 (assortments) rather than 4817.10.

48.19Cartons, boxes, cases, bags and the like, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres; box files, letter trays and the like, of paper or paperboard, of a kind used in offices, shops or the like48.17Envelopes, letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards, of paper, paperboard; boxes, pouches, wallets and writing compendiums, of paper or paperboard containing assortment of paper stationery3923.21Ethylene polymers; sacks and bags (including cones), for the conveyance or packing of goods3923.29Plastics; sacks and bags (including cones), for the conveyance or packing of goods, of plastics other than ethylene polymers4817.30Paper and paperboard; boxes, pouches, wallets and writing compendiums containing an assortment of paper stationery

Top exporters and importers of HS 481710 (the code used for envelopes), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481710 (the code used for envelopes) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% 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 481710, not only envelopes.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $139M
  2. 2 Poland $107M
  3. 3 Germany $69M

World total: $802M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $172M
  2. 2 Germany $103M
  3. 3 Japan $57M

World total: $823M 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 envelopes

Brazil classifies envelopes under NCM 4817.10.00: HS 4817.10 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 envelopes

What is the HS code for Envelopes?

The HS code for Envelopes is 481710 (Paper and paperboard; envelopes).

How do I classify Envelopes for customs?

Envelopes is classified under HS code 481710 — Paper and paperboard; envelopes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for paper envelopes?

The HS code for paper or paperboard envelopes is 4817.10.

Are bubble-lined mailers classified as envelopes?

If the outer layer is paper, they are typically classified under 4817.10. If the outer layer is plastic, they are classified under 3923.21 or 3923.29 depending on the type of polymer used.

Which countries are the top exporters of envelopes (HS 481710)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481710 (the code used for envelopes) in UN Comtrade data were China ($139M, 17% of world exports), Poland ($107M) and Germany ($69M). World exports came to about $802M, 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 envelopes (HS 481710)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 481710 (the code used for envelopes) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($172M, 21% of world imports), Germany ($103M) and Japan ($57M). World imports came to about $823M, 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 Envelopes the same in all countries?

The base HS code 481710 for Envelopes 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 envelopes in Brazil?

In Brazil, envelopes (HS 481710) is classified under NCM 4817.10.00.