Product classification
HS code for Exercise books: 4820.20
Paper and paperboard, exercise books.
Classification of exercise books under HS 4820.20
Exercise books are classified under HS code 4820.20. This code falls within Chapter 48, which covers paper and paperboard articles. Heading 4820 specifically includes registers, account books, notebooks, order books, and similar articles. Exercise books are distinguished by their intended use in educational or professional settings for writing or solving problems. They typically consist of sheets of paper, often ruled or squared, which are stitched, stapled, or otherwise bound together with a simple cover. The classification is based on the fact that these are stationery items rather than printed literature or advertising material, which would fall under Chapter 49.
- Covers
- School exercise books
- Composition notebooks
- Ruled writing books
- Squared or graph paper exercise books
- Staple-bound student notebooks
- Softcover workbooks for writing
- Also under 4820.20
- Mead composition notebooks
- Oxford spiral notebooks
- Five Star notebooks
- generic school exercise books
- Hilroy exercise books
Codes often confused with 4820.20
Common mistake. Exercise books are often confused with HS code 4820.10, which covers registers, account books, and diaries. While similar, 4820.10 is intended for record-keeping rather than student exercises. Another common error is using HS code 4901.99 for workbooks. If a book contains significant printed instructional text or exercises to be completed, it might be classified as a printed book under 4901; however, if it is primarily blank ruled pages for the user to write in, 4820.20 is the correct designation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 482020 (the code used for exercise books), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 482020 (the code used for exercise books) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 6.8% 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 482020, not only exercise books.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $175M 29% of world exports
- 2 India $63M 10% of world exports
- 3 France $28M 4.6% of world exports
World total: $606M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $47M 6.8% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $44M 6.4% of world imports
- 3 Spain $32M 4.7% of world imports
World total: $690M 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 exercise books
Brazil classifies exercise books under NCM 4820.20.00: HS 4820.20 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 exercise books
What is the HS code for Exercise books?
The HS code for Exercise books is 482020 (Paper and paperboard; exercise books). The international HS code for exercise books made of paper or paperboard is 4820.20.
How do I classify Exercise books for customs?
Exercise books is classified under HS code 482020 — Paper and paperboard; exercise books. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include spiral notebooks?
Spiral notebooks are generally classified under HS code 4820.10 as notebooks, whereas 4820.20 is specifically reserved for traditional bound exercise books used in schools.
Which countries are the top exporters of exercise books (HS 482020)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 482020 (the code used for exercise books) in UN Comtrade data were China ($175M, 29% of world exports), India ($63M) and France ($28M). World exports came to about $606M, 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 exercise books (HS 482020)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 482020 (the code used for exercise books) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($47M, 6.8% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($44M) and Spain ($32M). World imports came to about $690M, 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 Exercise books the same in all countries?
The base HS code 482020 for Exercise books 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 exercise books in Brazil?
In Brazil, exercise books (HS 482020) is classified under NCM 4820.20.00.