Product classification

HS code for Felt paper: 4805.50

Paper and paperboard, felt paper and paperboard, uncoated, in rolls or sheets.

Classification of felt paper under HS 4805.50

Felt paper and paperboard are classified under HS code 4805.50. This classification is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically focusing on the material composition and the manufacturing process. Felt paper is an uncoated product, typically manufactured on a paper machine from a furnish consisting of waste paper, wood pulp, or a combination of vegetable fibers. It is characterized by its relatively high porosity and absorbent nature, which makes it an ideal substrate for impregnation with bitumen or other substances. According to the Chapter 48 notes, this heading includes paper and paperboard that have not undergone further processing such as coating or impregnation at the time of classification. The product must be presented in rolls or sheets to satisfy the requirements of Heading 4805. The distinction between felt paper and textile felt is critical; felt paper is a product of the paper industry (Chapter 48), whereas textile felt is a product of the textile industry (Chapter 56). The classification 4805.50 is specifically reserved for felt paper and paperboard that are uncoated and in their primary manufactured state.

Covers
  • Roofing felt (uncoated)
  • Flooring felt underlayment
  • Industrial felt paperboard
  • Sound-deadening felt paper
  • Absorbent felt paper for saturation
  • Gasket felt paper
Also under 4805.50
  • GAF FeltBuster
  • CertainTeed DiamondDeck
  • Tarco LeakBarrier

Codes often confused with 4805.50

Common mistake. Felt paper is frequently misclassified under HS code 5602, which covers felt made of textile fibers. The primary difference lies in the manufacturing process: 4805.50 is for paper-based products made on a paper machine, while 5602 is for textile-based products. Another common error is using HS code 4811.90 for roofing felt that has already been impregnated with bitumen or asphalt; once the paper is coated or impregnated, it moves from 4805 to 4811.

56.02Felt; whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated4811.90Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of soft cellulose fibres; coated, impregnated, covered, surface-decorated or surface-coloured, n.e.c. in heading no. 4811, in rolls or sheets48.05Uncoated paper and paperboard n.e.c., in rolls or sheets48.11Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibres, coated, impregnated, covered, surface-coloured, decorated or printed, rolls or sheets, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810

Top exporters and importers of HS 480550 (the code used for felt paper), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480550 (the code used for felt paper) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% 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 480550, not only felt paper.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Indonesia $20M
  2. 2 United States $6.7M
  3. 3 Czechia $4.4M

World total: $42M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $5.5M
  2. 2 Poland $4.9M
  3. 3 Canada $3.9M

World total: $36M 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 felt paper

Brazil classifies felt paper under NCM 4805.50.00: HS 4805.50 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 felt paper

What is the HS code for Felt paper?

The HS code for Felt paper is 480550 (Paper and paperboard; felt paper and paperboard, uncoated, in rolls or sheets). The HS code for uncoated felt paper and paperboard in rolls or sheets is 4805.50.

How do I classify Felt paper for customs?

Felt paper is classified under HS code 480550 — Paper and paperboard; felt paper and paperboard, uncoated, in rolls or sheets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include bitumen-saturated roofing felt?

No, once felt paper is saturated or coated with bitumen, it is typically classified under HS code 4811.90 or 6807.10 depending on the extent of the coating.

Which countries are the top exporters of felt paper (HS 480550)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480550 (the code used for felt paper) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($20M, 48% of world exports), the United States ($6.7M) and Czechia ($4.4M). World exports came to about $42M, 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 felt paper (HS 480550)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 480550 (the code used for felt paper) in UN Comtrade data were China ($5.5M, 15% of world imports), Poland ($4.9M) and Canada ($3.9M). World imports came to about $36M, 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 Felt paper the same in all countries?

The base HS code 480550 for Felt paper 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 felt paper in Brazil?

In Brazil, felt paper (HS 480550) is classified under NCM 4805.50.00.