Product classification
HS code for Fiberboard cases: 4202.99
Cases and containers, n.e.c. in heading 4202, of vulcanised fibre or of paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper.
Classification of fiberboard cases under HS 4202.99
Fiberboard cases are classified under HS code 4202.99. Heading 4202 is a broad category that includes travel goods, vanity cases, binocular cases, musical instrument cases, and similar containers. The classification within this heading is determined by the outer surface material or the material of construction. Subheading 4202.99 is a residual category for containers made of vulcanized fiber or paperboard, or those wholly or mainly covered with such materials, which are not specifically mentioned in other subheadings. Vulcanized fiber is a laminated plastic composed only of cellulose, which is tough and resilient, making it ideal for protective cases. These cases are distinct from standard cardboard shipping boxes because they are designed for repeated use and often feature hardware like hinges, locks, and handles. The classification logic relies on GRI 1, which prioritizes the heading that most specifically describes the article. Since these are specialized containers for carrying specific items, they fall under 4202 rather than Chapter 48 (paper and paperboard). The n.e.c. (not elsewhere classified) nature of 4202.99 ensures that cases made of these specific durable fiber materials are captured when they do not fit into the leather, plastic, or textile categories defined in the earlier subheadings of 4202. It is important to note that the construction must be substantial enough to be considered a case or container of the type described in 4202. If the item is a simple folding carton for retail packaging, it would be excluded from this heading and classified in 4819. The durability and intended use for transport or storage of specific goods are the primary factors in applying heading 4202.
- Covers
- Vulcanized fiber instrument cases
- Hard paperboard sample cases
- Fiberboard storage trunks
- Protective tool cases made of vulcanized fiber
- Heavy-duty fiberboard carrying cases
- Also under 4202.99
- IKEA KVARNVIK storage boxes
- Martha Stewart Living craft organizers
- Container Store decorative boxes
- Smead file storage boxes
Codes often confused with 4202.99
Common mistake. Fiberboard cases are often misclassified under heading 4819, which covers cartons, boxes, and cases of paper or paperboard. However, 4819 is intended for packaging and shipping containers, whereas 4202.99 is for durable travel or specialized containers. They may also be confused with plastic cases in 4202.12 if the fiberboard is heavily coated.
Top exporters and importers of HS 420299 (the code used for fiberboard cases), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 420299 (the code used for fiberboard cases) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 7.5% 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 420299, not only fiberboard cases.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $171M 15% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $81M 7.3% of world exports
- 3 Germany $76M 6.8% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $113M 7.5% of world imports
- 2 France $108M 7.1% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $104M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 fiberboard cases
Brazil classifies fiberboard cases under NCM 4202.99.00: HS 4202.99 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fiberboard cases
What is the HS code for Fiberboard cases?
The HS code for Fiberboard cases is 420299 (Cases and containers; n.e.c. in heading 4202, of vulcanised fibre or of paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper). The HS code for cases and containers made of vulcanized fiber or paperboard is 4202.99.
How do I classify Fiberboard cases for customs?
Fiberboard cases is classified under HS code 420299 — Cases and containers; n.e.c. in heading 4202, of vulcanised fibre or of paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are cardboard shipping boxes classified under this code?
No, standard cardboard shipping boxes are classified under heading 4819, as they are intended for packaging rather than long-term travel or storage use.
Which countries are the top exporters of fiberboard cases (HS 420299)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 420299 (the code used for fiberboard cases) in UN Comtrade data were China ($171M, 15% of world exports), South Korea ($81M) and Germany ($76M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of fiberboard cases (HS 420299)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 420299 (the code used for fiberboard cases) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($113M, 7.5% of world imports), France ($108M) and South Korea ($104M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 Fiberboard cases the same in all countries?
The base HS code 420299 for Fiberboard cases 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 fiberboard cases in Brazil?
In Brazil, fiberboard cases (HS 420299) is classified under NCM 4202.99.00.