Product classification
HS code for Gift boxes: 4819.20
Paper and paperboard, folding cartons, boxes and cases, of non-corrugated paper or paperboard.
Classification of gift boxes under HS 4819.20
Gift boxes made of paper or paperboard are classified under HS code 4819.20. This code falls under Chapter 48, which covers paper and paperboard and articles made from these materials. Heading 4819 is dedicated to cartons, boxes, cases, bags, and other packing containers. Specifically, subheading 4819.20 refers to folding cartons, boxes, and cases made of non-corrugated paper or paperboard. Most retail gift boxes are designed to be folded flat for shipping and then assembled, which fits the definition of a folding carton. The classification is determined by the material (paperboard) and the construction (non-corrugated and folding). If the box is rigid and does not fold, or if it is made of corrugated material, the classification within heading 4819 would shift to a different subheading.
- Covers
- Folding paperboard gift boxes
- Printed retail packaging boxes
- Cosmetic gift cartons
- Cardboard jewelry boxes (folding)
- Non-corrugated shoe boxes
- Folding confectionery boxes
- Also under 4819.20
- Kellogg's cereal boxes
- Nike shoe boxes
- Tylenol cartons
- Apple iPhone boxes
- Godiva chocolate boxes
Codes often confused with 4819.20
Common mistake. A common misclassification for gift boxes is HS code 4819.10, which is specifically for boxes made of corrugated paper or paperboard. Corrugated boxes have a fluted inner layer, whereas 4819.20 is for solid, non-corrugated board. Another frequent error involves luxury gift boxes classified under 4202.92; if a gift box is covered with textile or plastic sheeting and is intended for long-term use (like a permanent watch box), it is classified as a container under Chapter 42 rather than paper packaging under Chapter 48. Additionally, wooden gift boxes fall under 4415.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481920 (the code used for gift boxes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481920 (the code used for gift boxes) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 481920, not only gift boxes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.0B 19% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.2B 11% of world exports
- 3 Poland $745M 7.3% of world exports
World total: $10.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.1B 11% of world imports
- 2 France $907M 9.1% of world imports
- 3 Germany $667M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $9.9B 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 gift boxes
Brazil classifies gift boxes under NCM 4819.20.00: HS 4819.20 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 gift boxes
What is the HS code for Gift boxes?
The HS code for Gift boxes is 481920 (Paper and paperboard; folding cartons, boxes and cases, of non-corrugated paper or paperboard).
How do I classify Gift boxes for customs?
Gift boxes is classified under HS code 481920 — Paper and paperboard; folding cartons, boxes and cases, of non-corrugated paper or paperboard. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for paper gift boxes?
The HS code for folding, non-corrugated paperboard gift boxes is 4819.20.
Are rigid (non-folding) gift boxes classified here?
No, rigid paperboard boxes that do not fold are typically classified under HS code 4819.50 as other packing containers.
Which countries are the top exporters of gift boxes (HS 481920)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481920 (the code used for gift boxes) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0B, 19% of world exports), Germany ($1.2B) and Poland ($745M). World exports came to about $10.3B, 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 gift boxes (HS 481920)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481920 (the code used for gift boxes) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.1B, 11% of world imports), France ($907M) and Germany ($667M). World imports came to about $9.9B, 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 Gift boxes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481920 for Gift boxes 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 gift boxes in Brazil?
In Brazil, gift boxes (HS 481920) is classified under NCM 4819.20.00.