Product classification
HS code for Glassine paper: 4806.40
Paper, glassine and other glazed transparent or translucent papers, in rolls or sheets.
Classification of glassine paper under HS 4806.40
Glassine paper is classified under HS code 4806.40 because it falls within the category of vegetable parchment, greaseproof papers, tracing papers, and glassine and other glazed transparent or translucent papers. The classification is determined by the manufacturing process and the resulting physical properties of the paper. Glassine is produced through a process called supercalendering. After the paper web is formed, it is dampened and passed through a series of heated and cooled rollers known as a calender stack. This intense pressure and heat collapse the paper fibers, creating a very dense, thin, and smooth surface that is highly resistant to air, water, and grease. Unlike greaseproof paper, which achieves its properties through intensive refining of the pulp to create a high degree of fiber hydration, glassine's transparency and finish are primarily the result of this mechanical finishing. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, the heading 4806 is chosen because it specifically names glassine. The subheading 4806.40 is the specific international designation for these glazed transparent or translucent papers in rolls or sheets. This paper is distinct from plastic films because it is cellulose-based, which is a critical distinction for Chapter 48. The density of glassine makes it ideal for protective packaging, particularly in the food and philatelic industries, where its pH-neutral and archival qualities are highly valued.
- Covers
- Standard glassine paper rolls
- Glassine sheets for food wrapping
- Acid-free glassine for archival storage
- Colored or tinted glassine paper
- Embossed glassine used in luxury packaging
- High-density translucent glazed paper
- Also under 4806.40
- Ahlstrom-Munksjö Glassine
- Sappi Translucent Paper
- Nordic Paper Glassine
Codes often confused with 4806.40
Common mistake. Glassine is frequently confused with greaseproof paper, which is classified under 4806.20. While both are resistant to oils, greaseproof paper is not supercalendered and lacks the high gloss and transparency of glassine. It is also often mistaken for tracing paper (4806.30), which is specifically treated for transparency but lacks the glazed finish. Additionally, some importers mistakenly classify glassine under 3920 or 3921 if they believe it is a plastic film, but since glassine is made from wood pulp, it must remain in Chapter 48.
Top exporters and importers of HS 480640 (the code used for glassine paper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480640 (the code used for glassine paper) in UN Comtrade data was Finland, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 13% 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 480640, not only glassine paper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Finland $251M 19% of world exports
- 2 France $228M 17% of world exports
- 3 Italy $205M 16% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $182M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $173M 12% of world imports
- 3 Poland $129M 8.9% 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 glassine paper
Brazil classifies glassine paper under NCM 4806.40.00: HS 4806.40 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 glassine paper
What is the HS code for Glassine paper?
The HS code for Glassine paper is 480640 (Paper; glassine and other glazed transparent or translucent papers, in rolls or sheets). The primary HS code for glassine paper is 4806.40, which covers glassine and other glazed transparent or translucent papers.
How do I classify Glassine paper for customs?
Glassine paper is classified under HS code 480640 — Paper; glassine and other glazed transparent or translucent papers, in rolls or sheets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is glassine paper the same as wax paper?
No, wax paper is typically classified under 4811.41 or 4811.49. Wax paper is coated with a layer of paraffin or soy wax, whereas glassine achieves its properties through mechanical supercalendering without the need for wax coatings.
Which countries are the top exporters of glassine paper (HS 480640)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480640 (the code used for glassine paper) in UN Comtrade data were Finland ($251M, 19% of world exports), France ($228M) and Italy ($205M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 glassine paper (HS 480640)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 480640 (the code used for glassine paper) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($182M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($173M) and Poland ($129M). 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 Glassine paper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 480640 for Glassine 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 glassine paper in Brazil?
In Brazil, glassine paper (HS 480640) is classified under NCM 4806.40.00.