Product classification
HS code for Gummed paper: 4811.49
Paper and paperboard, gummed or adhesive paper and paperboard (excluding self-adhesive), in rolls or sheets, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810.
Classification of gummed paper under HS 4811.49
Gummed paper is classified under HS code 4811.49. Chapter 48 covers paper and paperboard, and heading 4811 is reserved for paper that has been coated, impregnated, covered, surface-colored, surface-decorated, or printed. Subheading 4811.49 specifically covers gummed or adhesive paper other than self-adhesive varieties. The distinction here is critical: self-adhesive paper (like stickers or pressure-sensitive tapes) falls under 4811.41. Gummed paper, by contrast, typically requires an external activator, such as water or heat, to become tacky. This includes products like water-activated shipping tape or certain types of philatelic (stamp) paper. The classification depends on the nature of the adhesive coating and the fact that the paper is presented in rolls or sheets. If the paper is cut to specific shapes or printed for use as labels, it may be moved to heading 4821. The technical requirement for 4811.49 is that the paper must be coated with a layer of adhesive that is not pressure-sensitive at room temperature, distinguishing it from the common "peel and stick" products found in other subheadings.
- Covers
- Water-activated gummed paper
- Heat-activated adhesive paper
- Gummed paper in rolls or large sheets
- Non-self-adhesive label stock
- Gummed tape (non-pressure sensitive)
- Stamp paper (ungummed or gummed)
- Veneer tape (gummed)
- Also under 4811.49
- Shurtape Water-Activated Tape
- Intertape Polymer Group (IPG) Gummed Tape
- Uline Water-Activated Tape
- Tesa Gummed Paper
- Avery Gummed Labels
Codes often confused with 4811.49
Common mistake. The most common error is classifying gummed paper under 4811.41, which is strictly for self-adhesive (pressure-sensitive) paper. Another frequent mistake is using heading 4821 for labels; while 4811.49 covers the material in bulk rolls, 4821 is for paper labels of all kinds, whether or not printed. Additionally, if the paper is carbon paper or similar copying paper, it should be classified under 4809. Confusion also arises with plastic-backed tapes, which belong in Chapter 39.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481149 (the code used for gummed paper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481149 (the code used for gummed paper) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 18% 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 481149, not only gummed paper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $193M 34% of world exports
- 2 Germany $86M 15% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $34M 6.1% of world exports
World total: $560M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $109M 18% of world imports
- 2 Germany $41M 6.9% of world imports
- 3 United States $37M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $592M 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 codes for gummed paper
Brazil splits HS 4811.49 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4811.49.10Gummed (not self-adhesive) paper, max 15 cm/360 mm
- 4811.49.90Other gummed or adhesive paper and paperboard
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 gummed paper
What is the HS code for Gummed paper?
The HS code for Gummed paper is 481149 (Paper and paperboard; gummed or adhesive paper and paperboard (excluding self-adhesive), in rolls or sheets, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810). The HS code for gummed paper (excluding self-adhesive) is 4811.49.
How do I classify Gummed paper for customs?
Gummed paper is classified under HS code 481149 — Paper and paperboard; gummed or adhesive paper and paperboard (excluding self-adhesive), in rolls or sheets, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does it differ from self-adhesive paper?
Self-adhesive paper (4811.41) is pressure-sensitive and sticks immediately, while gummed paper (4811.49) requires moisture or heat to activate the adhesive.
Which countries are the top exporters of gummed paper (HS 481149)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481149 (the code used for gummed paper) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($193M, 34% of world exports), Germany ($86M) and the United Kingdom ($34M). World exports came to about $560M, 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 gummed paper (HS 481149)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481149 (the code used for gummed paper) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($109M, 18% of world imports), Germany ($41M) and the United States ($37M). World imports came to about $592M, 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 Gummed paper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481149 for Gummed 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 gummed paper in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 481149 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for gummed paper depends on the product's details: 4811.49.10 (Gummed (not self-adhesive) paper, max 15 cm/360 mm), 4811.49.90 (Other gummed or adhesive paper and paperboard).