Product classification

HS code for Handmade paper: 4802.10

Hand-made paper or paperboard.

Classification of handmade paper under HS 4802.10

HS code 4802.10 is designated for hand-made paper and paperboard. Chapter 48 covers paper and paperboard articles, and heading 4802 specifically deals with uncoated paper used for writing, printing, or graphic purposes. The subheading 4802.10 is unique because it focuses on the manufacturing process rather than just the end-use or chemical composition. Handmade paper is defined by its production method, where individual sheets are formed by dipping a mold into a vat of pulp. This process results in characteristic features such as deckle edges (irregular, feathered edges) and irregular fiber distribution, which are not present in machine-made paper. Even if the paper is intended for high-end stationery or artistic use, the fact that it is hand-molded dictates its classification under this specific code. The pulp used can be derived from various sources, including cotton rags, flax, or specialty plant fibers. Unlike machine-made paper, handmade paper lacks a distinct grain direction, making it highly sought after for specific artistic applications and conservation work. This code applies regardless of the weight or thickness, provided it meets the definition of paper or paperboard.

Covers
  • Hand-molded cotton rag paper
  • Deckle-edged artist paper
  • Handmade stationery sheets
  • Specialty hand-formed paperboard
  • Handmade decorative paper with botanical inclusions
Also under 4802.10
  • Fabriano Artistico (some lines)
  • Arches Watercolour Paper (traditional)
  • Awagami Factory Washi
  • Twinrocker Handmade Paper.

Codes often confused with 4802.10

Common mistake. Handmade paper is often incorrectly classified under 4802.54 through 4802.69, which are codes for machine-made graphic papers categorized by weight and fiber content. It is also frequently confused with 4817.10 (envelopes) if the paper is sold as part of a stationery set. Another common error is classification under 4823.90 for "other" paper products; however, 4802.10 is a more specific heading that takes precedence. Importers must ensure that the "handmade" claim is supported by the manufacturing process, as machine-made paper with artificial deckle edges does not qualify.

4802.54Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weighing less than 40g/m2, in rolls or sheets4802.69Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, other than rolls, other than sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded)4817.10Paper and paperboard; envelopes4823.90Paper pulp, paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres; articles n.e.c. in heading no. 4823

Top exporters and importers of HS 480210 (the code used for handmade paper), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480210 (the code used for handmade paper) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 25% 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 480210, not only handmade paper.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $12M
  2. 2 Japan $9.5M
  3. 3 France $7.1M

World total: $65M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 France $28M
  2. 2 Singapore $21M
  3. 3 Japan $7.7M

World total: $112M 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 handmade paper

Brazil classifies handmade paper under NCM 4802.10.00: HS 4802.10 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 handmade paper

What is the HS code for Handmade paper?

The HS code for Handmade paper is 480210 (Hand-made paper or paperboard). The HS code for hand-made paper and paperboard is 4802.10.

How do I classify Handmade paper for customs?

Handmade paper is classified under HS code 480210 — Hand-made paper or paperboard. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does handmade paper include paper with flower petals?

Yes, as long as the base sheet is formed by hand in a vat, it is classified under 4802.10, even if it contains decorative inclusions like petals or leaves.

Which countries are the top exporters of handmade paper (HS 480210)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480210 (the code used for handmade paper) in UN Comtrade data were China ($12M, 18% of world exports), Japan ($9.5M) and France ($7.1M). World exports came to about $65M, 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 handmade paper (HS 480210)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 480210 (the code used for handmade paper) in UN Comtrade data were France ($28M, 25% of world imports), Singapore ($21M) and Japan ($7.7M). World imports came to about $112M, 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 Handmade paper the same in all countries?

The base HS code 480210 for Handmade 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 handmade paper in Brazil?

In Brazil, handmade paper (HS 480210) is classified under NCM 4802.10.00.