Product classification

HS code for Heavy coated paper: 4810.29

Paper and paperboard, coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanically processed fibres, (excluding light-weight paper), for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, in rolls or sheets.

Classification of heavy coated paper under HS 4810.29

Heavy coated paper is classified under HS code 4810.29. This classification is part of Chapter 48, which covers paper and paperboard. Heading 4810 specifically addresses paper coated with kaolin (China clay) or other inorganic substances. Subheading 4810.29 is used for paper intended for writing, printing, or other graphic purposes that contains more than 10% by weight of mechanically processed fibers. This code excludes 'light-weight' coated paper, which is defined by specific weight and coating thickness parameters in the Chapter Notes. The classification depends on the coating method (using inorganic binders), the fiber composition (mechanical vs. chemical pulp), and the intended use for graphic arts. It is typically used for high-quality magazines, catalogs, and advertising materials where a smooth, heavy finish is required.

Covers
  • Coated mechanical printing paper > 72g/m2
  • Kaolin-coated graphic paperboard with > 10% mechanical fiber
  • Heavyweight coated paper for offset printing
  • Inorganic coated paper in rolls or sheets for graphic use
Also under 4810.29
  • Sappi Magno Gloss
  • UPM Finesse Gloss
  • Stora Enso LumiArt
  • Domtar Lynx Opaque Ultra
  • International Paper Accent Opaque

Codes often confused with 4810.29

Common mistake. This product is often misclassified under 4810.19, which is for coated paper containing 10% or less of mechanical fibers. It is also confused with 4810.22, which is specifically for 'light-weight' coated paper (weighing not more than 72g/m2). Furthermore, if the coating is organic (like plastic or wax), the product must be classified under heading 4811 instead of 4810.

4810.19Paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances, for printing/writing/graphics, having 10% or less by weight of total fibres got by mechanical/chemi-mechanical process, sides exceeding 435mm and 297mm, unfolded, sheets4810.22Paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibres, for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, light-weight coated paper, in rolls or sheets48.11Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibres, coated, impregnated, covered, surface-coloured, decorated or printed, rolls or sheets, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 481048.10Paper and paperboard, coated one or both sides with kaolin (china clay) or inorganic substances, with binder or not, no other coating, surface coloured or not, surface decorated or printed, in rolls or rectangular (including square) sheets, of any size

Top exporters and importers of HS 481029 (the code used for heavy coated paper), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481029 (the code used for heavy coated paper) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 10% 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 481029, not only heavy coated paper.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $1.2B
  2. 2 Germany $441M
  3. 3 Finland $408M

World total: $3.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $344M
  2. 2 United Kingdom $231M
  3. 3 United States $208M

World total: $3.4B 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 heavy coated paper

Brazil splits HS 4810.29 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 4810.29.10Coated paper over 10% mech. fibre, small formats
  • 4810.29.90Other coated paper over 10% mechanical fibre

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 heavy coated paper

What is the HS code for Heavy coated paper?

The HS code for Heavy coated paper is 481029 (Paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanically processed fibres, (excluding light-weight paper), for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, in rolls or sheets). The HS code for heavy coated paper with more than 10% mechanical fibers used for graphic purposes is 4810.29.

How do I classify Heavy coated paper for customs?

Heavy coated paper is classified under HS code 481029 — Paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanically processed fibres, (excluding light-weight paper), for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, in rolls or sheets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the difference between 4810.19 and 4810.29?

The difference lies in the fiber content; 4810.19 is for paper with 10% or less mechanical fibers, while 4810.29 is for paper with more than 10% mechanical fibers.

Which countries are the top exporters of heavy coated paper (HS 481029)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481029 (the code used for heavy coated paper) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 32% of world exports), Germany ($441M) and Finland ($408M). World exports came to about $3.9B, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of heavy coated paper (HS 481029)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 481029 (the code used for heavy coated paper) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($344M, 10% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($231M) and the United States ($208M). World imports came to about $3.4B, 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 Heavy coated paper the same in all countries?

The base HS code 481029 for Heavy coated 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 heavy coated paper in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 481029 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for heavy coated paper depends on the product's details: 4810.29.10 (Coated paper over 10% mech. fibre, small formats), 4810.29.90 (Other coated paper over 10% mechanical fibre).