Product classification
HS code for Heavyweight bleached kraft paper: 4804.52
Kraft paper and paperboard, uncoated, weight 225g/m2 or more, bleached uniformly throughout, more than 95% of total fibre content consists of chemically processed wood fibres, in rolls or sheets.
Classification of heavyweight bleached kraft paper under HS 4804.52
Heavyweight bleached kraft paper is classified under HS code 4804.52 based on its specific physical characteristics and chemical composition as defined in the Harmonized System's Chapter 48. This code is reserved for kraft paper and paperboard that is uncoated and weighs 225 grams per square meter (g/m2) or more. A critical requirement for this classification is that the paper must be bleached uniformly throughout the mass, meaning the bleaching agent has been applied to the pulp before the paper is formed, rather than just as a surface treatment. Furthermore, the fiber content must consist of more than 95% chemically processed wood fibers by weight. This high chemical fiber content ensures the strength and durability characteristic of kraft paper. Under the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1 and 6, the product is identified by its weight and the bleaching process. The heavyweight designation distinguishes it from medium-weight kraft paper and lightweight kraft paper. The absence of a coating is also a primary factor; if the paper were coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances, it would move to heading 4810.
- Covers
- Bleached liquid packaging board base paper
- Heavy-duty bleached carrier bag paper
- Bleached kraft linerboard exceeding 225g/m2
- Solid bleached sulfate (SBS) board for industrial packaging
- Bleached file folder stock
- Also under 4804.52
- Stora Enso CKB
- BillerudKorsnäs White Top Kraftliner (heavy grades)
- Mondi ProVantage Komiwhite
- Sappi Algro Design Duo
- International Paper Accent Opaque (heavy)
Codes often confused with 4804.52
Common mistake. This product is frequently confused with HS code 4804.51, which covers heavyweight kraft paper that is unbleached. Another common error is classifying it under 4804.42, which covers bleached kraft paper weighing between 150g/m2 and 225g/m2. If the paper has a clay or plastic coating, it must be classified under 4810 or 4811 respectively, rather than 4804.52.
Top exporters and importers of HS 480452 (the code used for heavyweight bleached kraft paper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480452 (the code used for heavyweight bleached kraft paper) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 17% 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 480452, not only heavyweight bleached kraft paper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $66M 41% of world exports
- 2 Finland $65M 41% of world exports
- 3 Canada $14M 8.8% of world exports
World total: $158M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $30M 17% of world imports
- 2 Japan $25M 14% of world imports
- 3 United States $22M 12% of world imports
World total: $176M 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 heavyweight bleached kraft paper
Brazil classifies heavyweight bleached kraft paper under NCM 4804.52.00: HS 4804.52 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 heavyweight bleached kraft paper
What is the HS code for Heavyweight bleached kraft paper?
The HS code for Heavyweight bleached kraft paper is 480452 (Kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, weight 225g/m2 or more, bleached uniformly throughout, more than 95% of total fibre content consists of chemically processed wood fibres, in rolls or sheets). The HS code for uncoated kraft paper and paperboard, weighing 225g/m2 or more and bleached uniformly throughout the mass, is 4804.52.
How do I classify Heavyweight bleached kraft paper for customs?
Heavyweight bleached kraft paper is classified under HS code 480452 — Kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, weight 225g/m2 or more, bleached uniformly throughout, more than 95% of total fibre content consists of chemically processed wood fibres, in rolls or sheets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include paper with a plastic moisture barrier?
No, if the kraft paper is laminated or coated with plastic, it is classified under HS code 4811.51 or 4811.59, depending on the specific application.
Which countries are the top exporters of heavyweight bleached kraft paper (HS 480452)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480452 (the code used for heavyweight bleached kraft paper) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($66M, 41% of world exports), Finland ($65M) and Canada ($14M). World exports came to about $158M, 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 heavyweight bleached kraft paper (HS 480452)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 480452 (the code used for heavyweight bleached kraft paper) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($30M, 17% of world imports), Japan ($25M) and the United States ($22M). World imports came to about $176M, 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 Heavyweight bleached kraft paper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 480452 for Heavyweight bleached kraft 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 heavyweight bleached kraft paper in Brazil?
In Brazil, heavyweight bleached kraft paper (HS 480452) is classified under NCM 4804.52.00.