Product classification
HS code for Heavyweight kraft paper: 4804.59
Kraft paper and paperboard, uncoated, weight 225g/m2 or more, in rolls or sheets, n.e.c. in item no. 4804.5, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803.
Classification of heavyweight kraft paper under HS 4804.59
Heavyweight kraft paper is classified under HS code 4804.59. This classification is part of Chapter 48, which covers paper and paperboard. Specifically, heading 4804 is dedicated to uncoated kraft paper and paperboard, in rolls or sheets. To be classified under the 4804.59 subheading, the product must meet three primary criteria. First, it must be uncoated, meaning it has not been treated with kaolin, clay, or other inorganic substances. Second, it must have a weight (grammage) of 225g/m2 or more, which distinguishes it from lighter kraft papers. Third, it falls into the "other" category because it does not meet the specific definitions of kraftliner (4804.51) or sack kraft paper. The paper must consist of at least 80% by weight of fibers obtained by the chemical sulfate or soda process. This high fiber content provides the characteristic strength and durability associated with kraft products. Accurate classification is essential for industrial packaging materials to ensure they are not confused with lower-grade paperboards or coated specialty papers.
- Covers
- Heavy industrial wrapping kraft paper
- Uncoated kraft board for protective packaging
- Thick kraft paper for floor protection
- Heavy-duty kraft linerboard (non-standard)
- Uncoated kraft paperboard for rigid containers
- Also under 4804.59
- WestRock Kraftliner (various grades)
- Smurfit Kappa Containerboard (various grades)
- Georgia-Pacific Kraft Paper (heavy industrial)
- KapStone Kraft Paper (heavy grades)
- Resolute Forest Products Kraft
Codes often confused with 4804.59
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 4804.11, which is specifically for kraftliner used in corrugated boxes. While both are heavyweight, kraftliner has specific technical standards for burst strength. It is also confused with 4805, which covers other uncoated paper and paperboard that does not meet the 80% sulfate/soda pulp requirement. Additionally, if the paper is coated with plastic or minerals, it must be classified under 4810 or 4811. Importers should check the pulp composition and coating status carefully.
Top exporters and importers of HS 480459 (the code used for heavyweight kraft paper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480459 (the code used for heavyweight kraft paper) in UN Comtrade data was Finland, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, 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 480459, not only heavyweight kraft paper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Finland $61M 37% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $32M 19% of world exports
- 3 United States $25M 15% of world exports
World total: $164M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $31M 18% of world imports
- 2 India $25M 14% of world imports
- 3 Italy $16M 9.4% of world imports
World total: $172M 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 heavyweight kraft paper
Brazil splits HS 4804.59 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4804.59.10Semi-bleached kraft from 225 g/m², 100% chem. wood
- 4804.59.90Other kraft paper/board, 225 g/m² or more
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 kraft paper
What is the HS code for Heavyweight kraft paper?
The HS code for Heavyweight kraft paper is 480459 (Kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, weight 225g/m2 or more, in rolls or sheets, n.e.c. in item no. 4804.5, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803). The HS code is 4804.59 for uncoated kraft paper or paperboard weighing 225g/m2 or more.
How do I classify Heavyweight kraft paper for customs?
Heavyweight kraft paper is classified under HS code 480459 — Kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, weight 225g/m2 or more, in rolls or sheets, n.e.c. in item no. 4804.5, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is this code used for corrugated boxes?
No, finished corrugated boxes are classified under HS code 4819.10; 4804.59 is for the raw material paperboard.
Which countries are the top exporters of heavyweight kraft paper (HS 480459)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480459 (the code used for heavyweight kraft paper) in UN Comtrade data were Finland ($61M, 37% of world exports), Sweden ($32M) and the United States ($25M). World exports came to about $164M, 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 kraft paper (HS 480459)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 480459 (the code used for heavyweight kraft paper) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($31M, 18% of world imports), India ($25M) and Italy ($16M). World imports came to about $172M, 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 kraft paper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 480459 for Heavyweight 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 kraft paper in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 480459 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for heavyweight kraft paper depends on the product's details: 4804.59.10 (Semi-bleached kraft from 225 g/m², 100% chem. wood), 4804.59.90 (Other kraft paper/board, 225 g/m² or more).