Product classification

HS code for Heavyweight testliner: 4805.25

Paper & paperboard, uncoated, testliner (recycled linerboard), weight over 150g/m2, in rolls or sheets.

Classification of heavyweight testliner under HS 4805.25

Heavyweight testliner is classified under HS code 4805.25 because it consists of uncoated paper and paperboard made primarily from recycled fibers, specifically intended for use as the outer layers of corrugated cardboard. The "testliner" designation refers to its recycled content, distinguishing it from virgin kraft liner. The classification is further refined by the weight of the product, which must exceed 150g/m2. This threshold separates it from lighter grades of testliner used in smaller packaging applications. Accurate classification depends on verifying the grammage and the recycled nature of the pulp used in production. Testliner is often multi-ply, meaning it is composed of several layers of recycled pulp pressed together, sometimes with a higher quality top layer to improve burst strength or printability. Because it is uncoated, it maintains a matte finish and is highly absorbent, which is ideal for the adhesion of corrugating mediums. Customs authorities require technical specifications confirming the weight and the absence of coatings to validate this classification.

Covers
  • Recycled linerboard exceeding 150g/m2
  • Multi-ply testliner for corrugated boxes
  • Brown recycled paperboard in rolls
  • High-grammage recycled liner for shipping containers
  • Uncoated recycled board for heavy-duty packaging
Also under 4805.25
  • Smurfit Kappa Testliner 3
  • DS Smith Heavy Testliner
  • Mondi ProVantage Testliner
  • International Paper Testliner

Codes often confused with 4805.25

Common mistake. Heavyweight testliner is often misclassified under HS code 4804.11 or 4804.19, which are reserved for kraftliner made from virgin wood pulp. While they serve similar purposes, the fiber source is the distinguishing factor. It is also confused with HS code 4805.24, which covers testliner weighing 150g/m2 or less. If the paperboard is coated with kaolin or other substances, it must be moved to heading 4810.

4804.11Kraft paper and paperboard; kraftliner, uncoated, unbleached, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 48034804.19Kraft paper and paperboard; kraftliner, uncoated, bleached, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 48034805.24Paper & paperboard; uncoated, testliner (recycled linerboard), weight 150g/m2, or less, in rolls or sheets48.10Paper 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 480525 (the code used for heavyweight testliner), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480525 (the code used for heavyweight testliner) in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% 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 480525, not only heavyweight testliner.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Malaysia $525M
  2. 2 Canada $364M
  3. 3 United States $364M

World total: $2.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $932M
  2. 2 United States $378M
  3. 3 Canada $226M

World total: $2.8B 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 testliner

Brazil classifies heavyweight testliner under NCM 4805.25.00: HS 4805.25 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 testliner

What is the HS code for Heavyweight testliner?

The HS code for Heavyweight testliner is 480525 (Paper & paperboard; uncoated, testliner (recycled linerboard), weight over 150g/m2, in rolls or sheets). The HS code for uncoated testliner (recycled linerboard) weighing more than 150g/m2 is 4805.25.

How do I classify Heavyweight testliner for customs?

Heavyweight testliner is classified under HS code 480525 — Paper & paperboard; uncoated, testliner (recycled linerboard), weight over 150g/m2, in rolls or sheets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is testliner the same as kraftliner?

No, testliner (4805.25) is made from recycled fibers, whereas kraftliner (4804.11) is made from at least 80% virgin chemical wood pulp.

Which countries are the top exporters of heavyweight testliner (HS 480525)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480525 (the code used for heavyweight testliner) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($525M, 19% of world exports), Canada ($364M) and the United States ($364M). World exports came to about $2.8B, 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 testliner (HS 480525)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 480525 (the code used for heavyweight testliner) in UN Comtrade data were China ($932M, 34% of world imports), the United States ($378M) and Canada ($226M). World imports came to about $2.8B, 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 testliner the same in all countries?

The base HS code 480525 for Heavyweight testliner 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 testliner in Brazil?

In Brazil, heavyweight testliner (HS 480525) is classified under NCM 4805.25.00.