Product classification
HS code for Heavyweight unbleached kraft paper: 4804.51
Kraft paper and paperboard, uncoated, unbleached, weight 225g/m2 or more, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803.
Classification of heavyweight unbleached kraft paper under HS 4804.51
The classification of heavyweight unbleached kraft paper under HS code 4804.51 is based on the chemical wood pulp process (kraft process) and the substantial weight of the material. This code applies to paper and paperboard that is uncoated and unbleached, with a weight of 225g/m2 or more. It is distinguished from other paper products by its high strength and durability, which are characteristic of the kraft process. This specific subheading excludes papers intended for writing, printing, or graphic purposes (heading 4802) and household or sanitary papers (heading 4803). The "heavyweight" designation at 225g/m2 or more places this material in the category of paperboard rather than standard paper. It is primarily used for industrial applications, such as the production of heavy-duty shipping sacks, protective floor coverings during construction, or as a base material for further conversion into specialized industrial products. The absence of bleaching agents ensures the maximum retention of fiber strength, which is why this material is preferred for load-bearing or high-stress packaging environments.
- Covers
- Unbleached kraft paperboard over 225g/m2
- Heavy-duty industrial kraft wrapping
- Uncoated kraft linerboard (virgin pulp)
- Thick unbleached kraft sheets for construction protection
- Kraft paperboard for heavy-duty tube winding
- Also under 4804.51
- International Paper Pinehill Linerboard
- WestRock Kraftpak
- Smurfit Kappa Containerboard
- Georgia-Pacific Kraftliner
- Mondi Kraftliner
Codes often confused with 4804.51
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 4804.11, which is specifically for kraftliner. While kraftliner can be heavyweight, 4804.51 is the "other" category for non-liner kraft paperboard. It is also confused with HS code 4804.41, which covers unbleached kraft paper weighing between 150g/m2 and 225g/m2. If the paper is made from recycled fibers, it should be classified under heading 4805.
Top exporters and importers of HS 480451 (the code used for heavyweight unbleached kraft paper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480451 (the code used for heavyweight unbleached kraft paper) in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 480451, not only heavyweight unbleached kraft paper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Australia $108M 28% of world exports
- 2 United States $49M 13% of world exports
- 3 India $38M 9.9% of world exports
World total: $380M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $50M 13% of world imports
- 2 China $43M 11% of world imports
- 3 Canada $28M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $389M 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 unbleached kraft paper
Brazil classifies heavyweight unbleached kraft paper under NCM 4804.51.00: HS 4804.51 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 unbleached kraft paper
What is the HS code for Heavyweight unbleached kraft paper?
The HS code for Heavyweight unbleached kraft paper is 480451 (Kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, unbleached, weight 225g/m2 or more, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803). The HS code for uncoated, unbleached kraft paper and paperboard weighing 225g/m2 or more is 4804.51.
How do I classify Heavyweight unbleached kraft paper for customs?
Heavyweight unbleached kraft paper is classified under HS code 480451 — Kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, unbleached, weight 225g/m2 or more, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can this code be used for recycled paper?
No, heading 4804 is specifically for paper and paperboard where at least 80% of the fiber content is obtained by the chemical sulfate or soda (kraft) process, usually implying virgin fibers.
Which countries are the top exporters of heavyweight unbleached kraft paper (HS 480451)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480451 (the code used for heavyweight unbleached kraft paper) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($108M, 28% of world exports), the United States ($49M) and India ($38M). World exports came to about $380M, 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 unbleached kraft paper (HS 480451)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 480451 (the code used for heavyweight unbleached kraft paper) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($50M, 13% of world imports), China ($43M) and Canada ($28M). World imports came to about $389M, 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 unbleached kraft paper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 480451 for Heavyweight unbleached 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 unbleached kraft paper in Brazil?
In Brazil, heavyweight unbleached kraft paper (HS 480451) is classified under NCM 4804.51.00.