Product classification
HS code for Industrial paper: 4808.90
Paper and paperboard, other than corrugated (with or without glued flat surface sheets) or kraft paper, creped or crinkled, whether or not embossed or perforated, in rolls or sheets, other than paper of heading 4803.
Classification of industrial paper under HS 4808.90
Industrial paper that has undergone mechanical processing to alter its surface texture is classified under HS code 4808.90. This heading covers paper and paperboard that has been creped, crinkled, embossed, or perforated. The classification is determined by the physical transformation of the paper after its initial manufacture. Subheading 4808.90 is the residual category for these types of papers that are not corrugated (4808.10) or kraft paper (4808.40). These papers are widely used in industrial applications for protective packaging, technical filtration, and as base materials for further chemical treatment. The creping or crinkling process provides the paper with elasticity and cushioning properties, making it ideal for industrial wrapping. Unlike decorative papers, industrial paper under this code is defined by its functional mechanical properties. It must be in rolls or sheets to qualify under this heading, and it excludes paper that has been treated for sanitary or household purposes, which falls under heading 4803.
- Covers
- Embossed industrial wrapping paper
- Perforated technical paper
- Creped filter paper rolls
- Crinkled protective sheets
- Elasticated industrial paperboard
- Textured cable insulation paper
- Also under 4808.90
- SCA (hygiene papers)
- Kimberly-Clark (specialty tissues)
- Ahlstrom-Munksjö (technical papers)
- Georgia-Pacific (various paper products)
Codes often confused with 4808.90
Common mistake. Industrial paper is frequently misclassified under 4808.10, which is specifically for corrugated paper and paperboard. It is also confused with 4803, which covers toilet or facial tissue stock; however, 4803 is limited to household and sanitary papers. If the paper is plain and has not been creped or embossed, it belongs in 4802 or 4805.
Top exporters and importers of HS 480890 (the code used for industrial paper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480890 (the code used for industrial paper) in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 9.1% 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 480890, not only industrial paper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Switzerland $113M 27% of world exports
- 2 Italy $54M 13% of world exports
- 3 China $44M 10% of world exports
World total: $419M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $34M 9.1% of world imports
- 2 China $25M 6.6% of world imports
- 3 United States $17M 4.6% of world imports
World total: $372M 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 industrial paper
Brazil classifies industrial paper under NCM 4808.90.00: HS 4808.90 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 industrial paper
What is the HS code for Industrial paper?
The HS code for Industrial paper is 480890 (Paper and paperboard; other than corrugated (with or without glued flat surface sheets) or kraft paper, creped or crinkled, whether or not embossed or perforated, in rolls or sheets, other than paper of heading 4803). The HS code for industrial paper that is creped, crinkled, embossed, or perforated is 4808.90.
How do I classify Industrial paper for customs?
Industrial paper is classified under HS code 480890 — Paper and paperboard; other than corrugated (with or without glued flat surface sheets) or kraft paper, creped or crinkled, whether or not embossed or perforated, in rolls or sheets, other than paper of heading 4803. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is corrugated paper included in 4808.90?
No, corrugated paper and paperboard are specifically classified under HS code 4808.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of industrial paper (HS 480890)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480890 (the code used for industrial paper) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($113M, 27% of world exports), Italy ($54M) and China ($44M). World exports came to about $419M, 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 industrial paper (HS 480890)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 480890 (the code used for industrial paper) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($34M, 9.1% of world imports), China ($25M) and the United States ($17M). World imports came to about $372M, 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 Industrial paper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 480890 for Industrial 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 industrial paper in Brazil?
In Brazil, industrial paper (HS 480890) is classified under NCM 4808.90.00.