Product classification
HS code for Kraft paperboard: 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 kraft paperboard under HS 4804.59
Kraft paperboard weighing 225g/m² or more is classified under HS code 4804.59. This classification falls under Chapter 48, which governs paper and paperboard articles. To meet the criteria for heading 4804, the material must consist of at least 80% by weight of wood fibers obtained by the chemical sulfate or soda process. The subheading 4804.59 specifically refers to 'other' uncoated kraft paperboard in the heaviest weight category (above 225g/m²). This material is known for its high strength, durability, and resistance to tearing, making it ideal for heavy-duty industrial packaging, rigid boxes, and structural paper components. The classification excludes paperboard that has been coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances, which would move the product to heading 4810.
- Covers
- Uncoated kraft paperboard (225g/m² or more)
- Heavy-duty unbleached kraft sheets
- Rigid kraft board for industrial tubes
- Non-bleached chemical sulfate paperboard
- Kraft board for heavy-duty folding cartons
- 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 HS code 4804.11, which is specifically for kraftliner (used for the outer layers of corrugated board). It may also be confused with HS code 4805, which covers other types of uncoated paperboard like recycled board or semi-chemical fluting. If the paperboard is coated, it must be classified under 4810.
Top exporters and importers of HS 480459 (the code used for kraft paperboard), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480459 (the code used for kraft paperboard) 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 kraft paperboard.
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 kraft paperboard
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 kraft paperboard
What is the HS code for Kraft paperboard?
The HS code for Kraft paperboard 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 for uncoated kraft paperboard weighing 225g/m² or more (other than kraftliner or sack kraft) is 4804.59.
How do I classify Kraft paperboard for customs?
Kraft paperboard 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.
What defines 'Kraft' in this classification?
It must contain at least 80% wood fibers produced by the chemical sulfate or soda process to be considered Kraft under heading 4804.
Which countries are the top exporters of kraft paperboard (HS 480459)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480459 (the code used for kraft paperboard) 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 kraft paperboard (HS 480459)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 480459 (the code used for kraft paperboard) 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 Kraft paperboard the same in all countries?
The base HS code 480459 for Kraft paperboard 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 kraft paperboard in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 480459 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for kraft paperboard 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).