Product classification
HS code for Laminated paperboard: 4811.59
Paper and paperboard, coated, impregnated or covered with plastics (excluding adhesives), other than bleached and weighing more than 150g/m2, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810.
Classification of laminated paperboard under HS 4811.59
Laminated paperboard, specifically when coated or covered with plastics, falls under HS code 4811.59. This classification is part of the broader heading 4811, which covers paper and paperboard that has been subjected to surface treatments after the initial manufacturing process. Subheading 4811.59 is a residual category for paperboard coated with plastics that does not meet the specific criteria of being bleached and weighing more than 150 grams per square meter, which would fall under 4811.51. The lamination aspect here refers to the application of a plastic layer, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, to the surface of the paperboard to provide a barrier against moisture, grease, or air. This is a common material in the packaging industry. The classification relies on the fact that the paperboard provides the essential character of the product, even though the plastic layer adds significant functional value. This follows the guidelines of Chapter 48, which distinguishes between simple paper and paper that has been further worked or coated.
- Covers
- Polyethylene-coated unbleached paperboard for industrial packaging.
- Plastic-laminated recycled paperboard for moisture-resistant containers.
- Moisture-barrier laminated board for non-food industrial applications.
- Greyboard laminated with a thin plastic film for structural stability.
- Multi-layered board with a plastic barrier layer for technical use.
- Also under 4811.59
- Tetra Pak cartons
- Starbucks paper cups
- Kodak photographic paper
- Avery Dennison release liners
Codes often confused with 4811.59
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 4811.51, which is strictly for bleached paperboard weighing over 150g/m2. It is also frequently misclassified under 3921.90 if the plastic layer is considered the predominant material by weight or function. Additionally, if the lamination is done with bitumen or asphalt rather than plastic, the correct code would be 4811.10. Importers must also avoid 4807.00, which is for adhesive-bonded paper without surface plastic, and 4810, which covers paper coated with inorganic substances like kaolin clay.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481159 (the code used for laminated paperboard), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481159 (the code used for laminated paperboard) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 6.6% 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 481159, not only laminated paperboard.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.4B 19% of world exports
- 2 China $805M 11% of world exports
- 3 Poland $483M 6.5% of world exports
World total: $7.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $501M 6.6% of world imports
- 2 Poland $463M 6.1% of world imports
- 3 Germany $393M 5.2% of world imports
World total: $7.6B 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 laminated paperboard
Brazil splits HS 4811.59 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4811.59.10Other plastic-coated paper, max 15 cm/360 mm
- 4811.59.21Other photo paper base, PE/PP on both sides
- 4811.59.22Other silicone-coated paper and paperboard
- 4811.59.23Other printed PE/aluminium laminated paper
- 4811.59.29Other plastic-coated paper and paperboard
- 4811.59.30Other plastic-impregnated paper and paperboard
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 laminated paperboard
What is the HS code for Laminated paperboard?
The HS code for Laminated paperboard is 481159 (Paper and paperboard; coated, impregnated or covered with plastics (excluding adhesives), other than bleached and weighing more than 150g/m2, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810). The HS code for plastic-laminated or coated paperboard that is not bleached and over 150g is 4811.59.
How do I classify Laminated paperboard for customs?
Laminated paperboard is classified under HS code 481159 — Paper and paperboard; coated, impregnated or covered with plastics (excluding adhesives), other than bleached and weighing more than 150g/m2, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is this code used for liquid packaging board?
Generally, liquid packaging board like milk cartons is bleached and weighs over 150g/m2, so it usually falls under 4811.51 rather than 4811.59.
Which countries are the top exporters of laminated paperboard (HS 481159)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481159 (the code used for laminated paperboard) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.4B, 19% of world exports), China ($805M) and Poland ($483M). World exports came to about $7.4B, 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 laminated paperboard (HS 481159)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481159 (the code used for laminated paperboard) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($501M, 6.6% of world imports), Poland ($463M) and Germany ($393M). World imports came to about $7.6B, 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 Laminated paperboard the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481159 for Laminated 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 laminated paperboard in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 481159 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for laminated paperboard depends on the product's details: 4811.59.10 (Other plastic-coated paper, max 15 cm/360 mm), 4811.59.21 (Other photo paper base, PE/PP on both sides), 4811.59.22 (Other silicone-coated paper and paperboard), 4811.59.23 (Other printed PE/aluminium laminated paper), 4811.59.29 (Other plastic-coated paper and paperboard), 4811.59.30 (Other plastic-impregnated paper and paperboard).