Product classification
HS code for Large paper bags: 4819.30
Paper and paperboard, sacks and bags of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, having a base of a width of 40cm or more.
Classification of large paper bags under HS 4819.30
Large paper bags are classified under HS code 4819.30. This classification is determined by the material of construction and the physical dimensions of the product. Heading 4819 covers cartons, boxes, cases, bags, and other packing containers of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding, or webs of cellulose fibers. Subheading 4819.30 is specifically for sacks and bags that have a base width of 40 cm or more. This measurement is the defining characteristic for this code. The classification applies to bags used for industrial, commercial, or retail purposes, provided they meet the size threshold. The construction can be single-walled or multi-walled, and the bags may be gusseted or flat-bottomed. The material must be predominantly paper or paperboard to remain within Chapter 48.
- Covers
- Multi-wall paper sacks for cement or chemicals
- Large industrial flour and grain bags
- Heavy-duty paper refuse bags
- Large retail shopping bags with a base width over 40 cm
- Paper animal feed sacks
- Also under 4819.30
- LafargeHolcim cement bags
- Purina Pro Plan large dog food bags
- Kingsford charcoal bags
- large grocery store paper bags (e.g., Whole Foods)
- large agricultural seed bags
Codes often confused with 4819.30
Common mistake. The primary source of confusion is HS code 4819.40, which covers other sacks and bags with a base width of less than 40 cm. Accurate measurement of the bag's base is required to distinguish between these two codes. Another common misclassification involves HS code 3923.21 or 3923.29, which are for bags made of plastics. Even if a paper bag has a thin plastic liner for moisture protection, it remains in 4819.30 as long as the paper provides the essential character. However, if the bag is primarily made of plastic-coated textile or woven plastic strips, it would move to Chapter 39 or 63.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481930 (the code used for large paper bags), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481930 (the code used for large paper bags) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 481930, not only large paper bags.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $191M 15% of world exports
- 2 Morocco $119M 9.1% of world exports
- 3 Poland $83M 6.4% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $252M 18% of world imports
- 2 France $106M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Germany $77M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 large paper bags
Brazil classifies large paper bags under NCM 4819.30.00: HS 4819.30 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 large paper bags
What is the HS code for Large paper bags?
The HS code for Large paper bags is 481930 (Paper and paperboard; sacks and bags of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, having a base of a width of 40cm or more). The HS code for paper sacks and bags with a base width of 40 cm or more is 4819.30.
How do I classify Large paper bags for customs?
Large paper bags is classified under HS code 481930 — Paper and paperboard; sacks and bags of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, having a base of a width of 40cm or more. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is the base width measured for classification?
The base width is measured across the bottom of the bag. For gusseted bags, it is the width of the face plus the width of one gusset when the bag is fully opened, or the width of the bottom seal.
Which countries are the top exporters of large paper bags (HS 481930)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481930 (the code used for large paper bags) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($191M, 15% of world exports), Morocco ($119M) and Poland ($83M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 large paper bags (HS 481930)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481930 (the code used for large paper bags) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($252M, 18% of world imports), France ($106M) and Germany ($77M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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.
Is the HS code for Large paper bags the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481930 for Large paper bags 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 large paper bags in Brazil?
In Brazil, large paper bags (HS 481930) is classified under NCM 4819.30.00.