Product classification
HS code for Letter cards: 4817.20
Paper and paperboard, letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards.
Classification of letter cards under HS 4817.20
Letter cards are classified under HS code 481720. This code falls within Chapter 48, which covers paper and paperboard articles. Specifically, heading 4817 is dedicated to envelopes, letter cards, plain postcards, and correspondence cards. Letter cards are stationery items that consist of a sheet of paper or cardstock designed to be folded and sealed, often with perforated edges for easy opening, allowing the item to be mailed without an envelope. The classification depends on the item being "plain" or having minimal printing that does not change its primary function as stationery. If the card is heavily illustrated or carries a specific message like a greeting card, the classification would shift to Chapter 49. This code is essential for distinguishing between bulk stationery supplies and printed matter.
- Covers
- Plain letter cards
- Fold-and-seal correspondence cards
- Non-illustrated letter sheets
- Perforated mailing cards
- Unprinted stationery cards for correspondence
- Also under 4817.20
Crane & Co. Correspondence Cards, Moo Luxe Postcards (blank), Paper Source Note Cards, G. Lalo Verge de France Letter Cards, Strathmore Blank Cards
Codes often confused with 4817.20
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 490900, which covers printed postcards and greeting cards. If a letter card features pictorial designs or printed messages for specific occasions, it must be classified under 4909. Another common error is using HS code 481710, which is strictly for envelopes. While letter cards serve a similar purpose to an envelope and letter combined, they are distinct articles. Additionally, boxes of stationery containing a mix of items are classified under 481730 rather than the individual component codes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481720 (the code used for letter cards), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481720 (the code used for letter cards) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 481720, not only letter cards.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $8.4M 18% of world exports
- 2 United States $5.6M 12% of world exports
- 3 Italy $4.5M 10.0% of world exports
World total: $45M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $8.8M 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $4.8M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 Canada $3.3M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $53M 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 letter cards
Brazil classifies letter cards under NCM 4817.20.00: HS 4817.20 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 letter cards
What is the HS code for Letter cards?
The HS code for Letter cards is 481720 (Paper and paperboard; letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards). The HS code for plain letter cards and correspondence cards is 481720.
How do I classify Letter cards for customs?
Letter cards is classified under HS code 481720 — Paper and paperboard; letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are picture postcards included in this code?
No, postcards with pictorial designs or illustrations are classified under HS code 490900.
Which countries are the top exporters of letter cards (HS 481720)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481720 (the code used for letter cards) in UN Comtrade data were China ($8.4M, 18% of world exports), the United States ($5.6M) and Italy ($4.5M). World exports came to about $45M, 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 letter cards (HS 481720)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481720 (the code used for letter cards) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($8.8M, 17% of world imports), Germany ($4.8M) and Canada ($3.3M). World imports came to about $53M, 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 Letter cards the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481720 for Letter cards 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 letter cards in Brazil?
In Brazil, letter cards (HS 481720) is classified under NCM 4817.20.00.