Product classification

HS code for Lightweight coated paper: 4810.22

Paper and paperboard, coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibres, for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, light-weight coated paper, in rolls or sheets.

Classification of lightweight coated paper under HS 4810.22

The classification of lightweight coated (LWC) paper under HS code 4810.22 is determined by specific technical parameters defined in the Harmonized System's Chapter 48 notes. To qualify, the paper must be coated on one or both sides with kaolin (China clay) or other inorganic substances, such as calcium carbonate, using a binder. This coating is essential for enhancing surface smoothness and ink receptivity for high-quality graphic printing. Furthermore, the fiber composition is a primary decider; the paper must contain more than 10% by weight of the total fiber content in the form of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibers. This distinguishes it from 'woodfree' papers which contain less than 10% mechanical pulp. The term 'light-weight' in this context typically refers to paper weighing not more than 72 g/m2, although the broader heading 4810 covers various weights. The classification also requires that the paper be used for writing, printing, or other graphic purposes, excluding papers used for specialized industrial or packaging applications that might fall under heading 4811.

Covers
  • LWC magazine paper
  • Lightweight catalog paper
  • Advertising inserts and flyers
  • Coated rotogravure paper
  • Coated offset printing paper
Also under 4810.22
  • UPM Ultra
  • Stora Enso NovaPress
  • Sappi Galerie Lite
  • Metsä Board Classic FBB
  • Resolute Forest Products LWC

Codes often confused with 4810.22

Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion occurs between 4810.22 and 4810.13. The latter is used for paper with 10% or less mechanical fiber. Importers often fail to verify the lab report regarding fiber composition, leading to incorrect declarations. Additionally, if the paper is coated with plastic or wax rather than inorganic substances like kaolin, it must be moved to heading 4811.90. Another common error involves confusing LWC with SC (supercalendered) paper; while both are used for magazines, SC paper is uncoated and falls under 4802.61 if it contains high mechanical fiber content.

4810.13Paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances, for printing & writing, graphics, containing no, or not more than 10% by weight of total fibres obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process, in rolls4811.90Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of soft cellulose fibres; coated, impregnated, covered, surface-decorated or surface-coloured, n.e.c. in heading no. 4811, in rolls or sheets4802.61Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, in rolls

Top exporters and importers of HS 481022 (the code used for lightweight coated paper), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481022 (the code used for lightweight coated paper) in UN Comtrade data was Finland, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 481022, not only lightweight coated paper.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Finland $640M
  2. 2 Germany $357M
  3. 3 Canada $158M

World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $316M
  2. 2 Germany $302M
  3. 3 France $175M

World total: $1.7B 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 lightweight coated paper

Brazil splits HS 4810.22 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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 lightweight coated paper

What is the HS code for Lightweight coated paper?

The HS code for Lightweight coated paper is 481022 (Paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibres, for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, light-weight coated paper, in rolls or sheets). The HS code for lightweight coated paper, containing more than 10% mechanical fiber and weighing 72 g/m2 or less, is 4810.22.

How do I classify Lightweight coated paper for customs?

Lightweight coated paper is classified under HS code 481022 — Paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibres, for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, light-weight coated paper, in rolls or sheets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How does fiber content affect classification?

Fiber content is a primary divider in heading 4810. If the paper contains 10% or less mechanical fiber, it is classified under 4810.13 to 4810.19, whereas more than 10% mechanical fiber moves it to the 4810.22 to 4810.29 range.

Which countries are the top exporters of lightweight coated paper (HS 481022)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481022 (the code used for lightweight coated paper) in UN Comtrade data were Finland ($640M, 40% of world exports), Germany ($357M) and Canada ($158M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of lightweight coated paper (HS 481022)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 481022 (the code used for lightweight coated paper) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($316M, 19% of world imports), Germany ($302M) and France ($175M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 Lightweight coated paper the same in all countries?

The base HS code 481022 for Lightweight coated 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 lightweight coated paper in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 481022 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for lightweight coated paper depends on the product's details: 4810.22.10 (Light-weight coated paper, max 15 cm/360 mm), 4810.22.90 (Other light-weight coated paper).