Product classification
HS code for Lightweight unbleached kraft paper: 4804.31
Kraft paper and paperboard, uncoated, unbleached, weight 150g/m2 or less, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803.
Classification of lightweight unbleached kraft paper under HS 4804.31
Lightweight unbleached kraft paper is classified under HS code 4804.31 based on its chemical composition and physical properties. Kraft paper is defined by the use of the sulfate or soda chemical pulping process, which results in high-strength fibers. The 'unbleached' designation means the paper has not been treated with whitening agents, retaining its natural brown color. For classification under this specific subheading, the paper must be uncoated and weigh 150 g/m2 or less. This weight range is typical for wrapping papers and small-to-medium-sized bags. It is distinguished from other papers in heading 4804 by its lack of bleaching and its weight. It is also distinguished from the graphic papers of heading 4802 and the household papers of heading 4803. The durability and tear resistance of kraft paper make it a staple in industrial packaging, where the aesthetic of bleached paper is less important than the structural integrity of the material.
- Covers
- Unbleached grocery bag paper
- Kraft wrapping paper
- Industrial sack paper
- Interleaving kraft paper
- Cable paper (uncoated)
- Also under 4804.31
- Georgia-Pacific Kraft Paper
- International Paper Kraft Paper
- Mondi EcoKraft
- WestRock Natural Kraft
Codes often confused with 4804.31
Common mistake. Importers often confuse 4804.31 with 4804.39. The difference is purely the bleaching process; 4804.39 is for bleached kraft paper. Another common mistake is using 4805.91 for unbleached wrapping paper. While they may look similar, 4805.91 is for recycled paper, whereas 4804.31 must be genuine kraft paper produced via the sulfate or soda process. If the paper has been creped or crinkled, it might also be diverted to heading 4808.40, which covers kraft paper that has undergone such mechanical treatments.
Top exporters and importers of HS 480431 (the code used for lightweight unbleached kraft paper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480431 (the code used for lightweight unbleached kraft paper) in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 11% 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 480431, not only lightweight unbleached kraft paper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Sweden $268M 16% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $181M 11% of world exports
- 3 United States $135M 8.3% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $188M 11% of world imports
- 2 Italy $153M 8.9% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $93M 5.4% of world imports
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 unbleached kraft paper
Brazil splits HS 4804.31 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4804.31.10Unbleached kraft to 150 g/m², min 600 V dielectric
- 4804.31.90Other unbleached kraft paper up to 150 g/m²
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 unbleached kraft paper
What is the HS code for Lightweight unbleached kraft paper?
The HS code for Lightweight unbleached kraft paper is 480431 (Kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, unbleached, weight 150g/m2 or less, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803). The HS code for lightweight unbleached kraft paper weighing 150 g/m2 or less is 4804.31.
How do I classify Lightweight unbleached kraft paper for customs?
Lightweight unbleached kraft paper is classified under HS code 480431 — Kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, unbleached, weight 150g/m2 or less, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include bleached kraft paper?
No, bleached kraft paper of the same weight is classified under HS code 4804.39. The 'unbleached' status is a specific requirement for 4804.31.
Which countries are the top exporters of lightweight unbleached kraft paper (HS 480431)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480431 (the code used for lightweight unbleached kraft paper) in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($268M, 16% of world exports), Czechia ($181M) and the United States ($135M). 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 unbleached kraft paper (HS 480431)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 480431 (the code used for lightweight unbleached kraft paper) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($188M, 11% of world imports), Italy ($153M) and Türkiye ($93M). 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 unbleached kraft paper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 480431 for Lightweight unbleached kraft 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 unbleached kraft paper in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 480431 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for lightweight unbleached kraft paper depends on the product's details: 4804.31.10 (Unbleached kraft to 150 g/m², min 600 V dielectric), 4804.31.90 (Other unbleached kraft paper up to 150 g/m²).