Product classification
HS code for Lightweight uncoated paper: 4805.91
Paper and paperboard, uncoated, weight 150g/m2 or less, in rolls or sheets, n.e.c. in heading no.4805.
Classification of lightweight uncoated paper under HS 4805.91
HS code 4805.91 serves as a residual classification for uncoated paper and paperboard that does not meet the specific definitions of other subheadings within heading 4805 or other headings in Chapter 48. To fall under 4805.91, the paper must weigh 150 g/m2 or less and be uncoated. This category often includes papers made from mixed recycled fibers that do not qualify as testliner (4805.24) or fluting paper (4805.11). It is frequently used for general-purpose wrapping, industrial interleaving, or as a base material for further conversion. The classification requires a process of elimination: the product must not be for graphic purposes (4802), not be newsprint (4801), not be kraft paper (4804), and not be specifically identified as fluting or testliner. This 'other' category ensures that all lightweight uncoated recycled papers have a designated place in the Harmonized System, provided they are presented in rolls or sheets of standard commercial dimensions.
- Covers
- Grey board (lightweight)
- Recycled wrapping paper
- Industrial interleaving paper
- Uncoated felt paper
- General purpose recycled paperboard
- Also under 4805.91
- Domtar EarthChoice
- International Paper Accent Opaque
- UPM Fine Paper
Codes often confused with 4805.91
Common mistake. This code is often used as a catch-all, leading to misclassification of papers that should be in 4802.54 (graphic paper) or 4805.11 (semi-chemical fluting). The key is the intended use and the manufacturing process. If the paper is specifically designed for the fluting medium of corrugated board, it belongs in 4805.11 or 4805.19. If it is intended for high-quality printing, it belongs in 4802. Additionally, if the paper exceeds 150 g/m2, it must be classified under 4805.92 or 4805.93 depending on the total weight.
Top exporters and importers of HS 480591 (the code used for lightweight uncoated paper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480591 (the code used for lightweight uncoated paper) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 13% 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 480591, not only lightweight uncoated paper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $493M 28% of world exports
- 2 Germany $316M 18% of world exports
- 3 France $166M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $1.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $214M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $172M 11% of world imports
- 3 India $128M 8.0% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 code for lightweight uncoated paper
Brazil classifies lightweight uncoated paper under NCM 4805.91.00: HS 4805.91 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 lightweight uncoated paper
What is the HS code for Lightweight uncoated paper?
The HS code for Lightweight uncoated paper is 480591 (Paper and paperboard; uncoated, weight 150g/m2 or less, in rolls or sheets, n.e.c. in heading no.4805). The HS code for other lightweight uncoated paper weighing 150 g/m2 or less, not elsewhere specified, is 4805.91.
How do I classify Lightweight uncoated paper for customs?
Lightweight uncoated paper is classified under HS code 480591 — Paper and paperboard; uncoated, weight 150g/m2 or less, in rolls or sheets, n.e.c. in heading no.4805. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
When should I use 4805.91 instead of 4802?
Use 4805.91 for industrial or wrapping papers made from recycled fibers that are not intended for graphic purposes like writing or printing, which are covered by 4802.
Which countries are the top exporters of lightweight uncoated paper (HS 480591)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480591 (the code used for lightweight uncoated paper) in UN Comtrade data were China ($493M, 28% of world exports), Germany ($316M) and France ($166M). World exports came to about $1.8B, 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 uncoated paper (HS 480591)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 480591 (the code used for lightweight uncoated paper) in UN Comtrade data were China ($214M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($172M) and India ($128M). World imports 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.
Is the HS code for Lightweight uncoated paper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 480591 for Lightweight uncoated 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 uncoated paper in Brazil?
In Brazil, lightweight uncoated paper (HS 480591) is classified under NCM 4805.91.00.