Product classification

HS code for LWC 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 LWC paper under HS 4810.22

LWC (Light-Weight Coated) paper is classified under HS code 4810.22 because it is a specific type of paper coated with inorganic substances like kaolin (China clay) or calcium carbonate. To qualify for this code, 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 high mechanical pulp content is a defining characteristic of LWC paper, distinguishing it from "woodfree" coated papers which contain less than 10% mechanical pulp. The coating is applied to enhance the surface properties for high-quality graphic printing, making it ideal for magazines, catalogs, and advertising inserts. The "light-weight" designation typically refers to paper weighing less than 72 grams per square meter, though the HS code description focuses on the coating and fiber composition. This classification ensures that the product is distinguished from uncoated papers and papers coated with organic substances.

Covers
  • Light-weight coated magazine paper
  • Coated catalog paper in rolls
  • Mechanical printing paper with inorganic coating
  • LWC sheets for graphic purposes
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. LWC paper is frequently confused with HS code 4810.13 or 4810.19. These codes are for paper coated with inorganic substances but containing 10% or less mechanical fiber, often referred to as woodfree coated paper. Another common error is using 4802, which covers uncoated paper. The distinction lies in both the presence of the coating and the specific fiber composition percentage.

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 rolls4810.19Paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances, for printing/writing/graphics, having 10% or less by weight of total fibres got by mechanical/chemi-mechanical process, sides exceeding 435mm and 297mm, unfolded, sheets48.02Uncoated paper and paperboard, used for writing, printing or other graphics, non perforated punch-cards and punch tape paper, in rolls or rectangular sheets, of any size, other than paper of heading 4801 or 4803; hand-made paper and paperboard

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

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481022 (the code used for LWC 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 LWC 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 LWC 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 LWC paper

What is the HS code for LWC paper?

The HS code for LWC 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 specific HS code for LWC paper is 4810.22, which covers light-weight coated paper with more than 10% mechanical fiber content.

How do I classify LWC paper for customs?

LWC 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.

What is the difference between LWC and SC paper?

SC (Supercalendered) paper is typically uncoated and falls under HS code 4802, whereas LWC is coated with inorganic substances and falls under 4810.22.

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

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481022 (the code used for LWC 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 LWC paper (HS 481022)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 481022 (the code used for LWC 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 LWC paper the same in all countries?

The base HS code 481022 for LWC 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 LWC paper in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 481022 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for LWC 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).