Product classification

HS code for Mechanical pulp paper rolls: 4802.61

Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803), over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, in rolls.

Classification of mechanical pulp paper rolls under HS 4802.61

Uncoated paper in rolls containing more than 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibers is classified under HS code 4802.61. This classification falls under Chapter 48, which governs paper and paperboard. Heading 4802 is for uncoated paper and paperboard of a kind used for writing, printing, or other graphic purposes. The specific subheading 4802.61 is determined by two primary factors: the fiber composition and the physical presentation. The fiber content must exceed the 10% threshold of mechanical pulp, which distinguishes it from woodfree paper (which contains less than 10% mechanical fiber). Furthermore, the product must be in rolls. This type of paper is often used in high-volume printing applications where the cost-effectiveness of mechanical pulp is preferred over the durability of chemical pulp. The classification process requires a technical understanding of the pulping process used to create the paper, as mechanical pulp retains most of the lignin from the wood, affecting the paper's aging and color stability. This code is essential for tracking trade in lower-grade printing papers that are not newsprint.

Covers
  • Uncoated mechanical printing paper in rolls
  • Directory paper in rolls
  • Uncoated magazine paper with >10% mechanical fiber
  • Mechanical pulp book paper in rolls
  • Offset paper containing mechanical pulp in rolls
Also under 4802.61
  • UPM Standard News (non-4801)
  • Stora Enso SC paper (base)
  • Resolute Forest Products groundwood specialties
  • Catalyst Paper groundwood grades.

Codes often confused with 4802.61

Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS code 4801.00, which is specifically for newsprint. While newsprint contains mechanical pulp, it must meet specific weight and finish criteria defined in Chapter 48 Note 4. Another common error is 4802.62, which is for the same paper but in sheets rather than rolls. Finally, if the paper is coated with substances like kaolin or clay, it must be classified under heading 4810 regardless of the fiber content.

4801.00Newsprint; made of fibres obtained essentially by a chemi-mechanical process or of a weight, per m2, of more than 57g but not more than 65g, in rolls or sheets4802.62Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, in sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded)48.10Paper and paperboard, coated one or both sides with kaolin (china clay) or inorganic substances, with binder or not, no other coating, surface coloured or not, surface decorated or printed, in rolls or rectangular (including square) sheets, of any size

Top exporters and importers of HS 480261 (the code used for mechanical pulp paper rolls), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480261 (the code used for mechanical pulp paper rolls) in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% 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 480261, not only mechanical pulp paper rolls.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Sweden $722M
  2. 2 Canada $687M
  3. 3 Germany $290M

World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $715M
  2. 2 Germany $318M
  3. 3 Poland $158M

World total: $2.5B 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 mechanical pulp paper rolls

Brazil splits HS 4802.61 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 4802.61.10Paper over 10% mech. fibre, rolls up to 15 cm
  • 4802.61.91Paper max 57 g/m², min 65% mech. wood, in rolls
  • 4802.61.92Kraft paper over 10% mech. fibre, in rolls
  • 4802.61.99Other paper over 10% mech. fibre, in rolls

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 mechanical pulp paper rolls

What is the HS code for Mechanical pulp paper rolls?

The HS code for Mechanical pulp paper rolls is 480261 (Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, in rolls). The HS code for uncoated paper in rolls containing more than 10% mechanical fiber is 4802.61.

How do I classify Mechanical pulp paper rolls for customs?

Mechanical pulp paper rolls is classified under HS code 480261 — Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, in rolls. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How is this different from newsprint?

Newsprint is classified under 4801.00 and has specific technical requirements regarding its weight (40g/m2 to 65g/m2) and its use for newspapers. 4802.61 is for other types of graphic paper that do not meet the newsprint definition.

Which countries are the top exporters of mechanical pulp paper rolls (HS 480261)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480261 (the code used for mechanical pulp paper rolls) in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($722M, 29% of world exports), Canada ($687M) and Germany ($290M). World exports came to about $2.5B, 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 mechanical pulp paper rolls (HS 480261)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 480261 (the code used for mechanical pulp paper rolls) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($715M, 28% of world imports), Germany ($318M) and Poland ($158M). World imports came to about $2.5B, 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 Mechanical pulp paper rolls the same in all countries?

The base HS code 480261 for Mechanical pulp paper rolls 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 mechanical pulp paper rolls in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 480261 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for mechanical pulp paper rolls depends on the product's details: 4802.61.10 (Paper over 10% mech. fibre, rolls up to 15 cm), 4802.61.91 (Paper max 57 g/m², min 65% mech. wood, in rolls), 4802.61.92 (Kraft paper over 10% mech. fibre, in rolls), 4802.61.99 (Other paper over 10% mech. fibre, in rolls).