Product classification

HS code for Medium weight kraft paper: 4804.49

Kraft paper and paperboard, uncoated, weight more than 150g/m2 but less than 225g/m2, in rolls or sheets, n.e.c. in item no. 4804.4, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803.

Classification of medium weight kraft paper under HS 4804.49

Medium weight kraft paper is classified under HS code 4804.49, which falls under the category of uncoated kraft paper and paperboard. Heading 4804 specifically covers paper produced via the kraft process, known for its high mechanical strength and durability. The subheading 4804.49 is applied to paper that has a weight (grammage) of more than 150 grams per square meter (g/m2) but less than 225 g/m2. This weight range is often referred to as "medium weight" in the paper industry, sitting between lightweight wrapping papers and heavy-duty paperboards. To qualify for this code, the paper must be uncoated and not further processed in a way that would move it to a different heading, such as 4810 (coated paper) or 4811 (surface-decorated paper). The classification also specifies that the paper must be in rolls or sheets. This code is vital for the packaging industry, as it identifies materials used for high-strength bags, liners, and industrial wrapping that require specific mechanical properties. The "other" designation in 4804.49 indicates it is not specifically for sack kraft or other specialized types defined in the preceding subheadings of the 4804.4x group.

Covers
  • Uncoated kraft paper (150-225 g/m2)
  • Kraft linerboard within the specified weight range
  • Industrial wrapping kraft paper (medium weight)
  • Natural kraft paper for heavy-duty envelopes
  • Unbleached kraft paperboard for folding cartons
Also under 4804.49
  • WestRock Kraftliner
  • Smurfit Kappa Kraftliner
  • Georgia-Pacific Kraft Paper
  • KapStone Kraft Paper
  • Resolute Forest Products Kraft

Codes often confused with 4804.49

Common mistake. This code is often confused with HS code 4804.39, which covers lightweight kraft paper (under 150 g/m2), or HS code 4804.59, which covers heavyweight kraft paper (225 g/m2 or more). Another common error is classifying coated kraft paper here; if the paper has a kaolin or inorganic coating, it must be moved to heading 4810. Additionally, if the paper is corrugated, it falls under heading 4808.

4804.39Kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, bleached, weight 150g/m2 or less, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 48034804.59Kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, weight 225g/m2 or more, in rolls or sheets, n.e.c. in item no. 4804.5, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 480348.10Paper 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 size48.08Paper and paperboard, corrugated (with or without glued flat surface sheets), creped, crinkled, embossed or perforated, in rolls or sheets other than paper of the kind described in heading 4803

Top exporters and importers of HS 480449 (the code used for medium weight kraft paper), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480449 (the code used for medium weight kraft paper) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 26% 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 480449, not only medium weight kraft paper.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $34M
  2. 2 Sweden $10M
  3. 3 Mexico $8.3M

World total: $85M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Canada $25M
  2. 2 United States $10M
  3. 3 China $9.3M

World total: $98M 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 medium weight kraft paper

Brazil classifies medium weight kraft paper under NCM 4804.49.00: HS 4804.49 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 medium weight kraft paper

What is the HS code for Medium weight kraft paper?

The HS code for Medium weight kraft paper is 480449 (Kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, weight more than 150g/m2 but less than 225g/m2, in rolls or sheets, n.e.c. in item no. 4804.4, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803). The HS code is 4804.49, which applies to uncoated kraft paper weighing between 150 g/m2 and 225 g/m2.

How do I classify Medium weight kraft paper for customs?

Medium weight kraft paper is classified under HS code 480449 — Kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, weight more than 150g/m2 but less than 225g/m2, in rolls or sheets, n.e.c. in item no. 4804.4, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is bleached kraft paper included in 4804.49?

Generally, no. Bleached kraft paper is usually classified under subheadings like 4804.42 if it is uniformly bleached throughout the mass.

Which countries are the top exporters of medium weight kraft paper (HS 480449)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480449 (the code used for medium weight kraft paper) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($34M, 40% of world exports), Sweden ($10M) and Mexico ($8.3M). World exports came to about $85M, 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 medium weight kraft paper (HS 480449)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 480449 (the code used for medium weight kraft paper) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($25M, 26% of world imports), the United States ($10M) and China ($9.3M). World imports came to about $98M, 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 Medium weight kraft paper the same in all countries?

The base HS code 480449 for Medium weight 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 medium weight kraft paper in Brazil?

In Brazil, medium weight kraft paper (HS 480449) is classified under NCM 4804.49.00.