Product classification
HS code for Moulded pulp packaging: 4823.70
Paper pulp, moulded or pressed articles or paper pulp.
Classification of moulded pulp packaging under HS 4823.70
Moulded pulp packaging is classified under HS code 4823.70, which covers "Moulded or pressed articles of paper pulp." This classification is driven by the manufacturing process and the base material. Chapter 48 covers paper and paperboard, and heading 4823 is a "residual" heading for other paper products not specified elsewhere. Subheading 4823.70 specifically identifies items created by moulding or pressing paper pulp into a specific shape, such as egg trays, bottle protectors, or electronic packaging buffers. These items are distinct from standard cardboard boxes (heading 4819) because they are formed from wet pulp in a mould rather than being cut and folded from flat sheets of paperboard. The classification remains here even if the pulp is treated with additives for moisture resistance or strength, provided the essential character remains that of a paper pulp article. This heading also excludes articles of paper pulp that have been further processed into furniture or other specific items classified in other chapters.
- Covers
- Moulded pulp egg trays and cartons
- Protective corner buffers for electronics
- Moulded pulp bottle shippers and cradles
- Biodegradable pulp plant pots (if primarily for packaging/transport)
- Moulded pulp food service trays (non-disposable type)
- Also under 4823.70
- Huhtamaki moulded fiber products
- Pactiv Evergreen egg cartons
- UFP Technologies moulded pulp
- FibreForm packaging
Codes often confused with 4823.70
Common mistake. A common mistake is classifying these items under 4819.10 or 4819.20, which are for cartons and boxes made of corrugated or non-corrugated paperboard. However, 4819 is for folded or assembled containers, not moulded ones. Another error is using 3923.90 if the material is mistaken for plastic; moulded pulp is often used as a sustainable alternative to expanded polystyrene (EPS). If the article is a plate or bowl for food service, it might be better classified under 4823.69.
Top exporters and importers of HS 482370 (the code used for moulded pulp packaging), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 482370 (the code used for moulded pulp packaging) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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 482370, not only moulded pulp packaging.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $605M 30% of world exports
- 2 Germany $117M 5.7% of world exports
- 3 United States $113M 5.6% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $538M 25% of world imports
- 2 Germany $155M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $117M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $2.2B 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 moulded pulp packaging
Brazil classifies moulded pulp packaging under NCM 4823.70.00: HS 4823.70 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 moulded pulp packaging
What is the HS code for Moulded pulp packaging?
The HS code for Moulded pulp packaging is 482370 (Paper pulp; moulded or pressed articles or paper pulp). The standard HS code for moulded or pressed articles of paper pulp used for packaging is 4823.70.
How do I classify Moulded pulp packaging for customs?
Moulded pulp packaging is classified under HS code 482370 — Paper pulp; moulded or pressed articles or paper pulp. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is this the same code for egg cartons?
Yes, if the egg cartons are made from moulded paper pulp, they are classified under 4823.70. If they are made of folded paperboard, they would fall under 4819.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of moulded pulp packaging (HS 482370)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 482370 (the code used for moulded pulp packaging) in UN Comtrade data were China ($605M, 30% of world exports), Germany ($117M) and the United States ($113M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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 moulded pulp packaging (HS 482370)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 482370 (the code used for moulded pulp packaging) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($538M, 25% of world imports), Germany ($155M) and the United Kingdom ($117M). World imports came to about $2.2B, 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 Moulded pulp packaging the same in all countries?
The base HS code 482370 for Moulded pulp packaging 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 moulded pulp packaging in Brazil?
In Brazil, moulded pulp packaging (HS 482370) is classified under NCM 4823.70.00.