Product classification
HS code for Multi-ply coated paperboard: 4810.92
Paper and paperboard, multi-ply, coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, for non-graphic purposes, n.e.c. in heading no. 4810, in rolls or sheets.
Classification of multi-ply coated paperboard under HS 4810.92
Multi-ply coated paperboard is classified under HS code 4810.92 based on its structural composition and surface treatment. According to the Harmonized System, Chapter 48 covers paper and paperboard, while heading 4810 specifically addresses products coated on one or both sides with kaolin (China clay) or other inorganic substances. The subheading 4810.92 is reserved for multi-ply paperboard, which is manufactured by joining two or more layers of pulp together while still moist, without the use of an adhesive. This classification is further restricted to paperboard used for non-graphic purposes, such as industrial packaging, folding cartons, and liquid packaging board. The presence of inorganic coatings is a primary requirement, as these coatings provide the necessary surface smoothness and ink receptivity for high-quality industrial printing, even though the board itself is categorized as non-graphic. The multi-ply nature provides the mechanical strength and stiffness required for heavy-duty packaging applications.
- Covers
- Folding Boxboard (FBB) with multi-ply construction
- Coated Recycled Board (CRB) or White Lined Chipboard (WLC)
- Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS) board when multi-ply
- Coated liquid packaging board for beverage cartons
- Multi-ply carrier board for multipack beverage packaging
- Also under 4810.92
- Metsä Board Pro FBB
- Stora Enso CKB (multi-ply variants)
- Iggesund Invercote Creato
- WestRock Carrier Board
- Graphic Packaging International AquaKote
Codes often confused with 4810.92
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 4810.13 and 4810.19, which are designated for paper and paperboard used for graphic purposes, such as brochures or magazines. Another common error involves HS code 4811.90, which covers paperboard coated with organic substances like plastics, wax, or bitumen rather than inorganic kaolin. Additionally, 4805.92 is often used incorrectly for multi-ply paperboard that is uncoated. It is essential to verify both the number of plies and the chemical nature of the coating to ensure the correct application of 4810.92.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481092 (the code used for multi-ply coated paperboard), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481092 (the code used for multi-ply coated paperboard) in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 12% 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 481092, not only multi-ply coated paperboard.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Sweden $2.9B 27% of world exports
- 2 Finland $1.9B 17% of world exports
- 3 China $1.7B 15% of world exports
World total: $10.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $1.2B 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $757M 7.3% of world imports
- 3 Italy $693M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $10.4B 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 multi-ply coated paperboard
Brazil splits HS 4810.92 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4810.92.10Coated multi-ply paper/board, max 15 cm/360 mm
- 4810.92.90Other coated multi-ply paper and paperboard
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 multi-ply coated paperboard
What is the HS code for Multi-ply coated paperboard?
The HS code for Multi-ply coated paperboard is 481092 (Paper and paperboard; multi-ply, coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, for non-graphic purposes, n.e.c. in heading no. 4810, in rolls or sheets). The primary HS code for multi-ply paperboard coated with inorganic substances for non-graphic use is 4810.92.
How do I classify Multi-ply coated paperboard for customs?
Multi-ply coated paperboard is classified under HS code 481092 — Paper and paperboard; multi-ply, coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, for non-graphic purposes, n.e.c. in heading no. 4810, in rolls or sheets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does 4810.92 differ from 4810.13?
HS code 4810.13 is specifically for paper and paperboard used for graphic purposes (printing/writing) in rolls, whereas 4810.92 is for multi-ply board used for non-graphic purposes like packaging.
Which countries are the top exporters of multi-ply coated paperboard (HS 481092)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481092 (the code used for multi-ply coated paperboard) in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($2.9B, 27% of world exports), Finland ($1.9B) and China ($1.7B). World exports came to about $10.9B, 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 multi-ply coated paperboard (HS 481092)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481092 (the code used for multi-ply coated paperboard) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.2B, 12% of world imports), the United States ($757M) and Italy ($693M). World imports came to about $10.4B, 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 Multi-ply coated paperboard the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481092 for Multi-ply coated paperboard 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 multi-ply coated paperboard in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 481092 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for multi-ply coated paperboard depends on the product's details: 4810.92.10 (Coated multi-ply paper/board, max 15 cm/360 mm), 4810.92.90 (Other coated multi-ply paper and paperboard).