Product classification
HS code for NCR paper forms: 4816.20
Paper, self-copy paper (other than those of heading no. 4809), whether or not put up in boxes.
Classification of NCR paper forms under HS 4816.20
NCR paper forms that are cut to size or put up in retail packaging are classified under HS code 4816.20. This code is designated for self-copy paper that does not meet the size requirements of heading 4809. Specifically, this includes rolls with a width of 36 cm or less, or rectangular sheets where no side exceeds 36 cm in the unfolded state. The classification is based on the product being a copying or transfer paper prepared for end-use or retail sale. While the paper functions identically to the bulk material in 4809.20—using micro-encapsulated dye to create copies—the Harmonized System distinguishes between industrial bulk stock and finished or semi-finished stationery products. This code covers the paper itself, even if it is put up in boxes, provided it has not been further converted into bound books or complex manifold sets.
- Covers
- Small rolls of self-copy paper
- A4 or Letter sized NCR paper sheets
- Boxed carbonless paper for office use
- Pre-cut self-copy paper for laser printers
- Unbound sets of self-copy forms
- Also under 4816.20
- Appleton Coated NCR Paper
- Domtar Carbonless Paper
- various generic business forms
- Office Depot NCR forms
Codes often confused with 4816.20
Common mistake. NCR paper forms are often misclassified under 4809.20 if the importer does not account for the size dimensions. Conversely, they are frequently confused with 4820.40, which covers manifold business forms. The distinction is that 4820.40 is for forms that are bound into sets, books, or pads, whereas 4816.20 is for the loose, cut-to-size paper. Another error is using 4811.90 for coated papers, but the specific "self-copy" provision in 4816 takes precedence.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481620 (the code used for NCR paper forms), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481620 (the code used for NCR paper forms) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 13% 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 481620, not only NCR paper forms.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $40M 26% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $33M 21% of world exports
- 3 United States $24M 16% of world exports
World total: $154M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $18M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $16M 11% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $11M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $146M 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 NCR paper forms
Brazil classifies NCR paper forms under NCM 4816.20.00: HS 4816.20 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 NCR paper forms
What is the HS code for NCR paper forms?
The HS code for NCR paper forms is 481620 (Paper; self-copy paper (other than those of heading no. 4809), whether or not put up in boxes). The HS code for NCR paper forms (cut to size or in small rolls) is 4816.20.
How do I classify NCR paper forms for customs?
NCR paper forms is classified under HS code 481620 — Paper; self-copy paper (other than those of heading no. 4809), whether or not put up in boxes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
When should I use code 4820 instead of 4816?
Use code 4820.40 if the NCR forms are bound into pads, books, or manifold sets, as 4816 is for loose or boxed paper only.
Which countries are the top exporters of NCR paper forms (HS 481620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481620 (the code used for NCR paper forms) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($40M, 26% of world exports), Indonesia ($33M) and the United States ($24M). World exports came to about $154M, 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 NCR paper forms (HS 481620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481620 (the code used for NCR paper forms) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($18M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($16M) and Thailand ($11M). World imports came to about $146M, 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 NCR paper forms the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481620 for NCR paper forms 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 NCR paper forms in Brazil?
In Brazil, NCR paper forms (HS 481620) is classified under NCM 4816.20.00.