Product classification
HS code for Packaging boxes: 4819.50
Paper and paperboard, packing containers, including record sleeves, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 4819.
Classification of packaging boxes under HS 4819.50
Packaging boxes made of paper or paperboard are classified under HS code 481950. This subheading is a catch-all category for "other" packing containers that are not specifically described in the preceding subheadings of 4819. While 481910 covers corrugated boxes and 481920 covers folding cartons, 481950 includes specialized containers such as record sleeves and rigid, non-folding boxes. The classification is based on the material composition (paper or paperboard) and the function of the item as a container for transport or storage. These items are typically used in industrial, commercial, or retail environments to protect goods. The distinction between this code and others in the 4819 group depends entirely on the construction method and the specific type of paperboard used.
- Covers
- Phonograph record sleeves and jackets
- Rigid luxury gift boxes that do not fold
- Cylindrical paperboard tubes for posters or documents
- Specialized industrial paperboard containers for machinery parts
- Composite paperboard containers with minor non-paper components
- Also under 4819.50
- Vinyl record sleeves (e.g., from Universal Music)
- Starbucks cup carriers
- McDonald's fry cartons
- small electronics packaging inserts
- seed packets from Burpee
Codes often confused with 4819.50
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is using 481910 for all shipping boxes; however, 481910 is strictly for corrugated paper or paperboard. Another error is using 481920, which is reserved for folding cartons (boxes that can be flattened). If the box is made of plastic, it must be classified under 392310, regardless of its shape or use. Additionally, decorative boxes that are primarily intended as household ornaments rather than packaging may be classified under 482390 or Chapter 44 if made of wood.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481950 (the code used for packaging boxes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481950 (the code used for packaging boxes) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% of world imports. Austria reports $627M of its chapter 48 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 481950, not only packaging boxes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $899M 29% of world exports
- 2 Germany $699M 23% of world exports
- 3 United States $181M 5.9% of world exports
Austria reports $627M of its chapter 48 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $3.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $341M 12% of world imports
- 2 France $222M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 Germany $173M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $2.9B 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 packaging boxes
Brazil classifies packaging boxes under NCM 4819.50.00: HS 4819.50 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 packaging boxes
What is the HS code for Packaging boxes?
The HS code for Packaging boxes is 481950 (Paper and paperboard; packing containers, including record sleeves, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 4819).
How do I classify Packaging boxes for customs?
Packaging boxes is classified under HS code 481950 — Paper and paperboard; packing containers, including record sleeves, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 4819. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for vinyl record sleeves?
Vinyl record sleeves made of paperboard are specifically classified under HS code 481950.
Can I use 481950 for corrugated shipping boxes?
No, corrugated shipping boxes have a specific code, 481910. 481950 is only for containers not specified elsewhere in the 4819 heading.
Which countries are the top exporters of packaging boxes (HS 481950)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481950 (the code used for packaging boxes) in UN Comtrade data were China ($899M, 29% of world exports), Germany ($699M) and the United States ($181M). World exports came to about $3.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Austria reports $627M of its chapter 48 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of packaging boxes (HS 481950)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481950 (the code used for packaging boxes) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($341M, 12% of world imports), France ($222M) and Germany ($173M). World imports came to about $2.9B, 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.
Is the HS code for Packaging boxes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481950 for Packaging boxes 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 packaging boxes in Brazil?
In Brazil, packaging boxes (HS 481950) is classified under NCM 4819.50.00.