Product classification
HS code for Packaging kraft paper: 4810.31
Kraft paper and paperboard, uniformly bleached throughout, coated with inorganic substances, more than 95% of chemically processed wood fibres, weight 150g/m2 or less, for non-graphic purposes, in rolls or sheets.
Classification of packaging kraft paper under HS 4810.31
Packaging kraft paper is classified under HS code 481031 based on several technical parameters defined in the Harmonized System. To qualify for this code, the paper must be kraft paper or paperboard that is uniformly bleached throughout the mass. It must be coated on one or both sides with kaolin (China clay) or other inorganic substances. Furthermore, the fiber content must consist of more than 95% by weight of wood fibers obtained by a chemical process. The weight of the paper must be 150g/m2 or less. Crucially, this code is reserved for paper used for non-graphic purposes, meaning it is intended for packaging and wrapping rather than for printing books, brochures, or magazines. These technical thresholds ensure that high-strength, high-quality bleached kraft used in industrial and retail packaging is correctly identified for tariff purposes.
- Covers
- Coated bleached kraft paper for high-end shopping bags
- Lightweight coated kraft wrapping paper for food products
- Bleached kraft paper for medical packaging (sterilization wraps)
- Coated kraft liners for specialized small-scale packaging
- Technical packaging paper with inorganic coatings for moisture resistance
- Also under 4810.31
- BillerudKorsnäs White Top Kraftliner
- Mondi Advantage Coated White
- Stora Enso CKB
- International Paper Coated Bleached Board
- Smurfit Kappa CKB
Codes often confused with 4810.31
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying this paper under 4804, which is for uncoated kraft paper. Another common mistake is using 481032, which is the code for the same type of paper but with a weight exceeding 150g/m2. If the paper is used for graphic purposes (printing), it may be misclassified here but should actually fall under 481013 or 481022. Additionally, if the coating is organic (like wax or plastic) rather than inorganic, the product belongs under 4811.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481031 (the code used for packaging kraft paper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481031 (the code used for packaging kraft paper) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% 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 481031, not only packaging kraft paper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $31M 19% of world exports
- 2 Italy $23M 14% of world exports
- 3 China $22M 13% of world exports
World total: $165M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $31M 15% of world imports
- 2 Canada $24M 11% of world imports
- 3 Germany $17M 8.2% of world imports
World total: $207M 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 packaging kraft paper
Brazil splits HS 4810.31 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4810.31.10Fully bleached kraft up to 150 g/m², small formats
- 4810.31.90Other fully bleached coated kraft, up to 150 g/m²
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 kraft paper
What is the HS code for Packaging kraft paper?
The HS code for Packaging kraft paper is 481031 (Kraft paper and paperboard; uniformly bleached throughout, coated with inorganic substances, more than 95% of chemically processed wood fibres, weight 150g/m2 or less, for non-graphic purposes, in rolls or sheets).
How do I classify Packaging kraft paper for customs?
Packaging kraft paper is classified under HS code 481031 — Kraft paper and paperboard; uniformly bleached throughout, coated with inorganic substances, more than 95% of chemically processed wood fibres, weight 150g/m2 or less, for non-graphic purposes, in rolls or sheets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for coated bleached kraft paper under 150g/m2?
The correct HS code is 481031, provided it is for non-graphic packaging use and has over 95% chemical wood fiber.
What if the kraft paper is uncoated?
Uncoated kraft paper is classified under heading 4804, as 4810 specifically requires a coating of kaolin or other inorganic substances.
Which countries are the top exporters of packaging kraft paper (HS 481031)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481031 (the code used for packaging kraft paper) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($31M, 19% of world exports), Italy ($23M) and China ($22M). World exports came to about $165M, 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 packaging kraft paper (HS 481031)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481031 (the code used for packaging kraft paper) in UN Comtrade data were China ($31M, 15% of world imports), Canada ($24M) and Germany ($17M). World imports came to about $207M, 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 kraft paper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481031 for Packaging 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 packaging kraft paper in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 481031 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for packaging kraft paper depends on the product's details: 4810.31.10 (Fully bleached kraft up to 150 g/m², small formats), 4810.31.90 (Other fully bleached coated kraft, up to 150 g/m²).