Product classification
HS code for Paper boxes: 4819.20
Paper and paperboard, folding cartons, boxes and cases, of non-corrugated paper or paperboard.
Classification of paper boxes under HS 4819.20
HS code 4819.20 is designated for folding cartons, boxes, and cases made of non-corrugated paper or paperboard. Classification in this category depends on two main factors: the material must be non-corrugated, and the design must allow the box to be folded flat and then assembled. This excludes heavy-duty shipping containers made of fluted layers. Under the Harmonized System, Chapter 48 covers paper and paperboard articles, and heading 4819 specifically addresses containers used for the packing or transport of goods. Subheading 4819.20 is essential for retail packaging where aesthetics and printability are prioritized over the structural cushioning provided by corrugated mediums. The manufacturing process typically involves die-cutting, creasing, and gluing a single sheet of paperboard. To be classified here, the box must be capable of being opened out or flattened without damage to its structure, distinguishing it from rigid, set-up boxes that are shipped in their final three-dimensional form.
- Covers
- Folding cereal boxes
- Pharmaceutical folding cartons
- Cosmetic product boxes (non-corrugated)
- Folding gift boxes made of paperboard
- Frozen food cartons (non-corrugated)
- Also under 4819.20
- Kellogg's cereal boxes
- Nike shoe boxes
- Tylenol cartons
- Apple iPhone boxes
- Godiva chocolate boxes
Codes often confused with 4819.20
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 4819.10, which is reserved for boxes and cases made of corrugated paper or paperboard. Importers often confuse the two when the paperboard is thick but lacks the internal fluting. Another common error is 4819.50 (other packing containers), which is used for items like record sleeves or specialized industrial packaging that does not meet the definition of a folding carton. Additionally, rigid boxes that cannot be folded are classified under 4819.20 in some jurisdictions, but many customs authorities prefer 4819.50 or 4823 for non-folding rigid paper containers.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481920 (the code used for paper boxes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481920 (the code used for paper boxes) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 481920, not only paper boxes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.0B 19% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.2B 11% of world exports
- 3 Poland $745M 7.3% of world exports
World total: $10.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.1B 11% of world imports
- 2 France $907M 9.1% of world imports
- 3 Germany $667M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $9.9B 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 paper boxes
Brazil classifies paper boxes under NCM 4819.20.00: HS 4819.20 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 paper boxes
What is the HS code for Paper boxes?
The HS code for Paper boxes is 481920 (Paper and paperboard; folding cartons, boxes and cases, of non-corrugated paper or paperboard). The HS code for folding paper boxes made of non-corrugated paperboard is 4819.20.
How do I classify Paper boxes for customs?
Paper boxes is classified under HS code 481920 — Paper and paperboard; folding cartons, boxes and cases, of non-corrugated paper or paperboard. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can corrugated shipping boxes be classified under 4819.20?
No, corrugated boxes must be classified under HS code 4819.10. The 4819.20 code is strictly for non-corrugated materials.
Which countries are the top exporters of paper boxes (HS 481920)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481920 (the code used for paper boxes) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0B, 19% of world exports), Germany ($1.2B) and Poland ($745M). World exports came to about $10.3B, 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 paper boxes (HS 481920)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481920 (the code used for paper boxes) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.1B, 11% of world imports), France ($907M) and Germany ($667M). World imports came to about $9.9B, 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 Paper boxes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481920 for Paper 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 paper boxes in Brazil?
In Brazil, paper boxes (HS 481920) is classified under NCM 4819.20.00.