Product classification
HS code for Paper clothing: 4818.50
Paper articles, apparel and clothing accessories of paper, cellulose wadding or fibres.
Classification of paper clothing under HS 4818.50
Paper clothing and apparel accessories are classified under HS code 4818.50. This code is situated within Chapter 48, which covers paper and paperboard, and specifically heading 4818, which deals with household, sanitary, or hospital articles. The inclusion of apparel in this section is based on the material composition—primarily paper pulp, cellulose wadding, or webs of cellulose fibers. These items are typically designed for single-use or limited-use applications, such as in medical, industrial, or catering environments. The classification under 4818.50 is distinct from textile garments because the base material does not meet the definition of a textile yarn or fabric as defined in Section XI of the HS nomenclature. Even if the item is shaped like a traditional garment (e.g., a lab coat or apron), the fact that it is made of paper or cellulose fibers necessitates its placement in Chapter 48. This classification also includes accessories like paper hats and ties, provided they are made of the specified materials.
- Covers
- Disposable paper hospital gowns
- Paper chef hats and caps
- Disposable paper aprons
- Paper coveralls for industrial use
- Paper masks (not for medical/surgical use)
- Also under 4818.50
- Medline Disposable Gowns
- Kimberly-Clark KleenGuard Aprons
- 3M Disposable Coveralls (paper-based)
- Dynarex Disposable Shoe Covers
- TIDI Products Disposable Capes
Codes often confused with 4818.50
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is under HS code 6210.10, which covers garments made of fabrics of heading 5602 or 5603 (felt or nonwovens). Many "disposable" garments are actually made of nonwoven synthetic fibers (like spunbond polypropylene) rather than paper. If the garment is made of nonwoven textiles, it belongs in Chapter 62. If it is made of paper or cellulose wadding, it belongs in 4818.50. Another error is 6307.90 for miscellaneous made-up articles, which should only be used if no more specific heading applies.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481850 (the code used for paper clothing), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481850 (the code used for paper clothing) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 9.4% 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 481850, not only paper clothing.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $22M 18% of world exports
- 2 China $22M 18% of world exports
- 3 United States $18M 14% of world exports
World total: $126M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $10.0M 9.4% of world imports
- 2 Germany $8.6M 8.2% of world imports
- 3 Spain $6.8M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $106M 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 clothing
Brazil classifies paper clothing under NCM 4818.50.00: HS 4818.50 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 paper clothing
What is the HS code for Paper clothing?
The HS code for Paper clothing is 481850 (Paper articles; apparel and clothing accessories of paper, cellulose wadding or fibres). The HS code for apparel and clothing accessories made of paper, cellulose wadding, or webs of cellulose fibers is 4818.50.
How do I classify Paper clothing for customs?
Paper clothing is classified under HS code 481850 — Paper articles; apparel and clothing accessories of paper, cellulose wadding or fibres. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are surgical masks classified as paper clothing?
Generally, no. Surgical masks are typically classified under 6307.90 as medical supplies or under 9018, depending on their construction and local customs rulings, as they are usually made of nonwoven textiles rather than paper.
Which countries are the top exporters of paper clothing (HS 481850)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481850 (the code used for paper clothing) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($22M, 18% of world exports), China ($22M) and the United States ($18M). World exports came to about $126M, 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 clothing (HS 481850)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481850 (the code used for paper clothing) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($10.0M, 9.4% of world imports), Germany ($8.6M) and Spain ($6.8M). World imports came to about $106M, 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 clothing the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481850 for Paper clothing 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 clothing in Brazil?
In Brazil, paper clothing (HS 481850) is classified under NCM 4818.50.00.