Product classification

HS code for Paper containers: 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 paper containers under HS 4819.50

Paper containers falling under HS code 4819.50 represent a specific category of packaging solutions made from paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding, or webs of cellulose fibers. This subheading is designated for "other" packing containers that are not elsewhere specified within heading 4819. While 4819.10 through 4819.40 cover corrugated boxes, folding cartons, and sacks/bags, 4819.50 captures specialized containers such as record sleeves, cylindrical tubes for industrial packaging, and composite containers that do not fit the standard definitions of boxes or bags. The classification relies on the material being predominantly paper-based and the function being the protection or transport of goods. Under GRI 1, the primary consideration is the heading text, which encompasses all types of packing containers. Subheading 4819.50 is used for items that possess a unique shape or specialized industrial purpose, ensuring that all paper-based packaging is accounted for in the Harmonized System.

Covers
  • Gramophone record sleeves
  • Paperboard tubes for industrial parts
  • Composite paper cans with metal ends
  • Specialized paperboard pouches
  • Rigid paperboard cylinders for posters
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. A frequent mistake is classifying all paper boxes under 4819.50. However, corrugated paperboard boxes must be classified under 4819.10, and non-corrugated folding cartons belong in 4819.20. Another common misclassification involves paper bags, which should be under 4819.30 or 4819.40 depending on the width of the base. Additionally, if a container is made of plastic-coated paper where the plastic provides the essential character (such as certain liquid aseptic packaging), it might be challenged, though most remain in 4819. Finally, decorative gift boxes are sometimes incorrectly placed in 4823.90, but 4819 remains the primary heading for packing containers.

4819.10Paper and paperboard; cartons, boxes and cases, of corrugated paper or paperboard4819.20Paper and paperboard; folding cartons, boxes and cases, of non-corrugated paper or paperboard4819.30Paper and paperboard; sacks and bags of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, having a base of a width of 40cm or more4819.40Paper and paperboard; sacks and bags, including cones, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, having a base width less than 40cm48.19Cartons, boxes, cases, bags and the like, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres; box files, letter trays and the like, of paper or paperboard, of a kind used in offices, shops or the like4823.90Paper pulp, paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres; articles n.e.c. in heading no. 4823

Top exporters and importers of HS 481950 (the code used for paper containers), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481950 (the code used for paper containers) 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 paper containers.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $899M
  2. 2 Germany $699M
  3. 3 United States $181M

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. 1 United States $341M
  2. 2 France $222M
  3. 3 Germany $173M

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 paper containers

Brazil classifies paper containers 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 paper containers

What is the HS code for Paper containers?

The HS code for Paper containers is 481950 (Paper and paperboard; packing containers, including record sleeves, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 4819). The HS code for specialized paper containers not classified as boxes or bags is 4819.50. Standard boxes use 4819.10 or 4819.20.

How do I classify Paper containers for customs?

Paper containers 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.

Are paper tubes for shipping posters included here?

Yes, rigid paperboard tubes used for shipping and protecting posters or documents are typically classified under 4819.50.

Which countries are the top exporters of paper containers (HS 481950)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481950 (the code used for paper containers) 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 paper containers (HS 481950)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 481950 (the code used for paper containers) 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 Paper containers the same in all countries?

The base HS code 481950 for Paper containers 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 containers in Brazil?

In Brazil, paper containers (HS 481950) is classified under NCM 4819.50.00.