Product classification
HS code for Paper hygiene products: 4818.90
Paper articles, articles of paper, cellulose wadding or fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 4818.
Classification of paper hygiene products under HS 4818.90
HS code 4818.90 acts as the residual category for articles of paper pulp, paper, cellulose wadding, or webs of cellulose fibers that are intended for household or sanitary use but are not specifically enumerated in the other subheadings of 4818. This includes a wide array of specialized products used in medical, industrial, and domestic environments. The classification logic follows the hierarchical structure of the Harmonized System: if a paper hygiene product is not toilet paper (4818.10), a handkerchief or facial tissue (4818.20), or a tablecloth/napkin (4818.30), it falls into the 4818.90 "Other" category. This code is frequently used for disposable hospital supplies made of paper, such as surgical drapes or examination table covers, provided they are not impregnated with pharmaceutical substances. It also encompasses items like disposable paper apparel used in cleanrooms or food processing facilities. The key to this classification is the material composition—it must be predominantly paper or cellulose-based. If the product is reinforced with plastic or textile fibers to the extent that paper is no longer the primary component, the classification may shift to Chapter 39 (Plastics) or Section XI (Textiles). Proper documentation of the material weight and intended use is essential for justifying the use of this residual code.
- Covers
- Disposable paper bed sheets
- Paper-based hospital gowns and apparel
- Cellulose-based absorbent pads (non-medical)
- Paper-based sterilization wraps
- Disposable paper headrests
- Also under 4818.90
- Tork Industrial Wipes
- Kimberly-Clark WypAll Wipes
- Dynarex Disposable Pillowcases
- Medline Disposable Bed Sheets
- Georgia-Pacific Paper Towel Rolls (non-kitchen)
Codes often confused with 4818.90
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 9619.00, which covers sanitary towels (pads), tampons, and diapers. While these are hygiene products, they have a dedicated heading. Another error is using 4823.90, which is for general paper articles that do not have the specific sanitary or household purpose required by 4818.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481890 (the code used for paper hygiene products), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481890 (the code used for paper hygiene products) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% 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 481890, not only paper hygiene products.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $586M 32% of world exports
- 2 Germany $159M 8.7% of world exports
- 3 Italy $102M 5.5% of world exports
World total: $1.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $696M 29% of world imports
- 2 Germany $166M 6.9% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $118M 4.9% of world imports
World total: $2.4B 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 paper hygiene products
Brazil splits HS 4818.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4818.90.10Absorbent pads for food packaging
- 4818.90.90Other household or hospital paper articles
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 hygiene products
What is the HS code for Paper hygiene products?
The HS code for Paper hygiene products is 481890 (Paper articles; articles of paper, cellulose wadding or fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 4818). General paper hygiene products not listed elsewhere are classified under HS code 4818.90.
How do I classify Paper hygiene products for customs?
Paper hygiene products is classified under HS code 481890 — Paper articles; articles of paper, cellulose wadding or fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 4818. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are paper diapers included in 4818.90?
No, all diapers and sanitary pads, regardless of material, are classified under HS code 9619.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of paper hygiene products (HS 481890)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481890 (the code used for paper hygiene products) in UN Comtrade data were China ($586M, 32% of world exports), Germany ($159M) and Italy ($102M). World exports came to about $1.8B, 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 hygiene products (HS 481890)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481890 (the code used for paper hygiene products) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($696M, 29% of world imports), Germany ($166M) and the Netherlands ($118M). World imports came to about $2.4B, 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 hygiene products the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481890 for Paper hygiene products 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 hygiene products in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 481890 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for paper hygiene products depends on the product's details: 4818.90.10 (Absorbent pads for food packaging), 4818.90.90 (Other household or hospital paper articles).