Product classification
HS code for Paper plates: 4823.69
Paper and paperboard, trays, dishes, plates, cups and the like, of paper or paperboard other than of bamboo.
Classification of paper plates under HS 4823.69
Paper plates are classified under HS code 4823.69. This classification is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically focusing on the material composition and the intended use of the product. Chapter 48 encompasses paper and paperboard, while heading 4823 covers other paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding, and webs of cellulose fibers that have been cut to size or shape. Within this heading, subheading 4823.69 is designated for trays, dishes, plates, cups, and similar articles. It is important to note that this specific code excludes items made from bamboo, which were separated into their own subheading (4823.61) in recent HS nomenclature updates to better track sustainable materials. The classification applies to products that are primarily used for serving food and are intended for single-use applications. The manufacturing process typically involves die-cutting paperboard sheets and pressing them into the desired shape, often with a thin plastic or wax coating to provide moisture resistance. If the plate is primarily made of plastic, it would move to Chapter 39, but for standard paperboard plates, 4823.69 remains the definitive code.
- Covers
- Disposable paper plates
- Paperboard trays for food service
- Paper saucers and bowls (non-bamboo)
- Laminated paper plates
- Coated paperboard dishes
- Also under 4823.69
- Solo Cup Company products
- Dart Container paper cups
- Huhtamaki food service packaging
- Dixie paper plates
Codes often confused with 4823.69
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with bamboo plates, which must be classified under 4823.61. Additionally, plates made of molded pulp (like egg trays) are sometimes confused with 4823.70, though 4823.69 is more specific for tableware. Plastic-coated plates are occasionally wrongly classified under 3924.10 (plastic tableware), but if the paperboard provides the essential character, 4823.69 is correct.
Top exporters and importers of HS 482369 (the code used for paper plates), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 482369 (the code used for paper plates) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 482369, not only paper plates.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.8B 43% of world exports
- 2 Italy $325M 7.6% of world exports
- 3 United States $243M 5.7% of world exports
World total: $4.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $707M 17% of world imports
- 2 Canada $288M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 France $261M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $4.1B 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 plates
Brazil classifies paper plates under NCM 4823.69.00: HS 4823.69 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 plates
What is the HS code for Paper plates?
The HS code for Paper plates is 482369 (Paper and paperboard; trays, dishes, plates, cups and the like, of paper or paperboard other than of bamboo). The HS code for paper plates (excluding bamboo) is 4823.69.
How do I classify Paper plates for customs?
Paper plates is classified under HS code 482369 — Paper and paperboard; trays, dishes, plates, cups and the like, of paper or paperboard other than of bamboo. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are bamboo plates included in this HS code?
No, bamboo plates are specifically classified under HS code 4823.61.
Which countries are the top exporters of paper plates (HS 482369)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 482369 (the code used for paper plates) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.8B, 43% of world exports), Italy ($325M) and the United States ($243M). World exports came to about $4.3B, 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 plates (HS 482369)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 482369 (the code used for paper plates) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($707M, 17% of world imports), Canada ($288M) and France ($261M). World imports came to about $4.1B, 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 plates the same in all countries?
The base HS code 482369 for Paper plates 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 plates in Brazil?
In Brazil, paper plates (HS 482369) is classified under NCM 4823.69.00.