Product classification
HS code for Paper tablecloths: 4818.30
Paper articles, tablecloths and serviettes, of paper, cellulose wadding or fibres.
Classification of paper tablecloths under HS 4818.30
Paper tablecloths are classified under HS code 4818.30. This classification is found in Chapter 48, which covers paper and paperboard. Heading 4818 is specifically for toilet paper and similar paper, cellulose wadding, or webs of cellulose fibers, of a kind used for household or sanitary purposes. Subheading 4818.30 is dedicated to tablecloths and serviettes (napkins). These products are characterized by their disposable nature and their composition of absorbent paper materials, often multi-layered for strength and liquid retention. The classification applies to both plain and decorated items, provided the essential character is derived from the paper material. This heading is part of a broader group of sanitary and household paper products, reflecting the commercial use of these items in catering, events, and domestic settings. Even if the tablecloth has a light plastic backing for liquid proofing, it remains under 4818.30 as long as the paper component is the predominant feature. This code is essential for distinguishing disposable paper linens from permanent textile linens found in Chapter 63.
- Covers
- Disposable paper tablecloths
- Paper banquet rolls
- Paper napkins and serviettes
- Decorative paper table runners
- Paper place mats (disposable)
- Also under 4818.30
- Dixie Napkins
- Vanity Fair Napkins
- Hoffmaster Paper Tablecloths
- Chinet Classic White Napkins
- Tork Advanced Napkins
Codes often confused with 4818.30
Common mistake. Paper tablecloths are frequently confused with 6302.51 (cotton table linen) or other textile-based linens. They are also sometimes misclassified under 3924.90 if they are made of plastic but look like paper. Furthermore, 4823.90 is sometimes used in error, but 4818.30 is the specific and correct subheading for these items.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481830 (the code used for paper tablecloths), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481830 (the code used for paper tablecloths) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% 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 481830, not only paper tablecloths.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $313M 19% of world exports
- 2 Germany $278M 17% of world exports
- 3 Italy $152M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $329M 20% of world imports
- 2 Germany $155M 9.6% of world imports
- 3 France $100M 6.2% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 tablecloths
Brazil classifies paper tablecloths under NCM 4818.30.00: HS 4818.30 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 tablecloths
What is the HS code for Paper tablecloths?
The HS code for Paper tablecloths is 481830 (Paper articles; tablecloths and serviettes, of paper, cellulose wadding or fibres). The HS code for paper tablecloths and napkins is 4818.30.
How do I classify Paper tablecloths for customs?
Paper tablecloths is classified under HS code 481830 — Paper articles; tablecloths and serviettes, of paper, cellulose wadding or fibres. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are plastic-coated paper tablecloths included?
Yes, they are generally included in 4818.30 if the paper material provides the essential character of the product.
Which countries are the top exporters of paper tablecloths (HS 481830)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481830 (the code used for paper tablecloths) in UN Comtrade data were China ($313M, 19% of world exports), Germany ($278M) and Italy ($152M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 tablecloths (HS 481830)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481830 (the code used for paper tablecloths) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($329M, 20% of world imports), Germany ($155M) and France ($100M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 tablecloths the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481830 for Paper tablecloths 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 tablecloths in Brazil?
In Brazil, paper tablecloths (HS 481830) is classified under NCM 4818.30.00.