Product classification
HS code for Paper wall coverings: 4814.90
Wallpaper and similar wall coverings and window transparencies of paper, n.e.c. in heading 4814.
Classification of paper wall coverings under HS 4814.90
Paper wall coverings are classified under HS code 4814.90, which specifically addresses wallpaper and similar wall coverings that do not fall under the more specific subheadings of heading 4814. This classification is determined by the primary material composition, which must be paper. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), products are classified based on their material characteristics and intended use. For heading 4814, the product must consist of paper in rolls, of a width of not less than 45 cm and not more than 160 cm, suitable for wall or ceiling decoration. Subheading 4814.90 is a residual category for paper-based coverings that are not coated or covered with a graining, embossed, colored, design-printed, or otherwise decorated layer of plastics, which would instead place them under 4814.20. The classification ensures that traditional paper-based decorative materials are distinguished from modern synthetic-coated alternatives.
- Covers
- Traditional wood-chip wallpaper
- Embossed paper wall coverings without plastic coating
- Ingrain paper for walls and ceilings
- Paper-based window transparencies
- Uncoated decorative paper rolls for wall application
- Also under 4814.90
- Farrow & Ball wallpaper
- Cole & Son wallpaper
- various non-woven wallpaper brands
- Thibaut Designs
Codes often confused with 4814.90
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion involves HS code 4814.20, which covers wallpaper consisting of paper coated or covered with a layer of plastics. If the plastic layer is the dominant feature or provides the primary decorative finish, 4814.20 is the correct code. Additionally, wall coverings made entirely of plastics (such as vinyl) without a paper backing are classified under heading 3918. Textile-based wall coverings are excluded from Chapter 48 and are instead found in heading 5905. Importers must verify the thickness and nature of any surface coating to avoid misapplying 4814.90 to plastic-heavy products.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481490 (the code used for paper wall coverings), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481490 (the code used for paper wall coverings) in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 20% 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 481490, not only paper wall coverings.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Sweden $73M 20% of world exports
- 2 Germany $55M 15% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $38M 11% of world exports
World total: $361M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $66M 20% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $30M 9.4% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $28M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $321M 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 wall coverings
Brazil classifies paper wall coverings under NCM 4814.90.00: HS 4814.90 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 wall coverings
What is the HS code for Paper wall coverings?
The HS code for Paper wall coverings is 481490 (Wallpaper and similar wall coverings and window transparencies of paper; n.e.c. in heading 4814). The HS code for paper wall coverings that are not coated with plastic is 4814.90.
How do I classify Paper wall coverings for customs?
Paper wall coverings is classified under HS code 481490 — Wallpaper and similar wall coverings and window transparencies of paper; n.e.c. in heading 4814. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does 4814.90 differ from 4814.20?
HS code 4814.90 is for paper wall coverings without a significant plastic coating, whereas 4814.20 specifically covers paper wall coverings that have been coated or covered with a layer of plastics that is grained, embossed, or decorated.
Which countries are the top exporters of paper wall coverings (HS 481490)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481490 (the code used for paper wall coverings) in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($73M, 20% of world exports), Germany ($55M) and the United Kingdom ($38M). World exports came to about $361M, 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 wall coverings (HS 481490)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481490 (the code used for paper wall coverings) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($66M, 20% of world imports), the Netherlands ($30M) and the United Kingdom ($28M). World imports came to about $321M, 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 wall coverings the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481490 for Paper wall coverings 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 wall coverings in Brazil?
In Brazil, paper wall coverings (HS 481490) is classified under NCM 4814.90.00.