Product classification
HS code for Paper wallets: 4202.39
Cases and containers, of a kind normally carried in the pocket or in the handbag, of vulcanised fibre or of paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper.
Classification of paper wallets under HS 4202.39
Paper wallets, often constructed from high-density polyethylene fibers or reinforced paperboard, are classified under HS code 4202.39. Heading 4202 covers travel goods, vanity cases, and similar containers. Subheading 4202.3x specifically addresses articles of a kind normally carried in the pocket or in the handbag. While one might expect paper products to fall under Chapter 48, Note 2(ij) to Chapter 48 explicitly excludes articles of heading 4202. Therefore, the functional nature of the item as a wallet (a pocket container) takes precedence over its material composition, provided the exterior is paperboard or covered with paper. This classification logic follows the principle that the specific use as a personal container for currency or cards defines the product more accurately than the substrate material alone. This ensures consistency across the Harmonized System for all types of wallets, regardless of whether they are made of leather, plastic, or paper-based materials.
- Covers
- Tyvek wallets and card holders
- Reinforced paperboard wallets
- Paper-covered pocket organizers
- Folded paper money clips with card slots
- Disposable or eco-friendly paper purses
- Also under 4202.39
- Moleskine card holders
- Paperchase pencil cases
- Tumi travel wallets (paper/fibre versions)
- Bellroy card sleeves (paper/fibre versions)
Codes often confused with 4202.39
Common mistake. These items are often misclassified under 4820.10, which covers notebooks and binders, or 4823.90, which is a catch-all for other paper articles. However, because they function as pocket containers, they must be moved to 4202.39. They are also sometimes confused with 4202.31 (leather) or 4202.32 (plastic sheeting).
Top exporters and importers of HS 420239 (the code used for paper wallets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 420239 (the code used for paper wallets) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 8.3% 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 420239, not only paper wallets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $36M 16% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $26M 12% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $24M 11% of world exports
World total: $225M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Thailand $24M 8.3% of world imports
- 2 Germany $20M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $18M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $287M 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 wallets
Brazil classifies paper wallets under NCM 4202.39.00: HS 4202.39 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about paper wallets
What is the HS code for Paper wallets?
The HS code for Paper wallets is 420239 (Cases and containers; of a kind normally carried in the pocket or in the handbag, of vulcanised fibre or of paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper). The HS code for wallets made of paperboard or covered with paper is 4202.39.
How do I classify Paper wallets for customs?
Paper wallets is classified under HS code 420239 — Cases and containers; of a kind normally carried in the pocket or in the handbag, of vulcanised fibre or of paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why aren't paper wallets in Chapter 48?
Chapter 48 notes exclude articles of heading 4202, meaning the functional classification as a container for pocket use takes priority over the material classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of paper wallets (HS 420239)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 420239 (the code used for paper wallets) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($36M, 16% of world exports), Thailand ($26M) and the United Kingdom ($24M). World exports came to about $225M, 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 wallets (HS 420239)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 420239 (the code used for paper wallets) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($24M, 8.3% of world imports), Germany ($20M) and the United Kingdom ($18M). World imports came to about $287M, 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 wallets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 420239 for Paper wallets 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 wallets in Brazil?
In Brazil, paper wallets (HS 420239) is classified under NCM 4202.39.00.