Product classification
HS code for Paperboard cases: 4202.99
Cases and containers, n.e.c. in heading 4202, of vulcanised fibre or of paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper.
Classification of paperboard cases under HS 4202.99
HS code 4202.99 is a residual category for cases and containers not elsewhere specified within heading 4202, specifically those made of vulcanized fiber or paperboard. This classification applies to specialized containers designed for long-term use or protection of specific items, rather than simple disposable packaging. The distinction lies in the construction and intended durability. If a paperboard container is designed to be used repeatedly to house a specific instrument, tool, or piece of equipment, it moves from Chapter 48 (packaging) to Chapter 42 (containers). This classification is governed by the durability and the specific shape of the case, which is often molded or reinforced to fit a particular object. The use of vulcanized fiber, which is a chemically treated paperboard with high strength and durability, is a hallmark of products in this category, often used for industrial or musical instrument cases.
- Covers
- Musical instrument cases made of vulcanized fiber
- Specialized tool cases made of reinforced paperboard
- Protective cases for optical equipment covered in paper
- Binocular cases made of paperboard
- Hard-shell paperboard cases for scientific instruments
- Also under 4202.99
- IKEA KVARNVIK storage boxes
- Martha Stewart Living craft organizers
- Container Store decorative boxes
- Smead file storage boxes
Codes often confused with 4202.99
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is HS code 4819.10 or 4819.20, which covers cartons and boxes for packing and transport. The key difference is that 4819 is for one-way shipping or temporary storage, while 4202.99 is for permanent, repeated use. It is also sometimes confused with 4202.19, which covers trunks and suitcases.
Top exporters and importers of HS 420299 (the code used for paperboard cases), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 420299 (the code used for paperboard cases) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 7.5% 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 420299, not only paperboard cases.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $171M 15% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $81M 7.3% of world exports
- 3 Germany $76M 6.8% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $113M 7.5% of world imports
- 2 France $108M 7.1% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $104M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 paperboard cases
Brazil classifies paperboard cases under NCM 4202.99.00: HS 4202.99 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about paperboard cases
What is the HS code for Paperboard cases?
The HS code for Paperboard cases is 420299 (Cases and containers; n.e.c. in heading 4202, of vulcanised fibre or of paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper). Specialized, durable paperboard or vulcanized fiber cases are classified under HS code 4202.99.
How do I classify Paperboard cases for customs?
Paperboard cases is classified under HS code 420299 — Cases and containers; n.e.c. in heading 4202, 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.
How do I distinguish between a box (4819) and a case (4202)?
A box in 4819 is typically for shipping or retail packaging, whereas a case in 4202 is designed for the long-term protection and transport of a specific item.
Which countries are the top exporters of paperboard cases (HS 420299)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 420299 (the code used for paperboard cases) in UN Comtrade data were China ($171M, 15% of world exports), South Korea ($81M) and Germany ($76M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of paperboard cases (HS 420299)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 420299 (the code used for paperboard cases) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($113M, 7.5% of world imports), France ($108M) and South Korea ($104M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 Paperboard cases the same in all countries?
The base HS code 420299 for Paperboard cases 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 paperboard cases in Brazil?
In Brazil, paperboard cases (HS 420299) is classified under NCM 4202.99.00.