Product classification

HS code for Photographic base paper: 4802.20

Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803), of a kind used as a base for photo-sensitive, heat-sensitive or electro-sensitive paper or paperboard, in rolls or sheets.

Classification of photographic base paper under HS 4802.20

Photographic base paper is classified under HS code 4802.20. This classification is part of Chapter 48, which covers paper and paperboard. Heading 4802 refers to uncoated paper and paperboard of a kind used for writing, printing, or other graphic purposes. Subheading 4802.20 is specifically designated for paper used as a base for photo-sensitive, heat-sensitive, or electro-sensitive paper. The critical factor for this classification is that the paper must be "uncoated" and "unsensitized" at the time of import. This paper is a high-quality substrate, often made from chemically bleached wood pulp or cotton fibers, and is manufactured to strict specifications regarding wet strength, purity, and surface smoothness to ensure it can withstand the subsequent application of light-sensitive emulsions. The classification is based on the technical characteristics of the paper and its intended industrial use as a raw material for the photographic industry.

Covers
  • Uncoated photographic base paper in rolls
  • Uncoated paper for heat-sensitive base
  • Base paper for electro-sensitive recording
  • Baryta paper (uncoated base)
  • High-purity cellulose paper for photographic substrates
Also under 4802.20
  • Mitsubishi Paper Mills thermal base
  • Kodak photographic base paper (historical)
  • Ricoh thermal paper base
  • FujiFilm base paper.

Codes often confused with 4802.20

Common mistake. Photographic base paper is most commonly misclassified under HS code 3703. This heading covers photographic paper, paperboard, and textiles that are already sensitized and unexposed. The distinction is vital: 4802.20 is for the raw, unsensitized paper, while 3703 is for paper that has already been treated with light-sensitive chemicals. Another common error is using HS code 4811.51 or 4811.90, which covers coated or impregnated papers. If the base paper has already received a functional coating (other than simple sizing), it moves out of 4802. Finally, general printing paper under 4802.55 is often used by mistake; however, 4802.20 is the more specific provision for photographic bases.

37.03Photographic paper, paperboard and textiles; sensitised, unexposed4811.51Paper and paperboard; coated, impregnated or covered with plastics (excluding adhesives), bleached, weighing more than 150g/m2, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 48104811.90Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of soft cellulose fibres; coated, impregnated, covered, surface-decorated or surface-coloured, n.e.c. in heading no. 4811, in rolls or sheets48.02Uncoated paper and paperboard, used for writing, printing or other graphics, non perforated punch-cards and punch tape paper, in rolls or rectangular sheets, of any size, other than paper of heading 4801 or 4803; hand-made paper and paperboard4802.55Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weighing 40g/m2 to 150g/m2, in rolls

Top exporters and importers of HS 480220 (the code used for photographic base paper), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480220 (the code used for photographic base paper) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, 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 480220, not only photographic base paper.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $12M
  2. 2 China $10M
  3. 3 Italy $9.4M

World total: $66M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Netherlands $27M
  2. 2 Belgium $14M
  3. 3 Thailand $13M

World total: $152M 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 codes for photographic base paper

Brazil splits HS 4802.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 4802.20.10Sensitive-paper base, max 15 cm/360 mm
  • 4802.20.90Other photo/heat/electro-sensitive paper base

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 photographic base paper

What is the HS code for Photographic base paper?

The HS code for Photographic base paper is 480220 (Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); of a kind used as a base for photo-sensitive, heat-sensitive or electro-sensitive paper or paperboard, in rolls or sheets). The HS code for uncoated photographic base paper is 4802.20.

How do I classify Photographic base paper for customs?

Photographic base paper is classified under HS code 480220 — Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); of a kind used as a base for photo-sensitive, heat-sensitive or electro-sensitive paper or paperboard, in rolls or sheets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is sensitized photo paper classified here?

No, paper that has already been made light-sensitive is classified under HS code 3703. Code 4802.20 is only for the raw base paper before sensitization.

Which countries are the top exporters of photographic base paper (HS 480220)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480220 (the code used for photographic base paper) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($12M, 18% of world exports), China ($10M) and Italy ($9.4M). World exports came to about $66M, 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 photographic base paper (HS 480220)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 480220 (the code used for photographic base paper) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($27M, 17% of world imports), Belgium ($14M) and Thailand ($13M). World imports came to about $152M, 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 Photographic base paper the same in all countries?

The base HS code 480220 for Photographic base paper 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 photographic base paper in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 480220 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for photographic base paper depends on the product's details: 4802.20.10 (Sensitive-paper base, max 15 cm/360 mm), 4802.20.90 (Other photo/heat/electro-sensitive paper base).