Product classification
HS code for Plastic coated paper: 4811.59
Paper and paperboard, coated, impregnated or covered with plastics (excluding adhesives), other than bleached and weighing more than 150g/m2, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810.
Classification of plastic coated paper under HS 4811.59
HS code 4811.59 is utilized for paper and paperboard that has been coated, impregnated, or covered with plastics. This specific subheading is reserved for products that are either unbleached or weigh 150g/m2 or less, distinguishing them from heavier or bleached varieties. Chapter 48 covers paper and paperboard articles, and heading 4811 focuses on paper that has undergone surface treatments after the initial manufacturing process. The plastic coating, often polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), is applied to provide a moisture barrier, grease resistance, or heat-sealing capabilities. This classification is vital for the packaging industry, where paper-plastic composites are used for various consumer goods. The determination of this code depends on the weight of the paper and whether the fibers have been bleached. It excludes adhesive-backed papers, which are classified under 4823, and technical papers like carbon or self-copy paper found in 4809.
- Covers
- Polyethylene-coated wrapping paper
- Moisture-resistant kraft paper for industrial use
- Plastic-laminated food wrap (paper-based)
- Unbleached plastic-coated paperboard under 150g/m2
- Silicone-coated release paper
- Also under 4811.59
- Tetra Pak cartons
- Starbucks paper cups
- Kodak photographic paper
- Avery Dennison release liners
Codes often confused with 4811.59
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with 4811.51, which is reserved for bleached paperboard weighing more than 150g/m2. Importers often fail to verify the weight and bleaching status, leading to errors. Another confusion arises with Chapter 39 (3920 or 3921) if the plastic layer is the dominant component and the paper is merely a carrier. If the product is self-adhesive, it must be classified under 4823.90 or 3919.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481159 (the code used for plastic coated paper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481159 (the code used for plastic coated paper) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 6.6% 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 481159, not only plastic coated paper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.4B 19% of world exports
- 2 China $805M 11% of world exports
- 3 Poland $483M 6.5% of world exports
World total: $7.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $501M 6.6% of world imports
- 2 Poland $463M 6.1% of world imports
- 3 Germany $393M 5.2% of world imports
World total: $7.6B 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 codes for plastic coated paper
Brazil splits HS 4811.59 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4811.59.10Other plastic-coated paper, max 15 cm/360 mm
- 4811.59.21Other photo paper base, PE/PP on both sides
- 4811.59.22Other silicone-coated paper and paperboard
- 4811.59.23Other printed PE/aluminium laminated paper
- 4811.59.29Other plastic-coated paper and paperboard
- 4811.59.30Other plastic-impregnated paper and paperboard
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 plastic coated paper
What is the HS code for Plastic coated paper?
The HS code for Plastic coated paper is 481159 (Paper and paperboard; coated, impregnated or covered with plastics (excluding adhesives), other than bleached and weighing more than 150g/m2, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810). The HS code for plastic coated paper (unbleached or <=150g/m2) is 4811.59.
How do I classify Plastic coated paper for customs?
Plastic coated paper is classified under HS code 481159 — Paper and paperboard; coated, impregnated or covered with plastics (excluding adhesives), other than bleached and weighing more than 150g/m2, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 4811.59 and 4811.51?
4811.51 is specifically for bleached paperboard that weighs more than 150g/m2, whereas 4811.59 covers all other plastic-coated papers not meeting those specific criteria.
Which countries are the top exporters of plastic coated paper (HS 481159)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481159 (the code used for plastic coated paper) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.4B, 19% of world exports), China ($805M) and Poland ($483M). World exports came to about $7.4B, 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 plastic coated paper (HS 481159)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481159 (the code used for plastic coated paper) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($501M, 6.6% of world imports), Poland ($463M) and Germany ($393M). World imports came to about $7.6B, 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 Plastic coated paper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481159 for Plastic coated 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 plastic coated paper in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 481159 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for plastic coated paper depends on the product's details: 4811.59.10 (Other plastic-coated paper, max 15 cm/360 mm), 4811.59.21 (Other photo paper base, PE/PP on both sides), 4811.59.22 (Other silicone-coated paper and paperboard), 4811.59.23 (Other printed PE/aluminium laminated paper), 4811.59.29 (Other plastic-coated paper and paperboard), 4811.59.30 (Other plastic-impregnated paper and paperboard).