Product classification
HS code for Printed labels: 4821.10
Paper and paperboard, labels or all kinds, printed.
Classification of printed labels under HS 4821.10
Printed labels made of paper or paperboard are classified under HS code 4821.10. Chapter 48 of the Harmonized System covers paper and paperboard articles. Heading 48.21 is specifically dedicated to labels of all kinds, whether they are used for packaging, branding, or shipping. The subheading 4821.10 is used when the labels have been printed with any text, images, or characters. This includes labels that are self-adhesive as well as those that are not. The printing can be functional, such as barcodes and addresses, or decorative, such as brand logos. The essential character of the product is that it is a paper-based carrier of information or branding intended to be attached to another object.
- Covers
- Printed self-adhesive paper labels
- Printed paper price tags
- Printed paper shipping labels
- Printed paperboard garment tags
- Printed paper stickers used as labels
- Also under 4821.10
- Avery shipping labels
- Dymo label rolls
- Zebra thermal labels
- UPM Raflatac product labels
Codes often confused with 4821.10
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying these under 4821.90, which is reserved for labels that are not printed (plain labels). Another common misclassification occurs when the labels are made of textile materials; textile labels are classified under heading 58.07. If the labels are made of plastic (such as vinyl) and are self-adhesive, they may fall under heading 39.19. It is critical to identify the base material (paper vs. plastic vs. textile) before applying code 4821.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 482110 (the code used for printed labels), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 482110 (the code used for printed labels) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 6.2% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 3.0% of its imports here ($7.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 482110, not only printed labels.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.0B 23% of world exports
- 2 United States $377M 8.4% of world exports
- 3 Germany $366M 8.2% of world exports
World total: $4.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $278M 6.2% of world imports
- 2 France $259M 5.8% of world imports
- 3 United States $245M 5.4% of world imports
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 3.0% of its imports here ($7.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $4.5B 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 printed labels
Brazil classifies printed labels under NCM 4821.10.00: HS 4821.10 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 printed labels
What is the HS code for Printed labels?
The HS code for Printed labels is 482110 (Paper and paperboard; labels or all kinds, printed). The HS code for printed labels made of paper or paperboard is 4821.10.
How do I classify Printed labels for customs?
Printed labels is classified under HS code 482110 — Paper and paperboard; labels or all kinds, printed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What code should I use for unprinted paper labels?
Unprinted paper labels are classified under HS code 4821.90. The presence of any printing, even simple lines or boxes, usually moves the product to 4821.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of printed labels (HS 482110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 482110 (the code used for printed labels) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.0B, 23% of world exports), the United States ($377M) and Germany ($366M). World exports came to about $4.5B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of printed labels (HS 482110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 482110 (the code used for printed labels) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($278M, 6.2% of world imports), France ($259M) and the United States ($245M). World imports came to about $4.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 3.0% of its imports here ($7.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Printed labels the same in all countries?
The base HS code 482110 for Printed labels 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 printed labels in Brazil?
In Brazil, printed labels (HS 482110) is classified under NCM 4821.10.00.