Product classification

HS code for Printing paper rolls: 4802.55

Uncoated 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.

Classification of printing paper rolls under HS 4802.55

HS code 4802.55 is reserved for uncoated paper and paperboard used for writing, printing, or other graphic purposes. To fall under this specific subheading, the paper must meet several strict technical criteria defined by the World Customs Organization. First, it must contain 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibers. Second, its weight must range between 40 g/m² and 150 g/m². Most importantly, the paper must be presented in rolls. This classification is part of a broader category of high-quality woodfree papers. The "uncoated" designation means the paper has not been treated with kaolin (China clay) or other inorganic substances to create a glossy or matte finish, though it may have undergone surface sizing with starch. This code is essential for the international trade of bulk paper used in high-volume offset printing, commercial publishing, and the production of continuous stationery. The classification is driven by the physical state (rolls) and the fiber composition, ensuring that industrial-scale printing materials are distinguished from consumer-sized sheets.

Covers
  • Offset printing paper in large rolls
  • Bond paper rolls for commercial printing
  • Xerographic paper in rolls for high-speed digital presses
  • Uncoated graphic paper rolls for brochures
  • Continuous stationery paper rolls
Also under 4802.55
  • Mondi Maestro Print (rolls)
  • International Paper Hammermill (industrial rolls)
  • Stora Enso uncoated fine paper
  • Domtar EarthChoice Office Paper (rolls).

Codes often confused with 4802.55

Common mistake. This code is often confused with HS code 4801.00, which covers newsprint; however, newsprint has a higher mechanical fiber content. It is also frequently misclassified with HS code 4810, which covers coated paper (like glossy magazine paper). Another common error is using HS code 4802.56, which is the classification for the same type of paper but presented in sheets rather than rolls. Importers must verify the weight (gsm) carefully, as paper exceeding 150 g/m² moves to different subheadings within 4802.

4801.00Newsprint; made of fibres obtained essentially by a chemi-mechanical process or of a weight, per m2, of more than 57g but not more than 65g, in rolls or sheets48.10Paper and paperboard, coated one or both sides with kaolin (china clay) or inorganic substances, with binder or not, no other coating, surface coloured or not, surface decorated or printed, in rolls or rectangular (including square) sheets, of any size4802.56Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weight 40-150g/m2, in sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded)48.02Uncoated 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 paperboard

Top exporters and importers of HS 480255 (the code used for printing paper rolls), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480255 (the code used for printing paper rolls) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 11% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 480255, not only printing paper rolls.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Indonesia $457M
  2. 2 Germany $351M
  3. 3 China $343M

World total: $4.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $567M
  2. 2 Türkiye $401M
  3. 3 Germany $299M

World total: $4.6B 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 printing paper rolls

Brazil splits HS 4802.55 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 4802.55.10Woodfree paper 40–150 g/m², rolls up to 15 cm
  • 4802.55.91Woodfree drawing paper 40–150 g/m², in rolls
  • 4802.55.92Woodfree kraft paper 40–150 g/m², in rolls
  • 4802.55.99Other woodfree paper 40–150 g/m², in rolls

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 printing paper rolls

What is the HS code for Printing paper rolls?

The HS code for Printing paper rolls is 480255 (Uncoated 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). The HS code for uncoated printing paper weighing 40-150 g/m² in rolls is 4802.55.

How do I classify Printing paper rolls for customs?

Printing paper rolls is classified under HS code 480255 — Uncoated 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. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include thermal paper rolls?

No, thermal paper is typically coated with a heat-sensitive layer and is classified under HS code 4811.90 or 4823, depending on the width and use.

Which countries are the top exporters of printing paper rolls (HS 480255)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480255 (the code used for printing paper rolls) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($457M, 11% of world exports), Germany ($351M) and China ($343M). World exports came to about $4.0B, 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 printing paper rolls (HS 480255)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 480255 (the code used for printing paper rolls) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($567M, 12% of world imports), Türkiye ($401M) and Germany ($299M). World imports came to about $4.6B, 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 Printing paper rolls the same in all countries?

The base HS code 480255 for Printing paper rolls 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 printing paper rolls in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 480255 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for printing paper rolls depends on the product's details: 4802.55.10 (Woodfree paper 40–150 g/m², rolls up to 15 cm), 4802.55.91 (Woodfree drawing paper 40–150 g/m², in rolls), 4802.55.92 (Woodfree kraft paper 40–150 g/m², in rolls), 4802.55.99 (Other woodfree paper 40–150 g/m², in rolls).