Product classification
HS code for Printing paper sheets: 4802.57
Uncoated 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, n.e.c. in item no. 4802.55 or 4802.56.
Classification of printing paper sheets under HS 4802.57
HS code 4802.57 covers uncoated paper and paperboard in sheets, with a weight between 40 g/m² and 150 g/m², containing 10% or less mechanical fiber. This code acts as a residual category for sheets that do not meet the specific dimensional requirements of subheading 4802.56. While 4802.56 covers sheets where one side does not exceed 435 mm and the other does not exceed 297 mm in the unfolded state (standard office sizes like A4 and A3), 4802.57 is used for larger sheets or those with different proportions. The classification depends heavily on the physical dimensions, the weight per square meter, and the manufacturing process of the paper. It is used for professional printing stocks, large-format drawing papers, and specialized stationery that is sold in flat sheets rather than rolls. The paper must be uncoated, meaning it lacks the mineral coating found on art paper, though it may be tinted or surface-sized. This classification ensures that large-format printing media is correctly identified for duty and statistical purposes.
- Covers
- Large format uncoated printing sheets
- SRA3 and larger offset printing sheets
- Uncoated drawing paper in large sheets
- Specialty graphic paper sheets (uncoated)
- Flat-packed bond paper for commercial lithography
- Also under 4802.57
- Sappi McCoy Digital (larger sheets)
- Domtar Lynx Opaque Ultra (larger sheets)
- Mohawk Superfine (in larger sheets)
- International Paper Accent Opaque (larger sheets).
Codes often confused with 4802.57
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 4802.56, which is specifically for standard office sizes (A4/A3). If the sheets are smaller than the 435x297mm threshold, they must go under 4802.56. Additionally, if the paper is coated with kaolin or other substances, it must be classified under heading 4810. It is also sometimes confused with HS code 4823.90, which covers paper cut to specific shapes or sizes for retail sale, rather than bulk printing sheets.
Top exporters and importers of HS 480257 (the code used for printing paper sheets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480257 (the code used for printing paper sheets) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 7.4% 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 480257, not only printing paper sheets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $393M 16% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $292M 12% of world exports
- 3 Portugal $206M 8.3% of world exports
World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $190M 7.4% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $132M 5.1% of world imports
- 3 France $129M 5.0% of world imports
World total: $2.6B 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 sheets
Brazil splits HS 4802.57 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4802.57.10Woodfree 40–150 g/m², other, max 15 cm/360 mm
- 4802.57.91Other banknote paper, 40–150 g/m²
- 4802.57.92Other drawing paper, 40–150 g/m²
- 4802.57.93Other woodfree kraft paper, 40–150 g/m²
- 4802.57.99Other woodfree paper 40–150 g/m², other sizes
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 sheets
What is the HS code for Printing paper sheets?
The HS code for Printing paper sheets is 480257 (Uncoated 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, n.e.c. in item no. 4802.55 or 4802.56). The HS code for uncoated printing paper sheets (40-150 g/m²) that do not meet the size limits of 4802.56 is 4802.57.
How do I classify Printing paper sheets for customs?
Printing paper sheets is classified under HS code 480257 — Uncoated 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, n.e.c. in item no. 4802.55 or 4802.56. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is 4802.57 different from 4802.56?
The difference is purely dimensional; 4802.56 is for standard small sheets (like A4), while 4802.57 is for larger sheets where at least one side exceeds the 435mm or 297mm limits.
Which countries are the top exporters of printing paper sheets (HS 480257)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480257 (the code used for printing paper sheets) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($393M, 16% of world exports), Indonesia ($292M) and Portugal ($206M). World exports came to about $2.5B, 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 printing paper sheets (HS 480257)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 480257 (the code used for printing paper sheets) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($190M, 7.4% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($132M) and France ($129M). World imports came to about $2.6B, 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 sheets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 480257 for Printing paper sheets 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 sheets in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 480257 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for printing paper sheets depends on the product's details: 4802.57.10 (Woodfree 40–150 g/m², other, max 15 cm/360 mm), 4802.57.91 (Other banknote paper, 40–150 g/m²), 4802.57.92 (Other drawing paper, 40–150 g/m²), 4802.57.93 (Other woodfree kraft paper, 40–150 g/m²), 4802.57.99 (Other woodfree paper 40–150 g/m², other sizes).