Product classification
HS code for Product labels: 4821.10
Paper and paperboard, labels or all kinds, printed.
Classification of product labels under HS 4821.10
Product labels made of paper or paperboard that have been printed with text, graphics, or barcodes are classified under HS code 4821.10. This classification is governed by the material composition (paper) and the fact that the labels have undergone a printing process. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), the essential character of the item is a paper label, and the presence of printing specifies the subheading. This code applies regardless of whether the labels are self-adhesive (stickers) or require separate application via glue or ties. The printing can be achieved through various methods, including offset, lithography, flexography, or digital printing. As long as the primary material is paper and it contains printed information, 4821.10 is the appropriate designation for international trade and customs valuation.
- Covers
- Printed self-adhesive paper labels
- Printed paper tags for clothing
- Barcode labels on paper backing
- Instructional paper labels for machinery
- Printed decorative paper stickers
- 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. The most common misclassification occurs with non-printed paper labels, which fall under 4821.90. Additionally, labels made of plastics (such as vinyl stickers) are classified under 3919 if they are self-adhesive, or 3926 if they are not. It is critical to distinguish the base material before applying Chapter 48 codes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 482110 (the code used for product labels), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 482110 (the code used for product 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 product 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 product labels
Brazil classifies product 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 product labels
What is the HS code for Product labels?
The HS code for Product labels is 482110 (Paper and paperboard; labels or all kinds, printed). Printed paper product labels are classified under HS code 4821.10.
How do I classify Product labels for customs?
Product labels is classified under HS code 482110 — Paper and paperboard; labels or all kinds, printed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are plastic labels included in this HS code?
No, HS code 4821.10 is strictly for paper and paperboard labels. Plastic labels are typically classified under heading 3919.
Which countries are the top exporters of product labels (HS 482110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 482110 (the code used for product 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 product labels (HS 482110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 482110 (the code used for product 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 Product labels the same in all countries?
The base HS code 482110 for Product 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 product labels in Brazil?
In Brazil, product labels (HS 482110) is classified under NCM 4821.10.00.