Product classification
HS code for Pulp filter sheets: 4812.00
Paper pulp, filter blocks, slabs and plates of paper pulp.
Classification of pulp filter sheets under HS 4812.00
Pulp filter sheets are classified under HS code 4812.00, which specifically identifies filter blocks, slabs, and plates of paper pulp. This classification is governed by the material composition and the intended industrial application. These products are manufactured by pressure-molding or felting paper pulp (usually wood pulp or other vegetable fibers) into thick, porous forms. Unlike standard paper (Heading 4805) or laboratory filter paper (Heading 4823), these items are characterized by their significant thickness and rigidity, designed for heavy-duty filtration in industries such as beverage production, chemical processing, or oil refining. The classification under 4812.00 is straightforward because it is a 'single-dash' subheading that explicitly names the product form (blocks, slabs, plates) and the material (paper pulp), leaving little room for ambiguity under GRI 1.
- Covers
- Thick cellulose filter slabs for wine filtration
- Porous pulp plates for industrial chemical separation
- Molded paper pulp filter blocks
- Regenerated cellulose filter sheets for heavy machinery
- Fibrous vegetable pulp plates for liquid clarification
- Also under 4812.00
- Pall Corporation filter sheets
- Eaton Begerow filter media
- ErtelAlsop filter plates
- Cuno filter cartridges
Codes often confused with 4812.00
Common mistake. These sheets are often confused with HS code 4823.20, which covers filter paper and paperboard cut to size. The distinction lies in the physical form; 4812.00 is for thick blocks or slabs, whereas 4823.20 is for thinner, flexible paper. Another misclassification occurs with HS code 5911.90, which covers textile products for technical uses. If the filter is made of textile fibers rather than paper pulp, it must be classified in Chapter 59. Furthermore, if the pulp is impregnated with chemicals that change its primary character to a chemical preparation, Chapter 38 might be considered, though this is rare for standard filter sheets.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481200 (the code used for pulp filter sheets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481200 (the code used for pulp filter sheets) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 481200, not only pulp filter sheets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $91M 36% of world exports
- 2 Denmark $32M 13% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $23M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $250M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $25M 11% of world imports
- 2 China $14M 6.3% of world imports
- 3 Germany $13M 6.2% of world imports
World total: $219M 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 pulp filter sheets
Brazil classifies pulp filter sheets under NCM 4812.00.00: HS 4812.00 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 pulp filter sheets
What is the HS code for Pulp filter sheets?
The HS code for Pulp filter sheets is 481200 (Paper pulp; filter blocks, slabs and plates of paper pulp). The HS code for pulp filter sheets, specifically in the form of blocks, slabs, or plates, is 4812.00.
How do I classify Pulp filter sheets for customs?
Pulp filter sheets is classified under HS code 481200 — Paper pulp; filter blocks, slabs and plates of paper pulp. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can these be classified as standard paper?
No, standard paper falls under headings like 4802 or 4805. Filter sheets are specialized products classified under 4812.00 due to their specific porous structure and industrial use.
Which countries are the top exporters of pulp filter sheets (HS 481200)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481200 (the code used for pulp filter sheets) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($91M, 36% of world exports), Denmark ($32M) and Thailand ($23M). World exports came to about $250M, 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 pulp filter sheets (HS 481200)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481200 (the code used for pulp filter sheets) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($25M, 11% of world imports), China ($14M) and Germany ($13M). World imports came to about $219M, 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 Pulp filter sheets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481200 for Pulp filter 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 pulp filter sheets in Brazil?
In Brazil, pulp filter sheets (HS 481200) is classified under NCM 4812.00.00.