Product classification
HS code for Record sleeves: 4819.50
Paper and paperboard, packing containers, including record sleeves, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 4819.
Classification of record sleeves under HS 4819.50
Record sleeves made of paper or paperboard are classified under HS code 4819.50. This heading covers cartons, boxes, cases, bags, and other packing containers of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding, or webs of cellulose fibers. Subheading 4819.50 is a residual category for "other" packing containers, which explicitly includes record sleeves in many national tariff schedules and the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System. The classification is based on the material composition (paper/paperboard) and the intended use as protective packaging for a specific product. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), products are classified based on their constituent material and their function. Since these sleeves are designed to house and protect vinyl records, they are treated as packing containers. Even if the sleeve is heavily printed with artwork, tracklists, or artist information, it remains under heading 4819 because its primary function is protective packaging rather than being a product of the printing industry (which would fall under Chapter 49). The durability and thickness of the paperboard used for outer jackets do not change this classification, as heading 4819 encompasses a wide range of paper-based containers regardless of weight.
- Covers
- Paper inner sleeves for vinyl records
- Paperboard outer jackets (LP covers)
- Printed paper record sleeves
- Acid-free paper sleeves for archival storage
- Gatefold paperboard record covers
- Also under 4819.50
- Vinyl record sleeves (e.g., from Universal Music)
- Starbucks cup carriers
- McDonald's fry cartons
- small electronics packaging inserts
- seed packets from Burpee
Codes often confused with 4819.50
Common mistake. Record sleeves are often misclassified under HS code 3923.21 or 3923.29 if they are made of plastic (polyethylene or polypropylene). It is critical to identify the material before assigning a code. Another common error is using HS code 4911, which covers other printed matter. While record sleeves are printed, they are specifically excluded from Chapter 49 when they function as packing containers of heading 4819. Additionally, sleeves made of textile materials would fall under Chapter 63.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481950 (the code used for record sleeves), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481950 (the code used for record sleeves) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% of world imports. Austria reports $627M of its chapter 48 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 481950, not only record sleeves.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $899M 29% of world exports
- 2 Germany $699M 23% of world exports
- 3 United States $181M 5.9% of world exports
Austria reports $627M of its chapter 48 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $3.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $341M 12% of world imports
- 2 France $222M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 Germany $173M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $2.9B 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 record sleeves
Brazil classifies record sleeves under NCM 4819.50.00: HS 4819.50 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 record sleeves
What is the HS code for Record sleeves?
The HS code for Record sleeves is 481950 (Paper and paperboard; packing containers, including record sleeves, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 4819). The HS code for paper or paperboard record sleeves is 4819.50.
How do I classify Record sleeves for customs?
Record sleeves is classified under HS code 481950 — Paper and paperboard; packing containers, including record sleeves, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 4819. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What code should be used for plastic record sleeves?
Plastic record sleeves are classified under heading 3923, typically 3923.21 for polymers of ethylene or 3923.29 for other plastics.
Which countries are the top exporters of record sleeves (HS 481950)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481950 (the code used for record sleeves) in UN Comtrade data were China ($899M, 29% of world exports), Germany ($699M) and the United States ($181M). World exports came to about $3.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Austria reports $627M of its chapter 48 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of record sleeves (HS 481950)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481950 (the code used for record sleeves) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($341M, 12% of world imports), France ($222M) and Germany ($173M). World imports came to about $2.9B, 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 Record sleeves the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481950 for Record sleeves 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 record sleeves in Brazil?
In Brazil, record sleeves (HS 481950) is classified under NCM 4819.50.00.