Product classification
HS code for Sack paper: 4804.21
Kraft paper and paperboard, sack kraft paper, uncoated, unbleached, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803.
Classification of sack paper under HS 4804.21
Sack paper is classified under HS code 4804.21, which pertains to uncoated kraft paper and paperboard, specifically sack kraft paper that is unbleached and provided in rolls or sheets. Chapter 48 governs paper and paperboard articles. Heading 4804 is dedicated to kraft paper and paperboard, which are characterized by their high strength and durability, typically produced via the sulfate or soda process. The classification under 4804.21 is precise because it identifies the paper's intended use (sack kraft) and its physical state (unbleached and uncoated). This classification excludes paper that has been further processed, such as being coated with plastics or wax, which would shift the classification to other headings within Chapter 48. The technical specifications for sack kraft paper, such as its burst strength and tensile energy absorption, are what differentiate it from standard wrapping paper. This code is vital for the global trade of industrial packaging materials used in the construction and food industries.
- Covers
- Unbleached sack kraft paper in rolls
- Uncoated multi-wall sack paper
- High-extensible sack kraft paper
- Unbleached paper for cement bags
- Industrial grade unbleached kraft sheets
- Also under 4804.21
- BillerudKorsnäs Sack Kraft
- Mondi Advantage Kraft
- Stora Enso Sack Kraft
- WestRock Sack Kraft
Codes often confused with 4804.21
Common mistake. Sack paper is often misclassified under HS code 4805, which covers other uncoated paper and paperboard. However, 4804 is specific to kraft paper, which has a higher chemical wood pulp content. Another common error is classifying finished paper bags under 4819.30. HS code 4804.21 is strictly for the raw material (the paper itself), whereas 4819.30 is for the completed sacks or bags. Additionally, if the paper is bleached, it must be classified under 4804.22 rather than 4804.21.
Top exporters and importers of HS 480421 (the code used for sack paper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480421 (the code used for sack paper) in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, 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 480421, not only sack paper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Sweden $381M 17% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$284M 13% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Czechia $275M 12% of world exports
World total: $2.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $250M 11% of world imports
- 2 Germany $248M 11% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $138M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $2.2B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 sack paper
Brazil classifies sack paper under NCM 4804.21.00: HS 4804.21 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 sack paper
What is the HS code for Sack paper?
The HS code for Sack paper is 480421 (Kraft paper and paperboard; sack kraft paper, uncoated, unbleached, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803). The HS code for unbleached, uncoated sack kraft paper in rolls or sheets is 4804.21.
How do I classify Sack paper for customs?
Sack paper is classified under HS code 480421 — Kraft paper and paperboard; sack kraft paper, uncoated, unbleached, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 4804.21 and 4804.22?
HS code 4804.21 is for unbleached sack kraft paper, while 4804.22 is for sack kraft paper that has been bleached uniformly throughout the mass.
Which countries are the top exporters of sack paper (HS 480421)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480421 (the code used for sack paper) in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($381M, 17% of world exports), Russia (about $284M) and Czechia ($275M). World exports came to about $2.2B, 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 sack paper (HS 480421)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 480421 (the code used for sack paper) in UN Comtrade data were China ($250M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($248M) and Mexico ($138M). World imports came to about $2.2B, 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 Sack paper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 480421 for Sack paper 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 sack paper in Brazil?
In Brazil, sack paper (HS 480421) is classified under NCM 4804.21.00.