Product classification
HS code for Sample albums: 4820.50
Paper and paperboard, albums for samples or for collections.
Classification of sample albums under HS 4820.50
Sample albums are classified under HS code 4820.50. This code is situated within Chapter 48, which covers paper and paperboard and articles made from these materials. Heading 4820 includes a variety of stationery items such as registers, account books, notebooks, and binders. Subheading 4820.50 is specifically designated for "albums for samples or for collections." The classification is determined by the function of the article—to hold and display items—and its primary material composition, which must be paper or paperboard. These albums are designed to organize and protect samples of fabrics, wallcoverings, or collectible items like stamps and coins. Even if the album contains plastic sleeves, if the structural integrity and primary material of the binding and pages are paper-based, this code applies. This classification is essential for businesses in the textile and interior design industries that distribute physical samples to clients.
- Covers
- Fabric swatch books and sample albums
- Wallpaper sample books
- Stamp albums for collectors
- Coin albums and numismatic display folders
- Photograph albums made of paper or paperboard
- Also under 4820.50
- Lighthouse stamp albums
- Ultra Pro trading card binders
- Pioneer photo albums
- fabric swatch books from textile manufacturers
- coin collection albums
Codes often confused with 4820.50
Common mistake. Sample albums are often misclassified under 4911.10, which covers trade advertising material and catalogues. While a sample album is used for marketing, 4911 is for printed matter, whereas 4820.50 is for the physical container/album itself. Another common error is using 3926.90 for plastic albums. If the album is predominantly made of plastic sheets and a plastic cover without significant paper content, it may move to Chapter 39. Finally, 4820.10 (registers and notebooks) is sometimes used incorrectly; however, the specific provision for "albums" in 4820.50 takes precedence over general stationery codes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 482050 (the code used for sample albums), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 482050 (the code used for sample albums) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 13% 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 482050, not only sample albums.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $121M 48% of world exports
- 2 Germany $19M 7.6% of world exports
- 3 France $19M 7.4% of world exports
World total: $251M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $23M 13% of world imports
- 2 France $23M 13% of world imports
- 3 United States $13M 7.2% of world imports
World total: $173M 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 sample albums
Brazil classifies sample albums under NCM 4820.50.00: HS 4820.50 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 sample albums
What is the HS code for Sample albums?
The HS code for Sample albums is 482050 (Paper and paperboard; albums for samples or for collections). The specific HS code for albums used for samples or collections is 4820.50.
How do I classify Sample albums for customs?
Sample albums is classified under HS code 482050 — Paper and paperboard; albums for samples or for collections. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include digital photo albums?
No, digital photo albums or electronic display frames are classified under Chapter 85 (specifically 8543 or 8528) as they are electronic devices, not paper stationery.
Which countries are the top exporters of sample albums (HS 482050)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 482050 (the code used for sample albums) in UN Comtrade data were China ($121M, 48% of world exports), Germany ($19M) and France ($19M). World exports came to about $251M, 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 sample albums (HS 482050)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 482050 (the code used for sample albums) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($23M, 13% of world imports), France ($23M) and the United States ($13M). World imports came to about $173M, 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 Sample albums the same in all countries?
The base HS code 482050 for Sample albums 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 sample albums in Brazil?
In Brazil, sample albums (HS 482050) is classified under NCM 4820.50.00.