Product classification
HS code for School notebooks: 4820.20
Paper and paperboard, exercise books.
Classification of school notebooks under HS 4820.20
School notebooks are classified under HS code 4820.20, which specifically identifies exercise books. This classification is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 48 covers paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or of paperboard. Heading 4820 encompasses registers, account books, notebooks, order books, receipt books, letter pads, memorandum pads, diaries, and similar articles. The subheading 4820.20 is reserved for exercise books, which are defined as stationery consisting of sheets of paper, usually ruled, bound together for the purpose of writing, typically used by students. The classification depends on the primary function of the item as a writing surface rather than a printed book. If the notebook contains significant printed instructional material, it might shift to Chapter 49, but standard school notebooks with minimal printing (like margins or headers) remain in 4820.20. The physical characteristics, such as the binding (spiral, stitched, or glued) and the presence of covers (paperboard or plastic), do not typically change the 4820.20 classification as long as the primary use remains as an exercise book. Furthermore, the size of the notebook is generally not a limiting factor for this code, provided it is intended for writing. Importers must ensure that the paper quality meets the standards for Chapter 48 and that the product does not include features that would classify it as a toy or a work of art.
- Covers
- Spiral-bound exercise books
- Composition notebooks
- Stitched school notebooks
- Graph paper notebooks for students
- Laboratory notebooks for educational use
- Also under 4820.20
- Mead composition notebooks
- Oxford spiral notebooks
- Five Star notebooks
- generic school exercise books
- Hilroy exercise books
Codes often confused with 4820.20
Common mistake. School notebooks are frequently confused with HS code 4820.10, which covers registers, account books, and diaries. The primary difference lies in the intended use; 4820.20 is specifically for exercise books used for practice or schoolwork. Another common error is using 4901.99, which is for printed books. If a notebook contains more than 25% printed content (like a textbook with blank spaces), it may be classified as a book. Additionally, loose-leaf paper is often misclassified here but belongs in 4823.90 or 4811.90 depending on the processing and size.
Top exporters and importers of HS 482020 (the code used for school notebooks), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 482020 (the code used for school notebooks) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 6.8% 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 482020, not only school notebooks.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $175M 29% of world exports
- 2 India $63M 10% of world exports
- 3 France $28M 4.6% of world exports
World total: $606M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $47M 6.8% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $44M 6.4% of world imports
- 3 Spain $32M 4.7% of world imports
World total: $690M 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 school notebooks
Brazil classifies school notebooks under NCM 4820.20.00: HS 4820.20 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 school notebooks
What is the HS code for School notebooks?
The HS code for School notebooks is 482020 (Paper and paperboard; exercise books). The standard HS code for school notebooks, specifically exercise books, is 4820.20.
How do I classify School notebooks for customs?
School notebooks is classified under HS code 482020 — Paper and paperboard; exercise books. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are loose-leaf filler papers classified under 4820.20?
No, loose-leaf filler paper is generally classified under 4823.90 or 4811.90 because it is not bound into a notebook format.
Which countries are the top exporters of school notebooks (HS 482020)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 482020 (the code used for school notebooks) in UN Comtrade data were China ($175M, 29% of world exports), India ($63M) and France ($28M). World exports came to about $606M, 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 school notebooks (HS 482020)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 482020 (the code used for school notebooks) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($47M, 6.8% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($44M) and Spain ($32M). World imports came to about $690M, 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 School notebooks the same in all countries?
The base HS code 482020 for School notebooks 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 school notebooks in Brazil?
In Brazil, school notebooks (HS 482020) is classified under NCM 4820.20.00.