Product classification
HS code for Specialty paper: 4805.91
Paper and paperboard, uncoated, weight 150g/m2 or less, in rolls or sheets, n.e.c. in heading no.4805.
Classification of specialty paper under HS 4805.91
Specialty paper is classified under HS code 4805.91, which covers other uncoated paper and paperboard, in rolls or sheets, weighing 150 g/m2 or less. This classification is part of heading 4805, which acts as a residual heading for papers that do not meet the specific technical definitions of kraft paper (4804), sulfite wrapping paper (4805.30), or graphic papers (4802). Specialty papers in this category are often defined by their end-use or unique physical properties, such as high porosity for filtration, specific chemical resistance, or unique textures for industrial applications. To qualify for 4805.91, the paper must be uncoated and must not have undergone any surface treatments that would classify it under heading 4810 or 4811. The weight limit of 150 g/m2 is a strict threshold; exceeding this weight would shift the classification to 4805.92 or 4805.93.
- Covers
- Uncoated filter paper
- Industrial blotting paper
- Technical wrapping paper
- Uncoated capacitor paper
- Interleaving paper for glass or metal
- Base paper for sensitive coatings
- Also under 4805.91
- Domtar EarthChoice
- International Paper Accent Opaque
- UPM Fine Paper
Codes often confused with 4805.91
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 4802.54, which covers uncoated paper used for writing or graphic purposes. The distinction lies in the intended use and the manufacturing process. It is also frequently misclassified under 4811.90 if the importer mistakenly believes the paper is "treated" when it is actually just a specialized uncoated fiber matrix.
Top exporters and importers of HS 480591 (the code used for specialty paper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480591 (the code used for specialty paper) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, 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 480591, not only specialty paper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $493M 28% of world exports
- 2 Germany $316M 18% of world exports
- 3 France $166M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $1.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $214M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $172M 11% of world imports
- 3 India $128M 8.0% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 specialty paper
Brazil classifies specialty paper under NCM 4805.91.00: HS 4805.91 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 specialty paper
What is the HS code for Specialty paper?
The HS code for Specialty paper is 480591 (Paper and paperboard; uncoated, weight 150g/m2 or less, in rolls or sheets, n.e.c. in heading no.4805). The HS code for uncoated specialty paper weighing 150 g/m2 or less is 4805.91.
How do I classify Specialty paper for customs?
Specialty paper is classified under HS code 480591 — Paper and paperboard; uncoated, weight 150g/m2 or less, in rolls or sheets, n.e.c. in heading no.4805. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the specialty paper is coated with plastic or wax?
If the paper is coated, impregnated, or covered, it must be classified under heading 4811, typically 4811.51 or 4811.60 depending on the coating material.
Which countries are the top exporters of specialty paper (HS 480591)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480591 (the code used for specialty paper) in UN Comtrade data were China ($493M, 28% of world exports), Germany ($316M) and France ($166M). World exports came to about $1.8B, 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 specialty paper (HS 480591)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 480591 (the code used for specialty paper) in UN Comtrade data were China ($214M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($172M) and India ($128M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 Specialty paper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 480591 for Specialty 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 specialty paper in Brazil?
In Brazil, specialty paper (HS 480591) is classified under NCM 4805.91.00.