Product classification
HS code for Tar paper: 4811.10
Paper and paperboard, tarred, bituminised or asphalted, in rolls or sheets, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810.
Classification of tar paper under HS 4811.10
Tar paper is classified under HS code 4811.10 because it consists of a base of paper or paperboard that has been specifically treated through impregnation, coating, or covering with bitumen, tar, or asphalt. According to the Harmonized System's Chapter 48 notes, this heading includes paper and paperboard that has been processed in a way that provides functional properties, such as waterproofing, without changing the essential character of the product as a paper-based material. The manufacturing process typically involves passing a continuous sheet of heavy paper through a vat of hot bitumen or tar, which saturates the fibers. This classification is determined by the substrate (paper) and the specific treatment (tarring or bituminization). It is essential for customs purposes to distinguish this from products where the bitumen is the primary structural component or where the reinforcement is made of glass fibers or plastics, as those would fall under different chapters entirely. The 4811.10 code specifically addresses the 'other than' exclusions of headings 4803, 4809, or 4810, ensuring that only these specific impregnated papers are captured here for use in roofing, flooring, and general construction waterproofing.
- Covers
- Asphalt-saturated roofing felt
- Bituminized paperboard sheets
- Tar-impregnated building paper
- Waterproof kraft paper coated with asphalt
- Bitumen-covered paper rolls for vapor barriers
- Also under 4811.10
- GAF FeltBuster
- CertainTeed ShingleFelt
- IKO AquaBarrier
- Owens Corning Deck Defense
- Henry Blueskin VP100
Codes often confused with 4811.10
Common mistake. Tar paper is frequently confused with HS code 6807, which covers articles of asphalt or similar material. The primary distinction lies in the base material; 4811.10 is strictly for paper-based products, whereas 6807 is for products where asphalt is the primary component or the reinforcement is non-paper (like fiberglass). It may also be confused with HS code 2715.00, which covers bituminous mastics and cut-backs, which are liquid or semi-solid mixtures rather than finished sheets or rolls of paper.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481110 (the code used for tar paper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481110 (the code used for tar paper) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 17% 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 481110, not only tar paper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $7.8M 20% of world exports
- 2 Italy $5.0M 13% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $4.7M 12% of world exports
World total: $39M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $11M 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $6.3M 9.4% of world imports
- 3 United States $5.8M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $67M 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 codes for tar paper
Brazil splits HS 4811.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4811.10.10Tar/bitumen/asphalt paper, max 15 cm/360 mm
- 4811.10.90Other tarred, bituminised or asphalted paper
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 tar paper
What is the HS code for Tar paper?
The HS code for Tar paper is 481110 (Paper and paperboard; tarred, bituminised or asphalted, in rolls or sheets, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810). The HS code for tar paper, specifically paper or paperboard that is tarred, bituminised, or asphalted, is 4811.10.
How do I classify Tar paper for customs?
Tar paper is classified under HS code 481110 — Paper and paperboard; tarred, bituminised or asphalted, in rolls or sheets, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is roofing felt classified under the same code?
Yes, if the roofing felt is made of a paper or paperboard base that has been saturated with bitumen or tar, it falls under 4811.10. However, if it has a fiberglass base, it is classified under 6807.
Which countries are the top exporters of tar paper (HS 481110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481110 (the code used for tar paper) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($7.8M, 20% of world exports), Italy ($5.0M) and Czechia ($4.7M). World exports came to about $39M, 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 tar paper (HS 481110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481110 (the code used for tar paper) in UN Comtrade data were France ($11M, 17% of world imports), Germany ($6.3M) and the United States ($5.8M). World imports came to about $67M, 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 Tar paper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481110 for Tar 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 tar paper in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 481110 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for tar paper depends on the product's details: 4811.10.10 (Tar/bitumen/asphalt paper, max 15 cm/360 mm), 4811.10.90 (Other tarred, bituminised or asphalted paper).