Product classification
HS code for Tracing paper: 4806.30
Paper, tracing papers, in rolls or sheets.
Classification of tracing paper under HS 4806.30
Tracing paper is classified under HS code 4806.30, which is located within the chapter for paper and paperboard. This specific subheading is reserved for papers that have been made transparent or translucent through a mechanical process, typically involving the heavy beating of cellulose fibers to eliminate air pockets. This process, known as hydration, results in a dense, non-porous paper that allows light to pass through. Unlike other transparent papers that might be treated with oils or resins, tracing paper under 4806.30 relies on the physical properties of the fibers themselves. The Harmonized System requires that these papers be in rolls or sheets to meet the criteria of this heading. This classification is vital for distinguishing technical drafting papers from decorative or packaging papers that may have similar visual properties but different manufacturing origins.
- Covers
- Standard drafting tracing paper
- Architectural tracing rolls
- Translucent drawing paper
- High-transparency technical paper
- Tracing paper sheets for artistic use
- Also under 4806.30
- Canson Tracing Paper
- Strathmore Tracing Vellum
- Koh-I-Noor Tracing Paper
Codes often confused with 4806.30
Common mistake. Tracing paper is frequently confused with vegetable parchment (HS code 4806.10) or greaseproof paper (HS code 4806.20). While all three are in the same heading, vegetable parchment is treated with sulfuric acid to achieve its properties, whereas tracing paper is mechanically prepared. It is also often confused with tracing cloth (HS code 5901.90), which is a textile-based product. Furthermore, if the paper is coated with plastic or zinc oxide, it might be misclassified under 4811, which covers coated or impregnated papers.
Top exporters and importers of HS 480630 (the code used for tracing paper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480630 (the code used for tracing paper) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 50% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 14% 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 480630, not only tracing paper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $17M 50% of world exports
- 2 Germany $7.6M 22% of world exports
- 3 France $1.8M 5.1% of world exports
World total: $35M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $6.0M 14% of world imports
- 2 United States $3.6M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 France $3.4M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $45M 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 tracing paper
Brazil classifies tracing paper under NCM 4806.30.00: HS 4806.30 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 tracing paper
What is the HS code for Tracing paper?
The HS code for Tracing paper is 480630 (Paper; tracing papers, in rolls or sheets). The HS code for tracing paper is 4806.30, which covers tracing papers in rolls or sheets.
How do I classify Tracing paper for customs?
Tracing paper is classified under HS code 480630 — Paper; tracing papers, in rolls or sheets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is translucent parchment paper the same as tracing paper?
No, parchment paper is usually classified under 4806.10 due to its chemical treatment, while tracing paper (4806.30) is characterized by its mechanical fiber preparation.
Which countries are the top exporters of tracing paper (HS 480630)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480630 (the code used for tracing paper) in UN Comtrade data were China ($17M, 50% of world exports), Germany ($7.6M) and France ($1.8M). World exports came to about $35M, 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 tracing paper (HS 480630)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 480630 (the code used for tracing paper) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($6.0M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($3.6M) and France ($3.4M). World imports came to about $45M, 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 Tracing paper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 480630 for Tracing 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 tracing paper in Brazil?
In Brazil, tracing paper (HS 480630) is classified under NCM 4806.30.00.