Product classification
HS code for Transfer paper sheets: 4816.90
Paper, carbon paper and other copying or transfer papers (other than those of heading no. 4809), n.e.c. in item no. 4816.20.
Classification of transfer paper sheets under HS 4816.90
HS code 4816.90 is the correct classification for transfer paper, carbon paper, and similar copying papers that are presented in sizes or forms not covered by heading 4809. Specifically, this code applies to paper in rolls of a width not exceeding 36 cm or in rectangular sheets where no side exceeds 36 cm, or paper cut to shapes other than rectangular. This classification is typically used for retail-ready office supplies, such as carbon paper packs or small-format heat transfer sheets used in home crafts. The distinction between 4809 and 4816 is purely dimensional and based on the packaging format, as both headings describe similar functional products but cater to different stages of the supply chain or different end-user requirements. For example, a pack of A4-sized carbon paper or inkjet transfer paper for T-shirt printing sold in a stationery store would fall under 4816.90. The classification process involves first identifying the function of the paper (transfer/copying) and then measuring the dimensions to determine if it belongs in the bulk category (4809) or the retail/small-format category (4816). This ensures that finished consumer goods are distinguished from industrial raw materials in trade data. The \"90\" subheading is a residual category for transfer papers other than specific carbon or self-copy papers already mentioned in the 4816 group.
- Covers
- A4 or Letter sized carbon paper
- Inkjet heat transfer paper for T-shirts
- Small format dye-sublimation sheets
- Hectograph paper in retail packs
- Stencil paper cut to size
- Self-copy paper in small pads
- Also under 4816.90
- Pacon Carbon Paper
- Siser EasySubli
- Neenah Jet-Pro SS
- Spirit Thermal Transfer Paper
- Cricut Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets
Codes often confused with 4816.90
Common mistake. Transfer paper sheets are often misclassified under 4809.90 if the importer does not account for the size limitations. If the sheet is smaller than 36cm on all sides, it must be 4816.90. Additionally, it is sometimes confused with 3703.90 (photographic paper), but transfer paper is defined by its ability to move an image to another surface, not by light sensitivity.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481690 (the code used for transfer paper sheets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481690 (the code used for transfer paper sheets) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 39% 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 481690, not only transfer paper sheets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $82M 54% of world exports
- 2 Japan $13M 8.5% of world exports
- 3 United States $9.5M 6.2% of world exports
World total: $153M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $80M 39% of world imports
- 2 Poland $11M 5.5% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $9.6M 4.7% of world imports
World total: $203M 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 transfer paper sheets
Brazil splits HS 4816.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4816.90.10Carbon paper and similar, small formats
- 4816.90.90Stencils, offset plates and other copy 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 transfer paper sheets
What is the HS code for Transfer paper sheets?
The HS code for Transfer paper sheets is 481690 (Paper; carbon paper and other copying or transfer papers (other than those of heading no. 4809), n.e.c. in item no. 4816.20). The HS code for transfer paper sheets in retail or small formats is 4816.90.
How do I classify Transfer paper sheets for customs?
Transfer paper sheets is classified under HS code 481690 — Paper; carbon paper and other copying or transfer papers (other than those of heading no. 4809), n.e.c. in item no. 4816.20. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does this differ from industrial transfer paper?
Industrial transfer paper (4809.90) is sold in rolls wider than 36 cm, whereas 4816.90 is for smaller sheets and rolls typically used in offices or homes.
Which countries are the top exporters of transfer paper sheets (HS 481690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481690 (the code used for transfer paper sheets) in UN Comtrade data were China ($82M, 54% of world exports), Japan ($13M) and the United States ($9.5M). World exports came to about $153M, 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 transfer paper sheets (HS 481690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481690 (the code used for transfer paper sheets) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($80M, 39% of world imports), Poland ($11M) and Indonesia ($9.6M). World imports came to about $203M, 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 Transfer paper sheets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481690 for Transfer paper sheets 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 transfer paper sheets in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 481690 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for transfer paper sheets depends on the product's details: 4816.90.10 (Carbon paper and similar, small formats), 4816.90.90 (Stencils, offset plates and other copy paper).