Product classification

HS code for Transparent paper: 4806.40

Paper, glassine and other glazed transparent or translucent papers, in rolls or sheets.

Classification of transparent paper under HS 4806.40

Transparent paper, specifically glassine and other glazed transparent or translucent papers, is classified under HS code 4806.40. This classification falls under Chapter 48, which covers paper and paperboard. Heading 4806 includes vegetable parchment, greaseproof papers, tracing papers, and glassine and other glazed transparent or translucent papers. Glassine paper is produced through a process called supercalendering, where the paper fibers are flattened to create a very smooth, translucent, and thin sheet. This process gives the paper its characteristic transparency and resistance to air and moisture. The classification 4806.40 is specific to these glazed transparent or translucent varieties. It is important to distinguish these from papers that are made transparent by impregnation with oil or wax, as the physical glazing process is the defining characteristic for this specific HS code.

Covers
  • Glassine paper in rolls or sheets
  • Glazed transparent paper for food packaging
  • Translucent glazed paper for luxury wrapping
  • Supercalendered transparent paper
  • Non-greaseproof glazed translucent paper
Also under 4806.40
  • Ahlstrom-Munksjö Glassine
  • Sappi Translucent Paper
  • Nordic Paper Glassine

Codes often confused with 4806.40

Common mistake. Transparent paper is frequently misclassified under HS code 3920, which covers plastic films and sheets. While they may look similar, glassine is a cellulose-based product, whereas 3920 is for synthetic polymers. Another common error is using 4806.30, which is for tracing papers. While tracing paper is translucent, glassine (4806.40) is specifically glazed and often used for different industrial or packaging purposes. Additionally, 4802 is sometimes used for general uncoated paper, but the specific processing of glassine requires the use of the more specific 4806.40 heading.

39.20Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive); non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials, n.e.c. in chapter 394806.30Paper; tracing papers, in rolls or sheets48.02Uncoated paper and paperboard, used for writing, printing or other graphics, non perforated punch-cards and punch tape paper, in rolls or rectangular sheets, of any size, other than paper of heading 4801 or 4803; hand-made paper and paperboard

Top exporters and importers of HS 480640 (the code used for transparent paper), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480640 (the code used for transparent paper) in UN Comtrade data was Finland, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, 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 480640, not only transparent paper.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Finland $251M
  2. 2 France $228M
  3. 3 Italy $205M

World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $182M
  2. 2 United States $173M
  3. 3 Poland $129M

World total: $1.5B 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 transparent paper

Brazil classifies transparent paper under NCM 4806.40.00: HS 4806.40 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 transparent paper

What is the HS code for Transparent paper?

The HS code for Transparent paper is 480640 (Paper; glassine and other glazed transparent or translucent papers, in rolls or sheets). The HS code for glazed transparent or translucent paper, such as glassine, is 4806.40.

How do I classify Transparent paper for customs?

Transparent paper is classified under HS code 480640 — Paper; glassine and other glazed transparent or translucent papers, in rolls or sheets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is cellophane classified under 4806.40?

No, cellophane is a plastic material derived from regenerated cellulose and is classified under HS code 3912 or 3920, depending on its form.

Which countries are the top exporters of transparent paper (HS 480640)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480640 (the code used for transparent paper) in UN Comtrade data were Finland ($251M, 19% of world exports), France ($228M) and Italy ($205M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 transparent paper (HS 480640)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 480640 (the code used for transparent paper) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($182M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($173M) and Poland ($129M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 Transparent paper the same in all countries?

The base HS code 480640 for Transparent 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 transparent paper in Brazil?

In Brazil, transparent paper (HS 480640) is classified under NCM 4806.40.00.