Product classification
HS code for Unbleached sack kraft paper: 4804.21
Kraft paper and paperboard, sack kraft paper, uncoated, unbleached, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803.
Classification of unbleached sack kraft paper under HS 4804.21
Unbleached sack kraft paper is classified under HS code 4804.21. This classification is situated within heading 4804, which encompasses uncoated kraft paper and paperboard in rolls or sheets. Subheading 4804.21 specifically identifies "sack kraft paper" that is unbleached. Sack kraft paper is a high-strength, porous paper designed for the production of multi-wall bags and industrial sacks. To meet this classification, the paper must adhere to specific technical standards regarding its Mullen burst strength and tensile energy absorption (TEA) as defined in the Chapter 48 notes. The unbleached designation indicates that the pulp has not been treated with chemicals to whiten it, preserving the long, strong fibers of the sulfate or soda chemical wood pulp process, which provides the necessary durability for heavy-duty packaging.
- Covers
- Unbleached multi-wall bag paper
- Natural extensible sack kraft
- Uncoated cement bag paper
- Unbleached high-porosity kraft paper
- Raw kraft paper for industrial shipping sacks
- Also under 4804.21
- BillerudKorsnäs Sack Kraft
- Mondi Advantage Kraft
- Stora Enso Sack Kraft
- WestRock Sack Kraft
Codes often confused with 4804.21
Common mistake. It is frequently confused with 4804.11 (kraftliner) or 4804.31 (other unbleached kraft paper weighing 150g/m2 or less). The distinction is functional and technical; sack kraft paper (4804.21) must meet specific strength-to-weight ratios and porosity requirements that standard kraftliner or wrapping paper do not. It is also distinct from 4819.30, which covers the finished sacks or bags themselves.
Top exporters and importers of HS 480421 (the code used for unbleached sack kraft paper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480421 (the code used for unbleached sack kraft paper) in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 11% 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 480421, not only unbleached sack kraft paper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Sweden $381M 17% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$284M 13% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Czechia $275M 12% of world exports
World total: $2.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $250M 11% of world imports
- 2 Germany $248M 11% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $138M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $2.2B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 unbleached sack kraft paper
Brazil classifies unbleached sack kraft paper under NCM 4804.21.00: HS 4804.21 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 unbleached sack kraft paper
What is the HS code for Unbleached sack kraft paper?
The HS code for Unbleached sack kraft paper is 480421 (Kraft paper and paperboard; sack kraft paper, uncoated, unbleached, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803). The HS code for unbleached, uncoated sack kraft paper in rolls or sheets is 4804.21.
How do I classify Unbleached sack kraft paper for customs?
Unbleached sack kraft paper is classified under HS code 480421 — Kraft paper and paperboard; sack kraft paper, uncoated, unbleached, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can this code be used for finished paper bags?
No, 4804.21 is for the raw paper material in rolls or sheets. Finished bags are classified under heading 4819.
Which countries are the top exporters of unbleached sack kraft paper (HS 480421)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480421 (the code used for unbleached sack kraft paper) in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($381M, 17% of world exports), Russia (about $284M) and Czechia ($275M). World exports came to about $2.2B, 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 unbleached sack kraft paper (HS 480421)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 480421 (the code used for unbleached sack kraft paper) in UN Comtrade data were China ($250M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($248M) and Mexico ($138M). World imports came to about $2.2B, 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 Unbleached sack kraft paper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 480421 for Unbleached sack kraft 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 unbleached sack kraft paper in Brazil?
In Brazil, unbleached sack kraft paper (HS 480421) is classified under NCM 4804.21.00.