Product classification
HS code for Uncoated paperboard: 4802.69
Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803), over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, other than rolls, other than sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded).
Classification of uncoated paperboard under HS 4802.69
The classification of uncoated paperboard under HS code 4802.69 involves a detailed analysis of the fiber composition and the physical dimensions of the product. This code is part of a broader category for paper and paperboard used for writing, printing, or other graphic purposes. A defining characteristic for 4802.69 is that more than 10% of the total fiber weight must consist of fibers obtained by a mechanical or chemi-mechanical process. This distinguishes it from high-quality woodfree papers which are primarily composed of chemical pulp. The \"uncoated\" designation means the surface has not been treated with kaolin clay, calcium carbonate, or other substances to improve smoothness or ink receptivity. Additionally, this specific subheading is a residual category (\"other\") for products that do not meet the size requirements for rolls or specific sheet dimensions (such as standard A3 or A4 sizes) defined in other parts of heading 4802. It also excludes newsprint (4801) and specialized household or sanitary papers (4803). The classification logic follows the General Rules of Interpretation, specifically looking at the material composition first. If the paperboard contains a significant portion of mechanical pulp, it is steered toward the latter subheadings of 4802. The \"other\" designation in 4802.69 is used for paperboard that is not in rolls and not in the specific small sheet sizes mentioned in 4802.62. This often includes large format sheets or specialized industrial paperboard used in bookbinding, folder manufacturing, or as a base for further conversion. It is vital to distinguish this from 4805, which covers other uncoated paper and paperboard that do not meet the specific \"graphic\" criteria of 4802.
- Covers
- Uncoated mechanical paperboard in large sheets
- Graphic paperboard with >10% mechanical fiber
- Bulky book paperboard, uncoated
- Uncoated printing paperboard not in rolls
- Also under 4802.69
- UPM Newsprint
- Stora Enso Magazine Paper
- SCA Kraftliner
- Resolute Forest Products Newsprint
Codes often confused with 4802.69
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 4801.00 (newsprint) or 4805.91 (other uncoated paperboard). It is also frequently misclassified under 4810 if the user mistakenly identifies a surface sizing or light pigment as a \"coating.\" Furthermore, if the mechanical fiber content is 10% or less, it must be classified under 4802.54 through 4802.58.
Top exporters and importers of HS 480269 (the code used for uncoated paperboard), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480269 (the code used for uncoated paperboard) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Pakistan, with 9.4% 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 480269, not only uncoated paperboard.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $124M 32% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $64M 16% of world exports
- 3 Sweden $50M 13% of world exports
World total: $394M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Pakistan $36M 9.4% of world imports
- 2 Germany $32M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $20M 5.0% of world imports
World total: $387M 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 uncoated paperboard
Brazil splits HS 4802.69 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4802.69.10Paper over 10% mech. fibre, max 15 cm/360 mm
- 4802.69.91Paper max 57 g/m², min 65% mech. wood, other sizes
- 4802.69.92Kraft paper over 10% mech. fibre, other sizes
- 4802.69.99Other paper over 10% mech. fibre, other sizes
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 uncoated paperboard
What is the HS code for Uncoated paperboard?
The HS code for Uncoated paperboard is 480269 (Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, other than rolls, other than sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded)). For uncoated paperboard used for graphic purposes with more than 10% mechanical fiber in large sheets, the HS code is 4802.69.
How do I classify Uncoated paperboard for customs?
Uncoated paperboard is classified under HS code 480269 — Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, other than rolls, other than sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does 4802 differ from 4805?
Heading 4802 is for paper and paperboard used for writing, printing, or graphic purposes, whereas 4805 is for other uncoated paper and paperboard, such as fluting paper or testliner, which are not primarily for graphic use.
Which countries are the top exporters of uncoated paperboard (HS 480269)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480269 (the code used for uncoated paperboard) in UN Comtrade data were China ($124M, 32% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($64M) and Sweden ($50M). World exports came to about $394M, 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 uncoated paperboard (HS 480269)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 480269 (the code used for uncoated paperboard) in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($36M, 9.4% of world imports), Germany ($32M) and Indonesia ($20M). World imports came to about $387M, 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 Uncoated paperboard the same in all countries?
The base HS code 480269 for Uncoated paperboard 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 uncoated paperboard in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 480269 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for uncoated paperboard depends on the product's details: 4802.69.10 (Paper over 10% mech. fibre, max 15 cm/360 mm), 4802.69.91 (Paper max 57 g/m², min 65% mech. wood, other sizes), 4802.69.92 (Kraft paper over 10% mech. fibre, other sizes), 4802.69.99 (Other paper over 10% mech. fibre, other sizes).