Product classification
HS code for Unprinted labels: 4821.90
Paper and paperboard, labels of all kinds, unprinted.
Classification of unprinted labels under HS 4821.90
Unprinted labels are classified under HS code 4821.90. This classification is part of Chapter 48, which covers paper and paperboard and articles made from them. Heading 4821 is specifically designated for paper or paperboard labels of all kinds, whether or not they are printed. The subheading 4821.90 is the category for labels that are not printed. This includes plain white or colored labels, self-adhesive or otherwise, that do not bear any text, illustrations, or decorative designs. The classification is determined by the material (paper or paperboard) and the intended use (as a label). Even if the labels are die-cut into specific shapes or come in rolls or sheets, they remain under this code as long as they are unprinted. If the labels were made of plastic, they would be classified in Chapter 39. The distinction between printed and unprinted is critical because printed labels (4821.10) often fall under different trade agreements and regulatory requirements regarding intellectual property and labeling laws.
- Covers
- Plain self-adhesive paper labels
- Unprinted paper tags for clothing
- Blank thermal paper labels
- Unprinted pressure-sensitive paper stickers
- Plain paper labels in rolls or sheets
- Unprinted gummed paper labels
- Also under 4821.90
- Avery blank labels
- UPM Raflatac unprinted label stock
- Fasson (Avery Dennison) blank rolls
- Zebra blank thermal labels
Codes often confused with 4821.90
Common mistake. Unprinted labels are often misclassified under HS code 4821.10, which is specifically for printed labels. Another common mistake is classifying them under HS code 3919 if the user assumes the adhesive component makes them "plastic," but if the base material is paper, 4821.90 is correct. They might also be confused with HS code 4823.90 (other paper articles), but Heading 4821 is more specific for labels.
Top exporters and importers of HS 482190 (the code used for unprinted labels), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 482190 (the code used for unprinted labels) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 482190, not only unprinted labels.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $356M 25% of world exports
- 2 United States $197M 14% of world exports
- 3 Germany $114M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $181M 12% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $118M 7.7% of world imports
- 3 Germany $96M 6.3% of world imports
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 unprinted labels
Brazil classifies unprinted labels under NCM 4821.90.00: HS 4821.90 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 unprinted labels
What is the HS code for Unprinted labels?
The HS code for Unprinted labels is 482190 (Paper and paperboard; labels of all kinds, unprinted). The HS code for unprinted paper or paperboard labels of all kinds is 4821.90.
How do I classify Unprinted labels for customs?
Unprinted labels is classified under HS code 482190 — Paper and paperboard; labels of all kinds, unprinted. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the label has a single border line but no text?
Generally, any decorative element or line added by a printing process would move the classification to 4821.10 (printed labels).
Which countries are the top exporters of unprinted labels (HS 482190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 482190 (the code used for unprinted labels) in UN Comtrade data were China ($356M, 25% of world exports), the United States ($197M) and Germany ($114M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 unprinted labels (HS 482190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 482190 (the code used for unprinted labels) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($181M, 12% of world imports), Mexico ($118M) and Germany ($96M). 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 Unprinted labels the same in all countries?
The base HS code 482190 for Unprinted labels 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 unprinted labels in Brazil?
In Brazil, unprinted labels (HS 482190) is classified under NCM 4821.90.00.