Product classification
HS code for Wax paper: 4811.60
Paper and paperboard, coated, impregnated or covered with wax, paraffin wax, stearin, oil or glycerol, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810.
Classification of wax paper under HS 4811.60
Wax paper is classified under HS code 4811.60, which specifically covers paper and paperboard that has been coated, impregnated, or covered with wax, paraffin wax, stearin, oil, or glycerol. This classification is part of Chapter 48, which governs paper and paperboard articles. The logic for this classification is based on the surface treatment applied to the base paper. Under the Harmonized System, paper that has undergone a process of impregnation or coating to provide moisture resistance or non-stick properties—common characteristics of wax paper—is categorized under heading 4811. This heading is reserved for paper that has been treated in ways other than those described in headings 4803, 4809, or 4810. The sub-heading 4811.60 is the most specific designation for wax-treated products, ensuring that the functional nature of the coating is the primary driver for its international trade identification.
- Covers
- Paraffin-coated food wrapping paper
- Wax-impregnated industrial paper
- Florist wax paper sheets
- Waxed kraft paper for packaging
- Dry wax paper for bakery use
- Also under 4811.60
- Reynolds Kitchens Wax Paper
- Dixie Waxed Paper
- various deli wrap brands
- industrial rust-inhibiting papers
Codes often confused with 4811.60
Common mistake. A common misclassification for wax paper is HS code 4806.40, which covers glassine and other glazed transparent or translucent papers. While wax paper may share some visual similarities with glassine, the latter is made through a mechanical process called supercalendering rather than wax coating. Another frequent error is HS code 4810, which is reserved for paper coated with inorganic substances like kaolin or calcium carbonate. Furthermore, if the paper is simply greaseproof but not waxed, it should be classified under 4806.20. It is critical to distinguish between a coating of wax (4811.60) and a coating of plastics (4811.50).
Top exporters and importers of HS 481160 (the code used for wax paper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481160 (the code used for wax paper) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.9% 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 481160, not only wax paper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $174M 32% of world exports
- 2 France $71M 13% of world exports
- 3 United States $61M 11% of world exports
World total: $550M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $63M 9.9% of world imports
- 2 Germany $49M 7.8% of world imports
- 3 Canada $35M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $633M 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 wax paper
Brazil splits HS 4811.60 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4811.60.10Wax or oil-coated paper, max 15 cm/360 mm
- 4811.60.90Other wax-, oil- or glycerol-coated 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 wax paper
What is the HS code for Wax paper?
The HS code for Wax paper is 481160 (Paper and paperboard; coated, impregnated or covered with wax, paraffin wax, stearin, oil or glycerol, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810). The HS code for wax paper is 4811.60, which applies to paper coated or impregnated with wax or paraffin.
How do I classify Wax paper for customs?
Wax paper is classified under HS code 481160 — Paper and paperboard; coated, impregnated or covered with wax, paraffin wax, stearin, oil or glycerol, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 4810. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is parchment paper classified under the same code as wax paper?
No, vegetable parchment paper is classified under HS code 4806.10, as it is treated with sulfuric acid rather than coated with wax.
Which countries are the top exporters of wax paper (HS 481160)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481160 (the code used for wax paper) in UN Comtrade data were China ($174M, 32% of world exports), France ($71M) and the United States ($61M). World exports came to about $550M, 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 wax paper (HS 481160)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481160 (the code used for wax paper) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($63M, 9.9% of world imports), Germany ($49M) and Canada ($35M). World imports came to about $633M, 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 Wax paper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481160 for Wax 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 wax paper in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 481160 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for wax paper depends on the product's details: 4811.60.10 (Wax or oil-coated paper, max 15 cm/360 mm), 4811.60.90 (Other wax-, oil- or glycerol-coated paper).