Product classification

HS code for White kraft paperboard: 4804.52

Kraft paper and paperboard, uncoated, weight 225g/m2 or more, bleached uniformly throughout, more than 95% of total fibre content consists of chemically processed wood fibres, in rolls or sheets.

Classification of white kraft paperboard under HS 4804.52

HS code 4804.52 is the specific classification for heavy-gauge white kraft paperboard. This classification is determined by the weight of the product, which must be 225 g/m2 or more, and its chemical composition. Like all products in heading 4804, it must be uncoated and consist of at least 95% by weight of wood fibers obtained through the chemical sulfate or soda processes. The "white" designation requires the board to be bleached uniformly throughout the mass, ensuring that the internal fibers are as white as the surface. This is a high-strength material used for heavy-duty packaging, liquid containers, and structural paper products. The classification follows the hierarchical structure of the Harmonized System, where heading 4804 is divided by weight brackets and then by the degree of bleaching. Accurate classification requires a grammage test to confirm the weight exceeds the 225 g/m2 threshold and a fiber analysis to confirm the kraft process was used.

Covers
  • Heavy bleached kraft linerboard (>225 g/m2)
  • Solid bleached sulfate (SBS) board (uncoated, >225 g/m2)
  • Bleached kraft carrier board
  • Uncoated liquid packaging board (bleached throughout)
Also under 4804.52
  • Stora Enso CKB
  • BillerudKorsnäs White Top Kraftliner (heavy grades)
  • Mondi ProVantage Komiwhite
  • Sappi Algro Design Duo
  • International Paper Accent Opaque (heavy)

Codes often confused with 4804.52

Common mistake. This product is often misclassified under HS code 4804.51, which covers unbleached kraft paperboard of the same weight. Another common error is using HS code 4804.42, which is for the same material but in a lower weight bracket (150-225 g/m2). Furthermore, if the paperboard is coated with plastic or minerals, it would be moved to heading 4811 or 4810 respectively. Importers must also distinguish this from multi-ply paperboard in heading 4805, which is made of different layers of pulp rather than a uniform bleached kraft mass.

4804.51Kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, unbleached, weight 225g/m2 or more, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 48034804.42Kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, weight between 150 and 225g/m2, bleached uniformly throughout, more than 95% of total fibre content consists of chemically processed wood fibres, in rolls or sheets48.11Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibres, coated, impregnated, covered, surface-coloured, decorated or printed, rolls or sheets, other than goods of heading no. 4803, 4809, or 481048.10Paper and paperboard, coated one or both sides with kaolin (china clay) or inorganic substances, with binder or not, no other coating, surface coloured or not, surface decorated or printed, in rolls or rectangular (including square) sheets, of any size48.05Uncoated paper and paperboard n.e.c., in rolls or sheets

Top exporters and importers of HS 480452 (the code used for white kraft paperboard), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480452 (the code used for white kraft paperboard) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 17% 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 480452, not only white kraft paperboard.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $66M
  2. 2 Finland $65M
  3. 3 Canada $14M

World total: $158M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 South Korea $30M
  2. 2 Japan $25M
  3. 3 United States $22M

World total: $176M 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 white kraft paperboard

Brazil classifies white kraft paperboard under NCM 4804.52.00: HS 4804.52 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 white kraft paperboard

What is the HS code for White kraft paperboard?

The HS code for White kraft paperboard is 480452 (Kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, weight 225g/m2 or more, bleached uniformly throughout, more than 95% of total fibre content consists of chemically processed wood fibres, in rolls or sheets). The HS code for uncoated, uniformly bleached kraft paperboard weighing 225g/m2 or more is 4804.52.

How do I classify White kraft paperboard for customs?

White kraft paperboard is classified under HS code 480452 — Kraft paper and paperboard; uncoated, weight 225g/m2 or more, bleached uniformly throughout, more than 95% of total fibre content consists of chemically processed wood fibres, in rolls or sheets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How is "kraft" paperboard defined for customs?

Kraft paperboard must have at least 95% of its fiber content derived from chemical sulfate or soda wood pulp processes, providing superior strength compared to other pulping methods.

Which countries are the top exporters of white kraft paperboard (HS 480452)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480452 (the code used for white kraft paperboard) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($66M, 41% of world exports), Finland ($65M) and Canada ($14M). World exports came to about $158M, 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 white kraft paperboard (HS 480452)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 480452 (the code used for white kraft paperboard) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($30M, 17% of world imports), Japan ($25M) and the United States ($22M). World imports came to about $176M, 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 White kraft paperboard the same in all countries?

The base HS code 480452 for White kraft 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 white kraft paperboard in Brazil?

In Brazil, white kraft paperboard (HS 480452) is classified under NCM 4804.52.00.