Product classification
HS code for Writing compendiums: 4817.30
Paper and paperboard, boxes, pouches, wallets and writing compendiums containing an assortment of paper stationery.
Classification of writing compendiums under HS 4817.30
Writing compendiums are classified under HS code 4817.30. This classification is governed by Chapter 48, which pertains to paper and paperboard and articles made from these materials. Heading 4817 covers envelopes, letter cards, plain postcards, and correspondence cards. Specifically, subheading 4817.30 is designated for boxes, pouches, wallets, and writing compendiums that contain an assortment of paper stationery. The classification is based on the fact that the product is a retail-ready set containing multiple stationery components, such as paper and envelopes, presented together in a single container or folder.
- Covers
- Stationery sets in decorative boxes
- Writing wallets containing paper and envelopes
- Travel writing kits with paper stationery
- Correspondence sets in pouches
- Letter writing compendiums
- Also under 4817.30
Papier Stationery Sets, Rifle Paper Co. Boxed Note Cards, Crane & Co. Stationery Wardrobe, Moleskine Writing Sets, Kate Spade New York Stationery Sets
Codes often confused with 4817.30
Common mistake. These items are often misclassified under 4802, which covers bulk writing paper that is not part of an assortment. They may also be confused with 4817.10 if the package only contains envelopes. If the compendium is primarily a high-value leather case with only incidental paper, it might be classified under 4202.11 or 4202.12. However, if the paper stationery is the essential character of the set, 4817.30 remains the correct code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 481730 (the code used for writing compendiums), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 481730 (the code used for writing compendiums) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 9.7% 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 481730, not only writing compendiums.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $96M 49% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $14M 7.3% of world exports
- 3 Spain $9.2M 4.7% of world exports
World total: $196M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $15M 9.7% of world imports
- 2 Germany $11M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $11M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $159M 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 writing compendiums
Brazil classifies writing compendiums under NCM 4817.30.00: HS 4817.30 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 writing compendiums
What is the HS code for Writing compendiums?
The HS code for Writing compendiums is 481730 (Paper and paperboard; boxes, pouches, wallets and writing compendiums containing an assortment of paper stationery). The HS code for writing compendiums containing an assortment of paper stationery is 4817.30.
How do I classify Writing compendiums for customs?
Writing compendiums is classified under HS code 481730 — Paper and paperboard; boxes, pouches, wallets and writing compendiums containing an assortment of paper stationery. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can a compendium include a pen?
If a pen is included as a minor accessory in the stationery set, it is usually classified under 4817.30 as a set for retail sale. However, if the pen is the primary item, the set might be classified under 9608.
Which countries are the top exporters of writing compendiums (HS 481730)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 481730 (the code used for writing compendiums) in UN Comtrade data were China ($96M, 49% of world exports), the Netherlands ($14M) and Spain ($9.2M). World exports came to about $196M, 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 writing compendiums (HS 481730)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 481730 (the code used for writing compendiums) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($15M, 9.7% of world imports), Germany ($11M) and the United Kingdom ($11M). World imports came to about $159M, 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 Writing compendiums the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481730 for Writing compendiums 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 writing compendiums in Brazil?
In Brazil, writing compendiums (HS 481730) is classified under NCM 4817.30.00.