Product classification

HS code for Writing paper: 4802.54

Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803), printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weighing less than 40g/m2, in rolls or sheets.

Classification of writing paper under HS 4802.54

Writing paper weighing less than 40g/m2 is classified under HS code 4802.54. This code is part of Chapter 48, which covers paper and paperboard. Heading 4802 is for uncoated paper and paperboard used for writing, printing, or other graphic purposes, provided they do not contain more than 10% by weight of fibers obtained by a mechanical or chemi-mechanical process. Subheading 4802.54 is specifically defined by the weight of the paper, targeting very lightweight varieties. This classification is essential for identifying thin, high-quality papers used for specific correspondence or technical applications where weight is a critical factor.

Covers
  • Lightweight airmail paper
  • Thin manifold paper
  • Carbonizing base paper
  • Lightweight bond paper
  • Thin opaque writing paper
Also under 4802.54
  • Domtar lightweight opaque paper
  • Sappi lightweight coated paper (base)
  • UPM lightweight printing paper
  • ArjoWiggins Conqueror (some lightweight grades).

Codes often confused with 4802.54

Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with 4802.55 or 4802.56, which are for papers weighing between 40g/m2 and 150g/m2. It is also sometimes confused with 4803, which covers toilet or facial tissue paper, but 4802 is distinguished by its use for graphic and writing purposes rather than sanitary ones. Additionally, if the paper is coated, it must be moved to heading 4811.

4802.55Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weighing 40g/m2 to 150g/m2, in rolls4802.56Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weight 40-150g/m2, in sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded)48.03Tissue, towel, napkin stock or similar; for household or sanitary uses, cellulose wadding, webs of cellulose fibres, in rolls over 36cm in width or rectangular sheets with one side exceeding 36cm when unfolded48.02Uncoated paper and paperboard, used for writing, printing or other graphics, non perforated punch-cards and punch tape paper, in rolls or rectangular sheets, of any size, other than paper of heading 4801 or 4803; hand-made paper and paperboard48.11Paper, 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 4810

Top exporters and importers of HS 480254 (the code used for writing paper), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480254 (the code used for writing paper) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 480254, not only writing paper.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $90M
  2. 2 Finland $44M
  3. 3 China $29M

World total: $284M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $37M
  2. 2 Nigeria $34M
  3. 3 Netherlands $28M

World total: $335M 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 writing paper

Brazil splits HS 4802.54 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 4802.54.10Woodfree paper under 40 g/m², max 15 cm/360 mm
  • 4802.54.91Woodfree paper under 19 g/m², bleached/mech. pulp
  • 4802.54.99Other woodfree paper under 40 g/m²

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 paper

What is the HS code for Writing paper?

The HS code for Writing paper is 480254 (Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weighing less than 40g/m2, in rolls or sheets). For uncoated writing paper weighing less than 40g/m2, the HS code is 4802.54.

How do I classify Writing paper for customs?

Writing paper is classified under HS code 480254 — Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); printing, writing or graphic, 10% or less by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, weighing less than 40g/m2, in rolls or sheets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What does uncoated mean in this context?

Uncoated means the paper surface has not been treated with kaolin, calcium carbonate, or other inorganic substances to create a smooth or glossy finish for printing.

Which countries are the top exporters of writing paper (HS 480254)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480254 (the code used for writing paper) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($90M, 32% of world exports), Finland ($44M) and China ($29M). World exports came to about $284M, 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 paper (HS 480254)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 480254 (the code used for writing paper) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($37M, 11% of world imports), Nigeria ($34M) and the Netherlands ($28M). World imports came to about $335M, 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 paper the same in all countries?

The base HS code 480254 for Writing 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 writing paper in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 480254 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for writing paper depends on the product's details: 4802.54.10 (Woodfree paper under 40 g/m², max 15 cm/360 mm), 4802.54.91 (Woodfree paper under 19 g/m², bleached/mech. pulp), 4802.54.99 (Other woodfree paper under 40 g/m²).