Product classification

HS code for Writing paper sheets: 4802.57

Uncoated 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, n.e.c. in item no. 4802.55 or 4802.56.

Classification of writing paper sheets under HS 4802.57

Writing paper in sheets weighing between 40g/m2 and 150g/m2 is classified under HS code 4802.57. This code is used for uncoated paper and paperboard intended for writing or printing that does not meet the specific size requirements of subheading 4802.56. Heading 4802 requires that the paper contains no more than 10% mechanical or chemi-mechanical fiber. The classification 4802.57 acts as a residual category for sheets within the standard weight range that are either smaller than the dimensions specified in 4802.56 or are not rectangular (including square) in shape.

Covers
  • A4 and A3 paper sheets (if not meeting 4802.56)
  • Drawing paper sheets
  • Exercise book paper in sheets
  • Letterhead paper
  • Standard printer paper in cut sheets
Also under 4802.57
  • Sappi McCoy Digital (larger sheets)
  • Domtar Lynx Opaque Ultra (larger sheets)
  • Mohawk Superfine (in larger sheets)
  • International Paper Accent Opaque (larger sheets).

Codes often confused with 4802.57

Common mistake. The most frequent confusion is with 4802.56, which is for sheets where one side exceeds 435 mm and the other exceeds 297 mm in the unfolded state. If the sheets are already bound into notebooks or registers, they must be classified under 4820. If the paper is coated with plastic or minerals, it falls under 4810 or 4811. Finally, if the paper is in rolls, it belongs in 4802.55.

4802.56Uncoated 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)48.20Registers, account books, diaries and similar; albums for samples or collections, of paper or paperboard48.10Paper 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 size48.11Paper, 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 48104802.55Uncoated 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 rolls

Top exporters and importers of HS 480257 (the code used for writing paper sheets), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480257 (the code used for writing paper sheets) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 7.4% 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 480257, not only writing paper sheets.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $393M
  2. 2 Indonesia $292M
  3. 3 Portugal $206M

World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $190M
  2. 2 United Kingdom $132M
  3. 3 France $129M

World total: $2.6B 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 sheets

Brazil splits HS 4802.57 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 4802.57.10Woodfree 40–150 g/m², other, max 15 cm/360 mm
  • 4802.57.91Other banknote paper, 40–150 g/m²
  • 4802.57.92Other drawing paper, 40–150 g/m²
  • 4802.57.93Other woodfree kraft paper, 40–150 g/m²
  • 4802.57.99Other woodfree paper 40–150 g/m², other sizes

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 sheets

What is the HS code for Writing paper sheets?

The HS code for Writing paper sheets is 480257 (Uncoated 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, n.e.c. in item no. 4802.55 or 4802.56). The HS code for uncoated writing paper sheets weighing 40-150g/m2 (not meeting 4802.56 dimensions) is 4802.57.

How do I classify Writing paper sheets for customs?

Writing paper sheets is classified under HS code 480257 — Uncoated 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, n.e.c. in item no. 4802.55 or 4802.56. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How is the weight of the paper measured?

The weight is measured in grams per square meter (g/m2), which determines the thickness and density of the paper for classification purposes.

Which countries are the top exporters of writing paper sheets (HS 480257)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480257 (the code used for writing paper sheets) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($393M, 16% of world exports), Indonesia ($292M) and Portugal ($206M). World exports came to about $2.5B, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of writing paper sheets (HS 480257)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 480257 (the code used for writing paper sheets) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($190M, 7.4% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($132M) and France ($129M). World imports came to about $2.6B, 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 sheets the same in all countries?

The base HS code 480257 for Writing paper sheets 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 sheets in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 480257 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for writing paper sheets depends on the product's details: 4802.57.10 (Woodfree 40–150 g/m², other, max 15 cm/360 mm), 4802.57.91 (Other banknote paper, 40–150 g/m²), 4802.57.92 (Other drawing paper, 40–150 g/m²), 4802.57.93 (Other woodfree kraft paper, 40–150 g/m²), 4802.57.99 (Other woodfree paper 40–150 g/m², other sizes).