HS Code Chapter 48 — Paper and Paperboard; Articles of Paper Pulp, of Paper or of Paperboard
Find HS codes for paper and paperboard. 8 example products,3 common 6-digit codes, classification tips, and carrier-ready document generation. Free up to 3 documents/month.
tagChapter 48 Quick Reference
Section & Chapter
- Section
- X (Pulp of Wood or of Other Fibrous Cellulosic Material; Recovered Paper and Paperboard)
- Chapter
- 48 — Paper and Paperboard; Articles of Paper Pulp, of Paper or of Paperboard
- Scope
- Paper and Paperboard
- Digits
- 6-digit universal; 8-10 digits per country
Example Products
- Copy paper
- Cardboard boxes
- Newsprint
- Kraft paper bags
- Toilet paper
- Paper labels
- Cigarette paper
- Filter paper
table_chartCommon 6-Digit HS Codes in Chapter 48
| HS Code (6-digit) | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 4802.55 | Paper weighing 40-150 g/m2, in sheets | |
| 4810.13 | Paper coated with kaolin, in rolls | |
| 4819.10 | Corrugated paper/cardboard boxes |
Note: 6 digits are universal (WCO). Import country adds 2-4 digits (US: 10-digit HTSUS, EU: 8-digit CN, MX: 8-digit LIGIE). Always verify with destination customs or your broker.
ruleHow to Classify in Chapter 48 — GRI Rules Applied
General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) — Simplified
- GRI 1: Classify by heading terms + section/chapter notes. Read the legal text, not just the title.
- GRI 2(a): Incomplete/unfinished articles = complete article if they have essential character.
- GRI 2(b): Mixtures/composites = material giving essential character.
- GRI 3(a): Most specific description wins over general.
- GRI 3(b): Essential character test for mixtures/sets.
- GRI 3(c): If equal, last in numerical order.
- GRI 4: If none apply, classify by analogy to closest.
- GRI 5: Packaging classified with goods unless for repetitive use.
- GRI 6: Subheading level: same rules, compare subheading texts.
Chapter 48 Specific Tips
- Check Chapter Notes first — they override headings (e.g., definitions of "knitted", "woven", "plastic").
- Read Section Notes — X (Pulp of Wood or of Other Fibrous Cellulosic Material; Recovered Paper and Paperboard) may exclude certain materials.
- Use HS Explanatory Notes (WCO official commentary) for borderline cases.
- When in doubt, request binding ruling from destination customs (US: CBP ruling, EU: BTI, MX: SAT criterio).
- Document your reasoning — audits require proof of due diligence.
searchFree HS Code Lookup Tools (Official)
USITC HTS Search (US 10-digit)
Official US Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Search by keyword, chapter, or code.
EU TARIC (8-digit CN)
EU integrated tariff. Includes measures, quotas, suspensions.
Mexico LIGIE (8-digit)
SAT's official fracción arancelaria. Required for pedimento.
WCO HS Database (6-digit)
World Customs Organization official Harmonized System. Universal 6-digit base.
downloadFree: Chapter 48 HS Code Cheat Sheet (PDF)
All 3 codes from this chapter with descriptions, example products, and GRI checklist. Plus 5 classification tips specific to paper and paperboard.
Includes 7-email nurture (classification deep-dives, ruling examples). Unsubscribe anytime.
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