Paper and paperboard; articles of paper… (chapter 48): which countries import it

Fact sheet

Code

48

Sector

Industry and Machinery

Headings in this chapter

• Newsprint, in rolls or sheetsHeading 4801
• Uncoated 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 paperboardHeading 4802
• Tissue, 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 unfoldedHeading 4803
• Uncoated kraft paper and paperboard, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803Heading 4804
• Uncoated paper and paperboard n.e.c., in rolls or sheetsHeading 4805
• Vegetable parchment, greaseproof papers, tracing papers, glassine and other glazed transparent or translucent papers, in rolls or sheetsHeading 4806
• Composite paper and paperboard, (made by sticking layers together with an adhesive), not surface-coated or impregnated, whether or not internally reinforced, in rolls or sheetsHeading 4807
• Paper and paperboard, corrugated (with or without glued flat surface sheets), creped, crinkled, embossed or perforated, in rolls or sheets other than paper of the kind described in heading 4803Heading 4808
• Carbon paper, self copy paper, and other copying or transfer papers (including coated or impregnated paper for duplicator stencils or offset plates), whether or not printed, in rolls or sheetsHeading 4809
• Paper 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 sizeHeading 4810
• Paper, 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 4810Heading 4811
• Filter blocks, slabs and plates of paper pulpHeading 4812
• Cigarette paper, whether or not cut to size or in the form of booklets or tubesHeading 4813
• Wallpaper and similar wall coverings; window transparencies of paperHeading 4814
• Floor coverings on a base of paper or of paperboard, whether or not cut to size.Heading 4815
• Carbon paper, self-copy paper and other copying or transfer papers, (other than those of heading no. 4809), duplicator stencils and offset plates, of paper whether or not put up in boxesHeading 4816
• Envelopes, letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards, of paper, paperboard; boxes, pouches, wallets and writing compendiums, of paper or paperboard containing assortment of paper stationeryHeading 4817
• Toilet paper, width 36cm or less or cut to size/shape; handkerchiefs, tissues, towels, serviettes, bed sheets and similar household or hospital articles, apparel and clothing accessories of paper pulp, paper, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibresHeading 4818
• Cartons, boxes, cases, bags and the like, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres; box files, letter trays and the like, of paper or paperboard, of a kind used in offices, shops or the likeHeading 4819
• Registers, account books, diaries and similar; albums for samples or collections, of paper or paperboardHeading 4820
• Paper or paperboard labels of all kinds, whether or not printedHeading 4821
• Bobbins, spools, cops and similar supports of paper pulp, paper or paperboard (whether or not perforated or hardened)Heading 4822
• Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibres; cut to size or shape, articles of paper pulp, paper and paper-board, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres, n.e.c. in chapter 48Heading 4823

Trade fairs in this sector

• Advanced Factories
• bauma
• BIEMH – Bienal Internacional de Máquina‑Herramienta
• EMO (Exposition Mondiale de la Machine Outil)
• Hannover Messe
• interpack – PROCESSING & PACKAGING

What you need to know to export paper and paperboard

This chapter groups 23 different product categories, from basic newsprint to specialized papers for printing, tissue products, corrugated cardboard and converted articles like envelopes and cartons. The diversity means your export strategy depends entirely on which heading you target: a tissue exporter faces different buyers, certifications and logistics than a coated paper supplier.

Lead times are typically 4 to 8 weeks for standard products and longer for custom specifications. Working capital requirements are high: bulk orders require upfront commitment, and payment terms vary from 30 to 90 days depending on buyer size and relationship. Logistics costs matter: paper is heavy and low-value-to-weight, so proximity to your buyer or access to efficient sea freight routes affects your competitiveness.

Questions about exporting paper and paperboard