Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or paperboard
Chapter 48 of the Harmonised System covers Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or paperboard — 22 four-digit headings spanning newsprint, in rolls or sheets to registers, account books, diaries and similar that customs authorities worldwide use to classify these goods and set duty.
- India exports 2024
- $2.58B
Source: UN Comtrade — India's reported merchandise exports to the world, 2024.
Sourcing this category from India
Chapter 48 covers paper, paperboard and articles of paper pulp. India exports coated and uncoated paper, paperboard, cartons, paper bags and a range of converted stationery and packaging. Subheadings separate paper by grade and coating, then move to converted products such as boxes, registers, tissue and filter paper.
How to read this code
48 is the two-digit HS chapter for paper and paperboard. To clear customs your destination country extends it to a full 8–10 digit code and assigns the duty rate. India's preferential trade agreements (UAE CEPA, Australia ECTA, and others) can reduce or zero out that duty on many pulp, paper & paperboard lines — check our import guides for your market.
Headings under HS 48
The Harmonised System breaks Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or paperboard into these 22 headings. Drill down to the exact classification for your goods.
Newsprint, in rolls or sheets
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 paperboard
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 unfolded
Uncoated kraft paper and paperboard, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803
Uncoated paper and paperboard n.e.c., in rolls or sheets
Vegetable parchment, greaseproof papers, tracing papers, glassine and other glazed transparent or translucent papers, in rolls or sheets
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 sheets
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 4803
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 sheets
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 size
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 4810
Filter blocks, slabs and plates of paper pulp
Cigarette paper, whether or not cut to size or in the form of booklets or tubes
Wallpaper and similar wall coverings; window transparencies of paper
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 boxes
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 stationery
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 fibres
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 like
Registers, account books, diaries and similar; albums for samples or collections, of paper or paperboard
Paper or paperboard labels of all kinds, whether or not printed
Bobbins, spools, cops and similar supports of paper pulp, paper or paperboard (whether or not perforated or hardened)
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 48
Products under HS 48 we source from India
These live sourcing categories map to HS 48, each with its own indicative FOB, minimum order and lead-time economics — request quotes directly.
Where these are made in India
The categories above are produced across these clusters, each with its own factory base and export track record.
Top destinations for Chapter 48 exports
India's largest buyers of goods in this HS chapter in 2024, ranked by export value.
Chapter-level destination mix — your specific HS line may skew differently. Source: UN Comtrade, 2024.
Working out import duty for HS 48 into your market? See full duty context and India-vs-rivals comparisons in our India comparison guides and export resource hub.
Indian exporters in this category
Established export houses with relevant HS focus. Listings are compiled from public records — run your own due diligence.
Browse the full exporter directory →Source goods under HS 48 directly from India.
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