HS Code 481820: Paper articles; handkerchiefs, cleansing or facial tissues and towels

Q: Is HS code 481820 the same in every country?

Yes — HS code 481820 is part of the WCO Harmonized System and is the same in every WCO member country at the 6-digit level. Beyond 6 digits, each country extends the code under its own system (e.g. HTSUS in the US, CN/TARIC in the EU, HSK in Korea, CCCHS in China) for national tariff rates and trade statistics. To see how a specific country classifies this code, select a country.

Q: Which WCO edition does HS code 481820 belong to, and has it been reclassified?

The Harmonized System is maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and revised approximately every five years. The current edition is HS 2022, which replaced HS 2017 on 1 January 2022. Codes are added, merged, or split between editions to reflect new products and trade patterns, so a code valid in one edition may not exist or may mean something different in another.

Q: How do I find the correct country-specific version of HS code 481820?

Beyond the international 6-digit level, each country adds its own digits — the US extends to 10 digits (HTSUS), the EU to 8 or 10 (CN/TARIC), China to 13 (CCCHS), Korea to 10 (HSK), Japan to 9, and so on. To find the full code used by a specific country, select a country in TradeInt's HS Code Tool and search for 481820.

What is HS Code 481820

HS Code 481820 covers Paper articles; handkerchiefs, cleansing or facial tissues and towels. It is a 6-digit subheading — the deepest level of the international HS — within: · Section X — Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard; paper and paperboard and articles thereof · Chapter 48 — Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or of paperboard · Heading 4818 — 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. At 6 digits, this code is the same in every HS-adopting country. From digit 7 onward, each country extends it.

Explore global 2026 latest import export trade data and shipment records for Facial Tissues and Towels on TradeInt global trade data platform

What does HS Code 481820 Paper articles; handkerchiefs, cleansing or facial tissues and towels Cover?

Section X

Chapters (47-49) Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard; paper and paperboard and articles thereof

Chapter 48

Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or of paperboard

HS Code 4818

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

HS Code 481820

Paper articles; handkerchiefs, cleansing or facial tissues and towels

Click any HS code above to see live 2026 latest Facial Tissues and Towels trade data including exporters, importers, and shipment volumes.

What HS Codes for Paper and Paperboard Do Not Cover

Chapter 48 covers paper, paperboard, and articles of paper pulp. Goods frequently misclassified here but that belong elsewhere include:

Printed books, magazines, and printed matter

Chapter 49

Decorative photographic prints

Chapter 49

Sanitary napkins, diapers, tampons

heading 9619

Cigarette paper in rolls or sheets cut to size

Chapter 48 itself; finished cigarettes → Chapter 24

This list highlights common classification errors only — it is not exhaustive. For binding classification, work with a licensed customs broker or qualified trade compliance professional.

Top Trading Countries for Facial Tissues and Towels HS 481820

Mexico

Key Importer & Exporter

United States of America

Key Importer & Exporter

Malaysia

Key Importer & Exporter

Brazil

Key Importer & Exporter

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 481820?

HS code 481820 covers Paper articles; handkerchiefs, cleansing or facial tissues and towels under the WCO Harmonized System. It belongs to Chapter 48 (Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or of paperboard), Heading 4818, and represents the most specific level of classification that is harmonized internationally.

Is HS code 481820 the same in every country?

Which WCO edition does HS code 481820 belong to, and has it been reclassified?

How do I find the correct country-specific version of HS code 481820?