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48202000
PAPER AND PAPERBOARD; ARTICLES OF PAPER PULP, OF PAPER OR OF PAPERBOARDRegisters, account books, notebooks, order books, receipt books, letter pads, memorandum pads, diaries and similar articles, exercise books, blotting pads, binders (loose-leaf or other), folders, file covers, manifold business forms, interleaved carbon sets and other articles of stationery, of paper or paperboard; albums for samples or for collections and book covers, of paper or paperboard

Exercise books

Standard EU duty
0%
VAT
23%
Additional duties / sanctions
0 rules
Docs required
6 docs
N954U045U078U079Y997Y984
Preferences
ERGA OMNES 0%GB 0%
5

Binding Tariff Information

BTI classification examples

FRgold24-03311

Paper block with glitter sheets for creative work

paperboardGRI 1GRI 2bGRI 3bGRI 6
SKgold3/25/355

Lined mini notebook

paperGRI 1GRI 6
DEgold103/23-1

DIN A6 notebook with ballpoint pen set

paperGRI 1GRI 2bGRI 3bGRI 6
DEgold316/24-1

Yellow self-adhesive memo pad

paperGRI 1GRI 5bGRI 6
DEgold323/24-1

Bound notebook with cardboard cover

paperGRI 1GRI 6

BTI (Binding Tariff Information) is an official EU customs decision confirming the classification of goods. Valid for 3 years, binding across all EU member states.

Classification of notebooks under CN code 4820 20

CN code 4820 20 covers exercise books of paper or paperboard. This subheading concerns school, office, and specialist notebooks made of paper, bound in paper, cardboard, or other cover material. Notebooks may be stapled, glued, or spiral-bound. Classification under 4820 20 requires the product to have notebook form — i.e., a collection of paper sheets joined by binding, intended for writing. Notepads and writing pads may also fall under this classification. Unlike albums (4820 50) and account books (4820 10), notebooks under 4820 20 are intended for general writing use. Importers should hold a specification covering format, number of sheets, paper grammage, and binding type. Notebooks with plastic covers are still classified under 4820 20 provided paper gives the product its essential character.

Import requirements and EUDR for notebooks 4820 20

Importing notebooks under CN code 4820 20 into the EU is subject to the Union Customs Code and requires an EORI number. The EUDR covers paper products — importers must carry out due diligence. Notebooks intended for children are subject to additional safety requirements under the GPSR regulation if targeting users under 14. Substances in printing inks and dyes used in covers and paper are subject to REACH verification, particularly regarding heavy metals and SVHC substances. Import documentation includes a commercial invoice, material specification, certificate of origin, and EUDR statement. MFN and preferential duty rates should be verified in TARIC.

Market and trade measures for notebooks 4820 20

Notebooks under CN code 4820 20 are a mass office and school product with stable demand. Major exporters include China, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia. When importing from third countries, importers should check TARIC for current trade measures including any anti-dumping duties. Preferential duty rates may be available under EU trade agreements. Correct classification requires distinguishing notebooks (4820 20) from account books (4820 10), albums (4820 50), diaries (4820 30), and loose-leaf notebooks (4820 90). In case of classification doubts, obtaining a BTI decision is recommended.

Importing office supplies and stationery CN 4820 20

Office supplies and stationery under CN 4820 20 imported into the EU follow standard customs procedures. Classification depends on the specific product – labels, notebooks, binders, and envelopes have different subheadings. No special permits are required for these products. Standard customs duty and import VAT apply.

Frequently asked questions

What distinguishes notebooks 4820 20 from account books 4820 10?
Notebooks under code 4820 20 are intended for general writing use — school, office, personal. Account books under code 4820 10 are specialist products with columns and headings for maintaining accounting and financial records. The key criterion is the intended use and internal layout — general ruling indicates a notebook (4820 20), columnar layout indicates an account book (4820 10).
Are notebooks 4820 20 subject to EUDR?
Yes. The EUDR (Regulation (EU) 2023/1115) covers paper products, including notebooks under CN code 4820 20. Importers must carry out a due diligence procedure and submit a statement in the EU information system confirming that the wood raw material does not originate from land deforested after 31 December 2020.
What safety requirements apply to school notebooks 4820 20?
Notebooks intended for children under 14 may be subject to the GPSR regulation on general product safety. Dyes, inks, and chemical substances in covers and paper must not contain hazardous substances above permitted limits. Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury) are subject to REACH restrictions. Importers should obtain a product safety certificate from the manufacturer.
What duty applies to stationery articles CN 4820 20?
Stationery articles CN 4820 20 are subject to conventional customs duty and import VAT. No special import permits are required. Check the current duty rate in the TARIC database.