Chapter 49 Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans
11 headings · 18 six-digit codes · World Customs Organization Harmonized System
HS code 49 printed books fall mostly under heading 4901, while newspapers, maps, cards and calendars each have their own heading. Use this page to find the right code for your printed product.
Chapter 49 is a compact chapter: 18 six-digit codes across 11 headings, 4901 to 4911. 5 of those headings subdivide below four digits, so the whole chapter fits on one screen. The chapter sits in Section X, Pulp of Wood; Paper and Paperboard, alongside 2 other chapters.
Headings in this chapter
HS code 49 at a glance: printed books and printed matter
This chapter covers finished products of the printing industry. Think of books, newspapers, pictures, maps, calendars and cards. It also takes manuscripts, typescripts and plans, which are written or drawn by hand and are not printed at all.
Some traders call these HSN codes. The first two digits, 49, name the chapter. The next two name the heading. Two more digits give the 6-digit subheadings that customs offices use for tariff classification.
To classify a product, read the heading text first. Then choose the subheading whose wording is closest to your goods. Each heading has its own page, linked below, with its full list of codes.
What is the HS code for printed books?
It also takes brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not they come in single sheets.
The heading splits into three subheadings. Code 490191 is for dictionaries, encyclopaedias and their serial instalments. Code 490199 is a catch-all for other books, brochures and leaflets that the first two do not name.
Children's picture, drawing or colouring books are kept out of this heading. For printed book import data under HS code 4901, start from the heading page.
Which Chapter 49 code fits your product
Many mistakes come from choosing a heading by habit. Match your product to the wording below instead.
- Use 490210 if they appear at least four times a week. Use 490290 if they appear less often.
- Use 490520 for book form, such as an atlas. Use 490590 for other printed forms, such as wall maps.
- Transfers (decalcomanias) go in 4908. Use 490810 for vitrifiable ones and 490890 for the rest.
- Postcards and printed greeting cards go in 4909.
- Printed music goes in 4904.
Difference between HS 4901 and 4911
Heading 4911 is the catch-all for printed matter that no other heading names. Code 491110 holds trade advertising material and commercial catalogues. Code 491199 holds any other printed matter in the heading. Printed pictures, designs and photographs also sit here.
So a catalogue made to promote goods is a 4911 item, while a general brochure or leaflet fits 4901. If the wording still leaves you unsure, try the HS code classifier.
Chapter 49 vs Chapters 47 and 48
Chapter 47 holds pulp of wood and recovered paper or paperboard. These are raw materials. Chapter 48 holds paper and paperboard, plus articles made from them. That is the material before it becomes a finished printed product.
Chapter 49 starts where printing gives the goods their purpose. A blank paper pad belongs with paper. A printed book belongs here. Check the sibling chapters if your product is closer to a raw or plain paper item.
HS code 49 import and export data
EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources. Coverage: 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries. Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets. Most markets refresh weekly and some refresh daily.
You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product, and book a free demo. Pick your code from the heading pages first, then look up the buyers and suppliers behind it.
Related
- HS 4901 printed books and brochures
- HS 4902 newspapers and periodicals
- HS 4903 children's picture books
- HS 4905 maps and atlases
- HS 4909 postcards and greeting cards
- HS 4910 printed calendars
- HS 4911 catalogues and printed matter
- Chapter 47 wood pulp
- Chapter 48 paper and paperboard
- All HS code chapters
- Import data
- Export data
- Find buyers of printed books
- Find suppliers of printed matter
- HS code classifier
- Book a free demo
Other chapters in Section X
Pulp of Wood; Paper and Paperboard covers chapters 47–49.
These codes carry real shipments.
EximDataX shows the live import–export records filed under Chapter 49: named buyers, suppliers, quantities and values from official customs feeds.
HS Chapter 49: common questions
What is the HS code for printed books?
Look in heading 4901. Dictionaries and encyclopaedias use 490191, and most other books use 490199.
What does HS code 49 cover?
It covers printed matter such as books, newspapers, music, maps, calendars and cards. Hand-made manuscripts, typescripts and plans are included too.
What is the HS code for children's colouring books?
They have a heading of their own, 4903, with the single code 490300. They are separate from general books.
What is the HS code for newspapers and magazines?
They fall under heading 4902. The subheading depends on how often they appear: at least four times a week, or less often.
What is the HS code for printed catalogues and brochures?
A catalogue that advertises goods goes under 491110. A plain brochure or leaflet goes under heading 4901.
What is the HS code for greeting cards and calendars?
Greeting cards and postcards use heading 4909. Calendars have heading 4910.
What is the difference between HS 4901 and 4911?
Heading 4901 is for bound or sheet reading matter like books and leaflets. Heading 4911 takes the leftovers, such as pictures, photographs and advertising catalogues.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
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