HS Code 4901Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets
3 six-digit codes · Heading 1 of 11 in Chapter 49 · World Customs Organization Harmonized System
HS code 4901 is the customs heading for printed books and similar printed matter, in bound form or as loose sheets. Its subcodes depend on the form of the item and on what it is.
No heading in Chapter 49 is cut finer than 4901. Its 3 six-digit codes, 490110 to 490199, are the most any single heading in the chapter carries — “Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets” is where this chapter gets specific. The heading is number 1 of 11 in Chapter 49, Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans, which runs to 18 six-digit codes in all.
Six-digit codes under heading 4901
| HS Code | Import–export description |
|---|---|
| 490110 | Printed matter; in single sheets, whether or not folded |
| 490191 | Printed matter; dictionaries, encyclopaedias and serial instalments thereof |
| 490199 | Printed matter; books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter n.e.c. in item no. 4901.10 or 4901.91 |
What HS code 4901 covers
Heading 4901 is where customs sorts printed books. It also takes in brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter. The rule applies whether the item is a bound book or a set of loose single sheets.
This is a tariff classification under the Harmonized System, the shared coding scheme that customs offices use to name goods. Traders write the code on shipping papers and filings. Some people search for it as hsn code 4901, but the goods are the same.
The parent chapter is about products of the printing industry. That means the goods here are finished printed items, not the raw paper they are printed on. If your product is a printed book, a brochure or a leaflet, this is the first heading to check.
How to choose the right 4901 code
Under the heading there are three subcodes at the six-digit level. Start with the form of the item. Then check what kind of printed matter it is.
Serial instalments are parts of a dictionary or encyclopaedia that are issued one after another. They go with the work they belong to. If an item fits 490110 or 490191, use that code. Use 490199 only when neither of those fits.
- Think of loose sheets that are not joined together.
- 490199: books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter not elsewhere classified in the first two codes. This is the catch-all for other printed books.
4901 vs similar printed-matter headings
Many printed goods look alike, so people often pick the wrong heading. These short contrasts can help you rule out the neighbours.
If you are still unsure, run the item through the HS code classifier and compare the result with the descriptions above.
- 4902 is for newspapers, journals and periodicals. A magazine that comes out on a schedule belongs there, not in 4901.
- A children's picture book has its own heading.
- 4911 is for other printed matter not named elsewhere, including printed pictures and photographs.
HS code 4901 import and export data
A code tells you what a product is. Shipment records tell you who trades it. Use heading 4901 and its three subcodes as your search terms to find the importers and exporters of printed books.
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.
Open the live records for this heading to see the buyers and suppliers behind your product.
Related
- Chapter 49: printed books and newspapers
- HS 4902 newspapers and periodicals
- HS 4903 children's picture books
- HS 4905 maps and atlases
- HS 4909 postcards and greeting cards
- HS 4910 calendars
- HS 4911 other printed matter
- All HS code chapters
- Import data
- Export data
- Find buyers of printed books
- Find suppliers of printed books
- HS code classifier
- Book a free demo
Nearby headings in Chapter 49
- 4902Newspapers, journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or…2 codes
- 4903Children's picture, drawing or colouring books1 code
- 4904Music, printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated1 code
- 4905Maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atlases, wall…2 codes
- 4906Plans and drawings; for architectural, engineering, industrial, commercial…1 code
- 4907Unused postage, revenue or similar stamps of current or new issue in the…1 code
- 4908Transfers (decalcomanias)2 codes
- 4909Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings…1 code
- 4910Calendars of any kind, printed, including calendar blocks1 code
- 4911Printed matter, n.e.c., including printed pictures and photographs3 codes
Who ships under 4901?
EximDataX tracks the live import–export records filed under this heading and the 3 codes beneath it: named buyers, suppliers, quantities and values from official customs feeds.
Section X: Pulp of Wood; Paper and Paperboard, chapters 47–49.
HS Code 4901: common questions
What is HS code 4901?
It sits in Chapter 49, which covers products of the printing industry.
What is the HS code for printed books?
Dictionaries and encyclopaedias go to 490191.
Which HS code is used for dictionaries and encyclopaedias?
Use 490191. It covers dictionaries, encyclopaedias and serial instalments of them.
Are children's picture books classified under 4901?
No. Children's picture, drawing or colouring books have their own heading, 4903.
How do I confirm the correct HS code for printed books?
Compare your item with the three subcode descriptions, then check the neighbouring headings. You can also try the HS code classifier to test your choice.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
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