HS Code 4902Newspapers, journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material
2 six-digit codes · Heading 2 of 11 in Chapter 49 · World Customs Organization Harmonized System
HS code 4902 covers newspapers, journals and periodicals, with or without pictures or ads. This page shows how to pick the right subheading and where to find the shipments behind it.
Heading 4902 splits exactly two ways. Goods answering to “Newspapers, journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material” classify either at 490210 or at 490290, and the wording in the table below is the whole of what separates them. The heading is number 2 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 4902
| HS Code | Import–export description |
|---|---|
| 490210 | Newspapers, journals and periodicals; whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material, appearing at least four times a week |
| 490290 | Newspapers, journals and periodicals; whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material, appearing less frequently than four times a week |
What HS code 4902 covers
This heading is for printed news and magazines. A title counts if it is a newspaper, a journal or a periodical. It may have pictures or none. It may carry adverts or none. Neither point changes the code.
The Harmonized System is the shared coding scheme that customs offices use to name goods. Heading 4902 is one of its entries for printed matter in Chapter 49. Some countries write the same heading as HSN code 4902 or HTS 4902. The first four digits stay the same, and each country adds its own detail after the sixth digit.
Importers and exporters put this number on customs forms. Customs staff use it to decide how a parcel of papers or magazines is checked and charged.
HS 4902 subheadings: 490210 vs 490290
Heading 4902 has two subheadings. Only one thing separates them: how often the title is published. This is the whole publication-frequency test.
Ask one question about the title. How many times does a new issue appear each week?
- Daily newspapers usually fall here.
- Weekly and monthly magazines usually fall here.
How to choose the right code for newspapers and periodicals
Follow these steps before you file. First, check that the goods are regular titles with issues that follow one another. Second, find out how often they come out. Third, pick 490210 or 490290 from that answer. Fourth, check your own country's tariff line, because national codes can add digits after the six-digit code. Duty rates are set by each country, so confirm them locally. The HS code classifier can help you check a result.
Some goods look close to a periodical but sit elsewhere. These are the common mix-ups:
- A one-off printed book, brochure or leaflet belongs in HS 4901, not here.
- Printed postcards and greeting cards belong in HS 4909.
- Printed items that fit no other heading, such as loose pictures or photographs, belong in HS 4911.
HS 4902 import and export data
Codes tell you what a product is. Shipment records tell you who moves it. 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.
Nearby headings in Chapter 49
- 4901Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not…3 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 4902?
EximDataX tracks the live import–export records filed under this heading and the 2 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 4902: common questions
What does HS code 4902 cover?
It covers newspapers, journals and periodicals. It does not matter whether they are illustrated or contain advertising material.
What is the HS code for newspapers?
Newspapers fall under heading 4902. Use 490210 if the title appears at least four times a week, and 490290 if it appears less often.
What is the difference between 490210 and 490290?
Only the publication frequency differs.
What are the subheadings under HS 4902?
There are two: 490210 and 490290. Your country may add more digits for its own tariff lines.
Are books classified under HS 4902?
No.
Where can I find HS 4902 import and export data?
Use the live records for this code on EximDataX. The import data and export data pages explain how to search by HS code.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
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