HS Code 4905Maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atlases, wall maps, topographical plans and globes, printed
2 six-digit codes · Heading 5 of 11 in Chapter 49 · World Customs Organization Harmonized System
HS code 4905 is where printed maps, sea charts, atlases and globes are classified. This page explains how to choose the right code and where to look for the companies that trade these goods.
Heading 4905 splits exactly two ways. Goods answering to “Maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atlases, wall maps, topographical plans and globes, printed” classify either at 490520 or at 490590, and the wording in the table below is the whole of what separates them. The heading is number 5 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 4905
| HS Code | Import–export description |
|---|---|
| 490520 | Maps and hydrographic or similar charts; printed in book form, including atlases, topographical plans and similar |
| 490590 | Maps and hydrographic or similar charts; (printed other than in book form), including wall maps, topographical plans and similar |
What HS code 4905 covers
It includes hydrographic charts, which are made for water and coastlines. Some buyers search for it as HSN code 4905, but it is the same heading.
The heading sits in Chapter 49, the chapter for printed matter, which belongs to Section X. In practice, 4905 is the place to look when your product is a printed picture of land, sea or a building site that people use to find their way or study an area.
The key word is printed. A map that someone drew by hand is not a printed map. That case is covered further down.
HS code for atlases and printed wall maps: 490520 vs 490590
The only difference between them is the form of the goods. The other is for printed maps that are not in book form.
Use these steps to choose between 490520 and 490590. First, check that the item is printed. Second, look at how it is made up. Third, pick the code. If you are unsure, the HS code classifier on this site can help you test your wording.
- An atlas is the clearest example.
- A wall map or a single sheet chart fits here.
- Topographical plans appear in both codes. The form (book or not book) decides the code, not the subject.
- A bound set of sea charts is in book form. A loose chart sold on its own is not.
HS code 4905 vs 4906 and other nearby headings
Some goods look close to maps but belong elsewhere. Check these boundaries before you file a code.
Heading 4906 covers plans and drawings for architecture, engineering, industry and trade that are originals drawn by hand. It also covers hand-written texts and photographic reproductions and carbon copies of them. If the plan was drawn by hand, think 4906. If it was printed as a map or chart, think 4905.
A book of stories or facts with a few maps inside is usually a book. An atlas is a book that is mainly maps, so it follows the map rule in 4905.
Heading 4911 is for printed matter not named anywhere else, including printed pictures and photographs. A printed picture that is not a map or chart goes there. Children's picture and colouring books have their own heading, 4903.
HS code 4905 import export data: find buyers and suppliers
Once you know your code, you can look at who trades under it. Use the import data and export data pages to start from the heading, or go straight to buyer data and supplier data if you want company names.
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
- 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
- 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 4905?
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 4905: common questions
What is the HS code for atlases?
An atlas is a book of maps, so it fits this code.
What is the difference between 490520 and 490590?
490590 is for printed maps that are not in book form, such as wall maps and sheets.
Are hand-drawn plans classified under 4905?
No. Original plans and drawings made by hand belong to heading 4906.
Are globes included in heading 4905?
Yes. The heading text names globes alongside atlases, wall maps and topographical plans, as long as they are printed.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
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