HS Code 4906Plans and drawings; for architectural, engineering, industrial, commercial, topographical or similar, being originals drawn by hand; hand-written texts; photo- graphic reproductions; their carbon copies
1 six-digit code · Heading 6 of 11 in Chapter 49 · World Customs Organization Harmonized System
Below you will see what fits, what does not, and where to look for real shipment records.
Heading 4906does not subdivide further in the WCO nomenclature: goods answering to “Plans and drawings; for architectural, engineering, industrial, commercial, topographical or similar, being originals drawn by hand; hand-written texts; photo- graphic reproductions; their carbon copies” classify at the single six-digit code 490600. The heading is number 6 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 4906
| HS Code | Import–export description |
|---|---|
| 490600 | Plans and drawings; for architectural, engineering, industrial, commercial, topographical or similar, being originals drawn by hand; hand-written texts; photo- graphic reproductions; their carbon copies |
What HS code 4906 covers
The key word is original. A drawing fits here when a person drew it. If a press printed it, look at a neighbouring heading.
Topographical plans drawn by hand fit too. Hand-written texts are included, along with photographic reproductions and carbon copies of these items.
The Harmonized System is shared by customs offices worldwide, so these four digits mean the same thing in many countries. The heading sits among Chapter 49 printed matter, yet its goods are handmade rather than printed. Think of a site plan sketched by an architect, a machine part drawn on paper by an engineer, or a signed letter written out by hand.
The 490600 code and the HSN code 4906
Traders write this number in a few ways. You may see 4906 for the heading and 490600 for the full code. In India, people often call it the HSN code 4906.
Many countries add more digits after 490600 for their own tariffs. Those national endings are not covered here. Duty and GST rates also change from one country to another, so no rates are given on this page.
Not sure if your goods fit? Try the HS code classifier before you file. It is a quick way to check a product description against the right heading.
4906 vs nearby headings: picking the right code
Ask one question first: was the item drawn or written by hand? If yes, this heading is the likely home. If it was printed, a neighbouring heading is usually the better fit.
So the method of making decides the code, not the subject on the page. A map and a plan can show the same place and still sit under different headings. These are the headings people most often confuse with it.
- 4911: printed matter not named elsewhere, including printed pictures and photographs.
- 4904: music, printed or in manuscript, which has its own place apart from other hand-written texts.
Import and export data for plans and drawings
Customs records show which companies really ship these goods. Search 4906 or 490600 to follow the trail from buyer to supplier. Live records for this heading are on EximDataX, and a demo can walk you through them.
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
- 4905Maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atlases, wall…2 codes
- 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 4906?
EximDataX tracks the live import–export records filed under this heading and the code 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 4906: common questions
What is the HS code for architectural drawings?
Hand-drawn originals go under 490600, inside heading 4906. Engineering, industrial and commercial plans follow the same rule.
Who imports hand-drawn plans and drawings?
Likely buyers are design, engineering and building firms, plus archives and collectors. Customs records show which companies actually bring them in.
What is the difference between HS 4906 and 4905 maps?
The way the item was made is the test.
Are photocopies of drawings classified under 4906?
The heading names photographic reproductions and carbon copies. Ordinary photocopies are not named, so check them with the HS code classifier or your customs office.
Do hand-written texts belong in this heading?
Yes, the heading text names them. Hand-written music is the exception, because it is covered by heading 4904.
Where can I find importers and exporters of these goods?
Use the import data and export data pages and look up the code. The buyer data and supplier data pages cover the company side.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.