HS Code 4908Transfers (decalcomanias)

What HS code 4908 covers

A decal is a design printed on a backing sheet. You move the design from the sheet onto another object, such as a mug, a window or a tile. Customs calls these goods transfers, or decalcomanias.

HSN code 4908 is the name Indian users give to the same heading. It sits in the part of the tariff for products of the printing industry. You can browse the whole group on the Chapter 49 printed matter page.

The Harmonized System is a shared customs classification used by most countries. The first four digits give the heading. A country may add more digits for its own tariff, so the code on a national form can be longer than six digits.

Customs classification follows what the goods are, not what the picture shows. A decal with a flower and a decal with a logo go to the same heading.

Difference between 490810 and 490890

This heading has one real question. Is the transfer vitrifiable? Vitrifiable means the design is made to be fired with heat so that it fuses into the surface. That is why these goods are often called ceramic and glass transfers.

Vitrifiable transfers go to 490810. Every other transfer goes to 490890, so that code works as the catch-all for the heading.

• Choose 490810 when the design is meant for heat-fusing onto glass or ceramic.
• Choose 490890 for any transfer that stays on the surface and is never heat-fused.

Headings often confused with 4908

Printed goods sit close together. These neighbours are the ones most often mixed up with decals:

• 4909 covers printed or illustrated postcards and printed cards with greetings or announcements.
• 4911 covers printed matter not named elsewhere, including printed pictures and photographs.
• 4907 covers unused stamps, stamp-impressed paper, cheque forms, banknotes and share certificates.

Checking your goods before you use the code

Start with how the item is used. If it is made to be moved off its backing onto another object, think of 4908. If it is made to be read, posted or framed, look at the headings above.

Ask the maker whether the transfer goes through a kiln. Write the answer on the product sheet. That one fact decides between the two six-digit codes.

If you are still unsure, try the HS code classifier. Use the same wording on your invoice as on your customs forms, so both sides of a deal read the goods the same way.

Import and export data for HS 4908

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.

Run the search for 490810 and 490890 one at a time. That shows you who handles the heat-fused kind and who handles the rest. You can then move on to the import data, export data, buyer data or supplier data pages to follow a company.