HS Code 4911Printed matter, n.e.c., including printed pictures and photographs
3 six-digit codes · Heading 11 of 11 in Chapter 49 · World Customs Organization Harmonized System
HS code 4911 is the home of other printed matter, such as business catalogues, ads, printed pictures and photographs. This page shows what fits, how to pick the subheading and what to rule out first.
The WCO writes heading 4911 as a residual bucket: goods of Chapter 49that answer to “Printed matter, n.e.c., including printed pictures and photographs” and that no more specific heading in the chapter already claims. It still carries 3 six-digit codes, 491110 through 491199, so “other” is not the end of the classification here. The heading is number 11 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.
What HS code 4911 covers
If an item does not fit a named heading for books, news, maps, stamps, cards or calendars, check here. People often search for it as other printed matter. In India the same heading is called HSN code 4911.
Printed matter means goods that are valued for what is printed on them: the message, the picture or the design. The short form n.e.c. means not elsewhere classified. It tells you the goods are placed here only because nothing more exact exists.
HS 4911 six-digit codes explained
Each subheading answers a different question. Here is what each one means in plain words.
- 491110: printed items a business uses to promote or list what it sells, such as product catalogues and advertising leaflets.
- 491191: printed pictures, designs and photographs, as long as the first code does not already fit.
- 491199: any other printed item in this heading that fits neither of the first two.
How to choose between 491110, 491191 and 491199
Work through the steps in order and stop at the first one that fits. This avoids the most common tariff classification mistake, which is using a catch-all code too early.
- Step one: check headings 4901 to 4910. If one of them describes the item, use it and leave 4911.
- Step two: ask if the item advertises or lists goods for a business. If yes, choose 491110.
- Step three: ask if the item is a picture, a design or a photograph. If yes, choose 491191.
- Step four: if nothing above fits, choose 491199.
When printed matter is not classified in 4911
Posters need care. A poster that sells a business or a product points to 491110. A poster that is just a picture points to 491191. Countries also extend these six-digit codes with longer national lines, so confirm the final code with the HS code classifier and your local tariff.
Many printed goods have a better heading. Use the more specific one whenever it fits. The gap between 4901 and 4911 is the clearest case: 4901 is for bound or loose books, brochures and leaflets, while 4911 takes what is left over.
Other common cases:
- Newspapers, journals and magazines belong in 4902.
- Stamps, cheque forms and banknotes belong in 4907.
- Transfers, also called decalcomanias, belong in 4908.
- Printed calendars belong in 4910.
HS 4911 import and export data
EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources. Coverage is 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.
Related
- Chapter 49 printed matter HS codes
- HS 4901 printed books and brochures
- HS 4902 newspapers and periodicals
- HS 4905 maps and charts
- HS 4909 postcards and greeting cards
- HS 4910 printed calendars
- All HS code chapters
- HS code classifier
- Import data
- Export data
- Printed matter buyers
- Printed matter suppliers
- 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
- 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
Who ships under 4911?
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 4911: common questions
What is HS 4911?
It is the catch-all heading in Chapter 49 for printed goods with no better home in headings 4901 to 4910. It still has three subheadings, so you must pick one.
What is the HS code for commercial catalogues and advertising material?
Use 491110. It is meant for printed items that a business uses to promote or list its goods.
What is the HS code for printed pictures and photographs?
First make sure the item is not advertising or catalogue material, which goes to 491110.
What falls under HS code 491199?
It holds printed matter in this heading that fits neither of the other two codes. Treat it as the last choice, after you have ruled out everything else.
What is the difference between HS 4901 and HS 4911?
4901 is a named heading for books, brochures and leaflets. 4911 is the catch-all for printed goods that no named heading covers.
Are calendars or greeting cards classified under 4911?
No. Calendars go to 4910, and postcards and greeting cards go to 4909.
Where can I find hs code 4911 import export data?
Use the import and export data section above, then open the Import data or Export data pages to start a search.
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