Section X · Pulp, Paper & Print · Chapter 49
Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans
About chapter 49
Chapter 49 covers printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans. Many countries admit printed books duty-free under long-standing trade agreements aimed at supporting literacy and the free flow of information.
Classification tip: Duty-free treatment for books typically applies to books and printed matter specifically, not to related items like calendars, diaries or advertising material, which have their own subheadings and duty rates.
18 six-digit codes
Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets
3 codes4901.10Printed matter; in single sheets, whether or not folded4901.91Printed matter; dictionaries, encyclopaedias and serial instalments thereof4901.99Printed matter; books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter n.e.c. in item no. 4901.10 or 4901.91
Newspapers, journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material
2 codes4902.10Newspapers, journals and periodicals; whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material, appearing at least four times a week4902.90Newspapers, journals and periodicals; whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material, appearing less frequently than four times a week
Children's picture, drawing or colouring books
1 code4903.00Printed matter; children's picture, drawing or colouring books
Music, printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated
1 code4904.00Music; printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated
Maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atlases, wall maps, topographical plans and globes, printed
2 codes4905.20Maps and hydrographic or similar charts; printed in book form, including atlases, topographical plans and similar4905.90Maps and hydrographic or similar charts; (printed other than in book form), including wall maps, topographical plans and similar
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
1 code4906.00Plans and drawings; for architectural, engineering, industrial, commercial, topographical or similar, being originals drawn by hand; hand-written texts; photo- graphic reproductions; their carbon copies
Unused postage, revenue or similar stamps of current or new issue in the country in which they have, or will have, a recognised face value; stamp-impressed paper; cheque forms; banknotes, stock, share or bond certificates and the like of similar title
1 code4907.00Unused postage, revenue or similar stamps of current or new issue in the country in which they have, or will have, a recognised face value; stamp-impressed paper; cheque forms; banknotes, stock, share or bond certificates and the like of similar title
Transfers (decalcomanias)
2 codes4908.10Printed matter; transfers (decalcomanias), vitrifiable4908.90Printed matter; transfers (decalcomanias), other than vitrifiable
Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings
1 code4909.00Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings
Calendars of any kind, printed, including calendar blocks
1 code4910.00Calendars; printed, of any kind, including calendar blocks
Printed matter, n.e.c., including printed pictures and photographs
3 codes4911.10Printed matter; trade advertising material, commercial catalogues and the like4911.91Printed matter; pictures, designs and photographs, n.e.c. in item no. 4911.104911.99Printed matter; n.e.c. in heading no. 4911
More chapters in section X: Pulp, Paper & Print
Codes and descriptions follow the WCO six-digit Harmonized System nomenclature. National tariff schedules extend these to 8–13 digits and set the actual duty rate, so confirm the full code for your destination country with your customs broker before filing. To copy a code, hover a row and use the copy button; every code has 4901-style dot notation ready for your commercial invoice.
Chapter 49 FAQ
What does HS code chapter 49 cover?
Chapter 49 of the Harmonized System covers: printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans. It belongs to section X (Pulp, Paper & Print) and contains 11 four-digit headings, 4901–4911.
How many HS codes are in chapter 49?
Chapter 49 contains 11 four-digit headings and 18 six-digit subheadings. Countries subdivide these further (8–13 digits) in their national tariff schedules, so the full national count is larger.
Is HS code 4901 the same in every country?
Yes. The six-digit level of every code in this chapter is harmonised by the World Customs Organization and identical in all member countries. Digits beyond the sixth (for example the US 10-digit HTS or the EU 8-digit CN) are national and set the actual duty rate.
How do I choose the right code within chapter 49?
Work from the four-digit heading down: pick the heading that best matches your product, then the six-digit subheading that matches its material, form or processing. If two codes seem to fit, customs rules (the General Rules of Interpretation) decide, and when in doubt, confirm with your customs broker before filing.