What is the HS code for printed books?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
HS-2 · Chapter 49
HS chapter 49: Printed books, newspapers
Section X — Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard; paper and paperboard and articles thereof
Goods classified under this chapter include printed books, newspapers, and maps. For example, if you're importing a shipment of educational textbooks, you'll need to navigate the specific HS-4 codes to ensure proper classification and compliance.
To determine the correct HS-4 code, start by identifying the product type in your shipment. For instance, if your product is a printed book, check if it falls under 4901 for books and brochures or 4903 for children's picture books. Each HS-4 code has unique specifications that guide you to the right classification.
Next, drill down to HS-6 by examining the details of the printed matter. For example, if you're dealing with a printed map, you would look at 4905 for maps and charts. Pay attention to the packaging and any illustrations, as these can influence the correct code. Ensure the product's end-use aligns with the selected HS-4 to avoid misclassification.
Terms & reference phrasing
These are common trade terms used for this chapter. Use them as context, not as a substitute for legal wording.
printed books · newspapers · maps · brochures · children's books · printed music · architectural plans · postage stamps · calendars · printed postcards · decal transfers · printed photographs · periodicals · leaflets · illustrated cards · printed matter · shipping printed goods · HS code classification
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Related topics
Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.
- how to classify printed books for customs
- importing newspapers and periodicals
- HS code for children's coloring books
- requirements for shipping printed music
- how to classify maps and charts
- differences between HS-4 codes for printed matter
- guidelines for unused postage stamps classification
- steps to determine HS-6 for printed postcards
Examples & common questions
Example products reflect typical trade descriptions. The questions below mirror practical doubts teams raise during filing.
Example products
- Educational textbooks for high school students
- Monthly magazines with advertising content
- Children's coloring books with illustrations
- Printed sheet music for piano
- Topographic maps for outdoor navigation
- Architectural plans for building projects
- Unused postage stamps for collectors
- Printed greeting cards for holidays
Common classification questions
How do I classify newspapers for import?
Confirm composition, processing stage, and end-use in your documents before mapping to country digits.
Are children's picture books classified differently?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
What code do I use for printed maps?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
How to determine the right HS-4 code for brochures?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
What are the requirements for importing printed materials?
Confirm composition, processing stage, and end-use in your documents before mapping to country digits.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What is the HS code for importing printed books?
- You would typically use **4901** for printed books, brochures, and similar printed matter.
- How do I classify newspapers for export?
- Use **4902** for newspapers, journals, and periodicals, regardless of whether they contain illustrations or advertisements.
- Are children's picture books classified under a specific HS code?
- Yes, children's picture, drawing, or coloring books fall under **4903**.
- What code should I use for printed maps?
- Printed maps and hydrographic charts are classified under **4905**.
- How do I determine the right HS-4 code for brochures?
- Brochures and similar printed materials are classified under **4901**; check the product description for specific details.
All HS-4 headings in chapter 49 (11)
Each HS-4 links to a dedicated page with plain-English explanation, HS-6 subheadings, and FAQs. Use Browse to open the lookup in heading mode for that line.
4901
Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets
4902
Newspapers, journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material
4903
Children's picture, drawing or colouring books
4904
Music, printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated
4905
Maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atlases, wall maps, topographical plans and globes, printed
4906
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
4907
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
4908
Transfers (decalcomanias)
4909
Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings
4910
Calendars of any kind, printed, including calendar blocks
4911
Printed matter, n.e.c., including printed pictures and photographs
Browse first heading (HS-4 4901)
Opens the lookup in heading browse for the first HS-4 block in this chapter (4901). Prefer the table above for a specific HS-4 page with full copy.
Before you file customs documents
Chapter pages on TradeTools are educational summaries, not legal classification determinations. Cross-check candidate codes with official notes, advance rulings where available, and your broker for high-value or borderline goods.
How we classify products explains what TradeTools does (and does not) automate.