HS Code 49: Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans

Q: Is HS code 49 the same in every country?

Yes — HS code 49 is part of the WCO Harmonized System and is the same in every WCO member country at the 6-digit level. Beyond 6 digits, each country extends the code under its own system (e.g. HTSUS in the US, CN/TARIC in the EU, HSK in Korea, CCCHS in China) for national tariff rates and trade statistics. To see how a specific country classifies this code, select a country.

Q: Which WCO edition does HS code 49 belong to, and has it been reclassified?

The Harmonized System is maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and revised approximately every five years. The current edition is HS 2022, which replaced HS 2017 on 1 January 2022. Codes are added, merged, or split between editions to reflect new products and trade patterns, so a code valid in one edition may not exist or may mean something different in another.

Q: How do I find the correct country-specific version of HS code 49?

Beyond the international 6-digit level, each country adds its own digits — the US extends to 10 digits (HTSUS), the EU to 8 or 10 (CN/TARIC), China to 13 (CCCHS), Korea to 10 (HSK), Japan to 9, and so on. To find the full code used by a specific country, select a country in TradeInt's HS Code Tool and search for 49.

What is HS Code 49

HS Code 49 covers Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans. It is one of the 96 chapters of the WCO Harmonized System, sitting in Section X (Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard; paper and paperboard and articles thereof). The two digits "49" are the chapter level — every 4-digit heading and 6-digit subheading starting with "49" belongs here.

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What does HS Code 49 Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans Cover?

Section X

Chapters (47-49) Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard; paper and paperboard and articles thereof

Chapter 49

Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans

HS Code 4901

Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets

HS Code 4902

Newspapers, journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material

HS Code 4903

Children's picture, drawing or colouring books

HS Code 4904

Music, printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated

HS Code 4905

Maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atlases, wall maps, topographical plans and globes, printed

HS Code 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

HS Code 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

HS Code 4908

Transfers (decalcomanias)

HS Code 4909

Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings

HS Code 4910

Calendars of any kind, printed, including calendar blocks

HS Code 4911

Printed matter, n.e.c., including printed pictures and photographs

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What HS Codes for Printed Matter Do Not Cover

Chapter 49 covers printed books, newspapers, pictures, manuscripts, maps, and other printed matter. Goods frequently misclassified here but that belong elsewhere include:

Blank paper and paperboard

Chapter 48

Collector / antique stamps

heading 9704

Recorded media (CDs, USB drives with content)

Chapter 85

Printed self-adhesive labels for industrial use

may shift to heading 4821 or Chapter 48

This list highlights common classification errors only — it is not exhaustive. For binding classification, work with a licensed customs broker or qualified trade compliance professional.

Related HS Codes under Printed Matter HS 49

HS Code 4901

Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets

HS Code 4902

Newspapers, journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material

HS Code 4903

Children's picture, drawing or colouring books

HS Code 4904

Music, printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated

HS Code 4905

Maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atlases, wall maps, topographical plans and globes, printed

HS Code 4906

HS Code 4907

HS Code 4908

Transfers (decalcomanias)

HS Code 4909

Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings

HS Code 4910

Calendars of any kind, printed, including calendar blocks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 49?

HS code 49 covers Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans, one of the chapter 49 of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System. It is the broadest level of HS classification, grouping all products of this type before they are narrowed down by more specific 4-digit headings and 6-digit subheadings.

Is HS code 49 the same in every country?

Which WCO edition does HS code 49 belong to, and has it been reclassified?

How do I find the correct country-specific version of HS code 49?