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

Q: Is HS code 4909 the same in every country?

Yes — HS code 4909 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 4909 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 4909?

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 4909.

What is HS Code 4909

HS Code 4909 covers Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings. It is a 4-digit heading within Chapter 49 (Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans), Section X. Its 6-digit subheadings are identical in every HS-adopting country; from the 7th digit onward, each country extends the code for its own tariff and statistics.

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What does 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 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 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 490900

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

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 4909?

HS code 4909 covers Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings, a heading within Chapter 49 (Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans) of the WCO Harmonized System. Headings sit between the broad chapter level and the more specific 6-digit subheading level.

Is HS code 4909 the same in every country?

Which WCO edition does HS code 4909 belong to, and has it been reclassified?

How do I find the correct country-specific version of HS code 4909?

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

What is HS Code 4909

What does 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 Cover?

What HS Codes for Printed Matter Do Not Cover

Related HS Codes under Postcards HS 4909

Frequently Asked Questions