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

Q: Is HS code 490900 the same in every country?

Yes — HS code 490900 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 490900 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 490900?

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 490900.

What is HS Code 490900

HS Code 490900 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 6-digit subheading — the deepest level of the international HS — within: · Section X — 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 · Heading 4909 — Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings. At 6 digits, this code is the same in every HS-adopting country. From digit 7 onward, each country extends it.

Explore global 2026 latest import export trade data and shipment records for Printed Greeting Cards and Postcards on TradeInt global trade data platform

What does 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 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

Click any HS code above to see live 2026 latest Printed Greeting Cards and Postcards trade data including exporters, importers, and shipment volumes.

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.

Top Trading Countries for Printed Greeting Cards and Postcards HS 490900

United States of America

Key Importer & Exporter

Viet Nam

Key Importer & Exporter

Mexico

Key Importer & Exporter

Indonesia

Key Importer & Exporter

Hong Kong, China Special Administrative Region

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 490900?

HS code 490900 covers Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings under the WCO Harmonized System. It belongs to Chapter 49 (Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans), Heading 4909, and represents the most specific level of classification that is harmonized internationally.

Is HS code 490900 the same in every country?

Which WCO edition does HS code 490900 belong to, and has it been reclassified?

How do I find the correct country-specific version of HS code 490900?