HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4901.91 – Printed matter; dictionaries, encyclopaedias and serial instalments thereof
HS code 4901.91 is the 6-digit subheading for printed matter, dictionaries, encyclopaedias and serial instalments thereof. It is used for english-Spanish dictionary, medical encyclopaedia, children's picture dictionary, legal dictionary and multi-volume encyclopaedia set.
What HS 4901.91 covers
This specific HS code is dedicated to the trade of dictionaries, encyclopaedias, and their serial instalments, representing a niche but historically significant segment of the printed matter market. These goods are primarily traded by educational publishers, academic institutions, and specialized book distributors. While digital alternatives have significantly impacted the demand for physical copies, there remains a market for high-quality, comprehensive reference works, especially in educational settings, libraries, and for collectors. International trade in these items often involves language-specific editions, translations, and specialized subject matter encyclopaedias. Key aspects include the intellectual property rights, the accuracy and currency of the content, and the quality of binding and paper. The longevity and perceived authority of these reference works contribute to their continued, albeit reduced, presence in global trade. Compliance with timber regulations like EUDR and EUTR is relevant for the paper used in their production.
- Covers
- English-Spanish dictionary
- Medical encyclopaedia
- Children's picture dictionary
- Legal dictionary
- Multi-volume encyclopaedia set
- Thesaurus
- Language learning dictionary
- Examples
- Oxford English Dictionary
- Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary
- Larousse Gastronomique
- Dorling Kindersley Visual Dictionary
Codes often confused with 4901.91
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 490199 (other books, brochures) because of its specific focus on reference works. Confusion might arise if a general knowledge book is mistakenly classified as an encyclopaedia, but the defining characteristic is its comprehensive, systematic reference nature.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 490191, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 490191 in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 30% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $95M 65% of world exports
- 2 Germany $7.6M 5.2% of world exports
- 3 Italy $7.0M 4.8% of world exports
World total: $145M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$28M 30% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Germany $8.8M 9.6% of world imports
- 3 Sweden $4.2M 4.6% of world imports
World total: $92M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 4901.91
Brazil does not split HS 4901.91: its NCM code is 4901.91.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 49.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
This product is covered by the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), requiring operators to exercise due diligence to minimize the risk of placing illegally harvested timber on the EU market.
Questions about HS 4901.91
What is HS code 490191?
HS code 490191 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Printed matter; dictionaries, encyclopaedias and serial instalments thereof. This specific HS code is dedicated to the trade of dictionaries, encyclopaedias, and their serial instalments, representing a niche but historically significant segment of the printed matter market. These goods are primarily traded by educational publishers, academic institutions, and specialized book distributors. While digital alternatives have significantly impacted the demand for physical copies, there remains a market for high-quality, comprehensive reference works, especially in educational settings, libraries, and for collectors. International trade in these items often involves language-specific editions, translations, and specialized subject matter encyclopaedias. Key aspects include the intellectual property rights, the accuracy and currency of the content, and the quality of binding and paper. The longevity and perceived authority of these reference works contribute to their continued, albeit reduced, presence in global trade. Compliance with timber regulations like EUDR and EUTR is relevant for the paper used in their production.
What products fall under HS code 490191?
English-Spanish dictionary, medical encyclopaedia, children's picture dictionary, legal dictionary, multi-volume encyclopaedia set, thesaurus, language learning dictionary
What are common misclassifications for HS code 490191?
This code is distinct from 490199 (other books, brochures) because of its specific focus on reference works. Confusion might arise if a general knowledge book is mistakenly classified as an encyclopaedia, but the defining characteristic is its comprehensive, systematic reference nature.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 490191?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 490191 in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($95M, 65% of world exports), Germany ($7.6M) and Italy ($7.0M). World exports came to about $145M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 490191?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 490191 in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $28M, 30% of world imports), Germany ($8.8M) and Sweden ($4.2M). World imports came to about $92M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 490191 structured?
HS code 490191 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (49) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (91) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 490191?
In Brazil, HS code 490191 is NCM 4901.91.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.