HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4901.99 – Printed matter; books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter n.e.c. in item no. 4901.10 or 4901.91
HS code 4901.99 is the 6-digit subheading for printed matter, books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter n.e.c. in item no. 4901.10 or 4901.91. It is used for novels, textbooks, travel guides, cookbooks and children's storybooks.
What HS 4901.99 covers
This HS code serves as a broad category for most general books, brochures, leaflets, and similar printed matter that are not single sheets (490110) or specifically dictionaries/encyclopaedias (490191). It covers the vast majority of published books, from novels and textbooks to travel guides and cookbooks, as well as multi-page promotional materials. The global trade in these goods is enormous, driven by publishers, distributors, bookstores, and educational institutions worldwide. Key factors influencing trade include literary trends, educational curricula, language markets, and cultural exchange. The rise of e-books has shifted some demand, but physical books remain highly valued for their tactile experience and collectibility. Importers and exporters span all continents, with major publishing hubs in North America, Europe, and Asia. The environmental impact of paper sourcing is a growing concern, making adherence to regulations like EUDR and EUTR increasingly important for sustainable trade practices.
- Covers
- Novels
- Textbooks
- Travel guides
- Cookbooks
- Children's storybooks
- Comic books
- Corporate brochures
- Instruction manuals (bound)
- Examples
- Harry Potter series
- Lonely Planet travel guides
- "The Joy of Cooking"
- "Dune" novel
- National Geographic magazines (if bound as books)
- IKEA product catalogs (bound)
Codes often confused with 4901.99
Common mistake. This code is a residual category for books and similar bound printed matter, so it's crucial to distinguish it from 490110 (single sheets) and 490191 (dictionaries/encyclopaedias). Misclassification can occur if a multi-page leaflet is too thin to be considered a "brochure" or if a specialized reference work is not truly a dictionary/encyclopaedia.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 490199, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 490199 in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 $1.6B 13% of world exports
- 2 United States $1.6B 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $1.4B 11% of world exports
World total: $12.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.1B 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.4B 10% of world imports
- 3 Canada $854M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $13.6B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 4901.99
Brazil does not split HS 4901.99: its NCM code is 4901.99.00.
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 4901.99
What is HS code 490199?
HS code 490199 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Printed matter; books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter n.e.c. in item no. 4901.10 or 4901.91. This HS code serves as a broad category for most general books, brochures, leaflets, and similar printed matter that are not single sheets (490110) or specifically dictionaries/encyclopaedias (490191). It covers the vast majority of published books, from novels and textbooks to travel guides and cookbooks, as well as multi-page promotional materials. The global trade in these goods is enormous, driven by publishers, distributors, bookstores, and educational institutions worldwide. Key factors influencing trade include literary trends, educational curricula, language markets, and cultural exchange. The rise of e-books has shifted some demand, but physical books remain highly valued for their tactile experience and collectibility. Importers and exporters span all continents, with major publishing hubs in North America, Europe, and Asia. The environmental impact of paper sourcing is a growing concern, making adherence to regulations like EUDR and EUTR increasingly important for sustainable trade practices.
What products fall under HS code 490199?
Novels, textbooks, travel guides, cookbooks, children's storybooks, comic books, corporate brochures, instruction manuals (bound)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 490199?
This code is a residual category for books and similar bound printed matter, so it's crucial to distinguish it from 490110 (single sheets) and 490191 (dictionaries/encyclopaedias). Misclassification can occur if a multi-page leaflet is too thin to be considered a "brochure" or if a specialized reference work is not truly a dictionary/encyclopaedia.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 490199?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 490199 in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($1.6B, 13% of world exports), the United States ($1.6B) and Germany ($1.4B). World exports came to about $12.7B, 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 490199?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 490199 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.1B, 16% of world imports), Germany ($1.4B) and Canada ($854M). World imports came to about $13.6B, 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 490199 structured?
HS code 490199 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 (99) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 490199?
In Brazil, HS code 490199 is NCM 4901.99.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.