HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4902.90 – Newspapers, journals and periodicals; whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material, appearing less frequently than four times a week
HS code 4902.90 is the 6-digit subheading for newspapers, journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material, appearing less frequently than four times a week. It is used for weekly magazines, monthly lifestyle magazines, quarterly academic journals, bi-monthly trade publications and annual reports (periodical format).
What HS 4902.90 covers
This HS code encompasses newspapers, journals, and periodicals that are published less frequently than four times a week, covering a broad spectrum from weekly magazines to monthly journals and quarterly academic publications. This category is crucial for disseminating specialized information, entertainment, and cultural content across borders. Importers and exporters include magazine publishers, academic presses, subscription services, and distributors catering to diverse interests, from fashion and lifestyle to science and arts. The trade in these goods is less time-sensitive than daily newspapers but still relies on efficient distribution channels. Key factors include editorial quality, target audience, advertising revenue, and subscription models. Despite the rise of digital content, many consumers still prefer physical magazines and journals for their curated content, visual appeal, and tactile experience. Environmental regulations like EUDR are increasingly important for ensuring sustainable paper sourcing in this sector.
- Covers
- Weekly magazines
- Monthly lifestyle magazines
- Quarterly academic journals
- Bi-monthly trade publications
- Annual reports (periodical format)
- Specialized hobby magazines
- Literary reviews
- Examples
- National Geographic Magazine
- The Economist
- Vogue
- Scientific American
- Harvard Business Review
- Time Magazine
- Reader's Digest
Codes often confused with 4902.90
Common mistake. The primary distinction for this code is the publication frequency (less than four times a week), differentiating it from 490210. It should also not be confused with 490199 if the publication is a one-off special edition or a book-like annual, rather than a true periodical.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 490290, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 490290 in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 15% 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 $315M 15% of world exports
- 2 Germany $291M 14% of world exports
- 3 France $255M 12% of world exports
World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $301M 15% of world imports
- 2 Canada $214M 11% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $168M 8.2% of world imports
World total: $2.0B 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 4902.90
Brazil does not split HS 4902.90: its NCM code is 4902.90.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 49.02 →
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.
Questions about HS 4902.90
What is HS code 490290?
HS code 490290 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Newspapers, journals and periodicals; whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material, appearing less frequently than four times a week. This HS code encompasses newspapers, journals, and periodicals that are published less frequently than four times a week, covering a broad spectrum from weekly magazines to monthly journals and quarterly academic publications. This category is crucial for disseminating specialized information, entertainment, and cultural content across borders. Importers and exporters include magazine publishers, academic presses, subscription services, and distributors catering to diverse interests, from fashion and lifestyle to science and arts. The trade in these goods is less time-sensitive than daily newspapers but still relies on efficient distribution channels. Key factors include editorial quality, target audience, advertising revenue, and subscription models. Despite the rise of digital content, many consumers still prefer physical magazines and journals for their curated content, visual appeal, and tactile experience. Environmental regulations like EUDR are increasingly important for ensuring sustainable paper sourcing in this sector.
What products fall under HS code 490290?
Weekly magazines, monthly lifestyle magazines, quarterly academic journals, bi-monthly trade publications, annual reports (periodical format), specialized hobby magazines, literary reviews
What are common misclassifications for HS code 490290?
The primary distinction for this code is the publication frequency (less than four times a week), differentiating it from 490210. It should also not be confused with 490199 if the publication is a one-off special edition or a book-like annual, rather than a true periodical.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 490290?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 490290 in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($315M, 15% of world exports), Germany ($291M) and France ($255M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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 490290?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 490290 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($301M, 15% of world imports), Canada ($214M) and the Netherlands ($168M). World imports came to about $2.0B, 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 490290 structured?
HS code 490290 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (49) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 490290?
In Brazil, HS code 490290 is NCM 4902.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.