HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4905.20 – Maps and hydrographic or similar charts; printed in book form, including atlases, topographical plans and similar
HS code 4905.20 is the 6-digit subheading for maps and hydrographic or similar charts, printed in book form, including atlases, topographical plans and similar. It is used for world atlases, road atlases, historical atlases, topographical map books and nautical chart books.
What HS 4905.20 covers
This HS code covers printed maps and charts presented in book format, primarily atlases, topographical plans, and similar cartographic publications. These items are essential tools for navigation, education, travel, and research, providing detailed geographical, political, or thematic information. The international trade in these products is driven by educational institutions, tourism, government agencies, and individual consumers. Major importers are often countries with high literacy rates, strong educational systems, and significant tourism industries, such as those in North America and Europe. Exporters include countries with well-developed printing industries and established cartographic publishers. While the digital age has shifted some demand, physical atlases and specialized map books remain valuable for their tactile experience, detailed presentation, and offline utility. The mention of EUDR is unusual here, as it typically applies to timber products, suggesting a potential misinterpretation or a very indirect link if the paper itself is considered, but for maps, it's generally not a primary concern.
- Covers
- World atlases
- Road atlases
- Historical atlases
- Topographical map books
- Nautical chart books
- City street atlases
- Thematic atlases
- Examples
- National Geographic Atlases
- Rand McNally Road Atlases
- Michelin Green Guides (with maps)
- Ordnance Survey Atlases
- DK Eyewitness Travel Guides (with maps)
Codes often confused with 4905.20
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 490590 (maps not in book form) if the binding format is overlooked, or with 490199 (other printed books) if the primary content as a map or chart is not emphasized.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 490520, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 490520 in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 14% 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 Spain $15M 37% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $6.4M 16% of world exports
- 3 United States $3.5M 8.5% of world exports
World total: $41M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $2.7M 14% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $2.6M 13% of world imports
- 3 United States $2.3M 12% of world imports
World total: $20M 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 4905.20
Brazil does not split HS 4905.20: its NCM code is 4905.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 49.05 →
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 4905.20
What is HS code 490520?
HS code 490520 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Maps and hydrographic or similar charts; printed in book form, including atlases, topographical plans and similar. This HS code covers printed maps and charts presented in book format, primarily atlases, topographical plans, and similar cartographic publications. These items are essential tools for navigation, education, travel, and research, providing detailed geographical, political, or thematic information. The international trade in these products is driven by educational institutions, tourism, government agencies, and individual consumers. Major importers are often countries with high literacy rates, strong educational systems, and significant tourism industries, such as those in North America and Europe. Exporters include countries with well-developed printing industries and established cartographic publishers. While the digital age has shifted some demand, physical atlases and specialized map books remain valuable for their tactile experience, detailed presentation, and offline utility. The mention of EUDR is unusual here, as it typically applies to timber products, suggesting a potential misinterpretation or a very indirect link if the paper itself is considered, but for maps, it's generally not a primary concern.
What products fall under HS code 490520?
World atlases, Road atlases, Historical atlases, Topographical map books, Nautical chart books, City street atlases, Thematic atlases
What are common misclassifications for HS code 490520?
This code can be confused with 490590 (maps not in book form) if the binding format is overlooked, or with 490199 (other printed books) if the primary content as a map or chart is not emphasized.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 490520?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 490520 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($15M, 37% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($6.4M) and the United States ($3.5M). World exports came to about $41M, 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 490520?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 490520 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.7M, 14% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($2.6M) and the United States ($2.3M). World imports came to about $20M, 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 490520 structured?
HS code 490520 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (49) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 490520?
In Brazil, HS code 490520 is NCM 4905.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.