About HS Code 490700
This HS code encompasses high-security printed matter with inherent monetary or legal value, such as unused postage stamps, revenue stamps, banknotes, cheque forms, and various financial certificates. International trade in these items is highly specialized and often involves central banks, financial institutions, security printing companies, and philatelic dealers. Importers are typically national treasuries or banks acquiring new currency or financial instruments, or collectors and dealers trading in philatelic items. Exporters are primarily specialized security printing firms or national postal services. Key considerations include stringent security measures during transport, compliance with international financial regulations, and the distinction between items with current face value (covered here) versus collectible items without current face value (often under Chapter 97 for antiques/collectibles). The trade volume is significant for currency and financial instruments but niche for stamps.
Products Under This Code
Unused postage stamps, revenue stamps, bank notes, blank cheque forms, stock certificates, bond certificates, share certificates, stamp-impressed envelopes
Real World Examples
US Dollar banknotes, Euro banknotes, Royal Mail unused stamps, blank Visa chequebooks, corporate stock certificates
Common Misclassification
This code is distinct from 970400 (Postage or revenue stamps, stamp-impressed paper, etc., used or unused, other than those of current or new issue in the country to which they are destined) which covers collectible stamps without current face value, and 4901 (Printed books, brochures, leaflets) for general printed matter.
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.
Products Classified Under 4907.00
Industry
This code belongs to the Paper & Printing industry.
Trade Overview
Switzerland, Germany, and the UK are prominent exporters due to their advanced security printing industries, while virtually all countries are importers of their own or foreign currencies and financial instruments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 490700?
HS code 490700 covers: Unused postage, revenue or similar stamps of current or new issue in the country in which they have, or will have, a recognised face value; stamp-impressed paper; cheque forms; banknotes, stock, share or bond certificates and the like of similar title. This HS code encompasses high-security printed matter with inherent monetary or legal value, such as unused postage stamps, revenue stamps, banknotes, cheque forms, and various financial certificates. International trade in these items is highly specialized and often involves central banks, financial institutions, security printing companies, and philatelic dealers. Importers are typically national treasuries or banks acquiring new currency or financial instruments, or collectors and dealers trading in philatelic items. Exporters are primarily specialized security printing firms or national postal services. Key considerations include stringent security measures during transport, compliance with international financial regulations, and the distinction between items with current face value (covered here) versus collectible items without current face value (often under Chapter 97 for antiques/collectibles). The trade volume is significant for currency and financial instruments but niche for stamps.
What products fall under HS code 490700?
Unused postage stamps, revenue stamps, bank notes, blank cheque forms, stock certificates, bond certificates, share certificates, stamp-impressed envelopes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 490700?
This code is distinct from 970400 (Postage or revenue stamps, stamp-impressed paper, etc., used or unused, other than those of current or new issue in the country to which they are destined) which covers collectible stamps without current face value, and 4901 (Printed books, brochures, leaflets) for general printed matter.
How is HS code 490700 structured?
HS code 490700 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (49) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (07) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.