HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4908.10 – Printed matter; transfers (decalcomanias), vitrifiable
HS code 4908.10 is the 6-digit subheading for printed matter, transfers (decalcomanias), vitrifiable. It is used for ceramic decals, glass transfers, enamel transfers, vitrifiable water-slide decals and porcelain decoration transfers.
What HS 4908.10 covers
This code specifically covers vitrifiable transfers, also known as ceramic decals or water-slide decals designed for firing onto surfaces like ceramics, glass, or enamel. These transfers contain ceramic pigments that fuse with the substrate when heated to high temperatures, creating a permanent, durable decoration. International trade in these items is driven by industries involved in tableware manufacturing, tile production, art ceramics, and decorative glass. Importers are typically ceramic factories, glass manufacturers, or craft suppliers looking for specialized decorative elements. Exporters are often specialized printing companies with expertise in ceramic ink technology. Key aspects include the precision required in printing, the specific firing temperatures, and the artistic and design value of the transfers. The market is somewhat niche but essential for industries producing decorated ceramic and glass products globally.
- Covers
- Ceramic decals
- Glass transfers
- Enamel transfers
- Vitrifiable water-slide decals
- Porcelain decoration transfers
- Tile decoration transfers
- Oven-safe decals
- Examples
- Royal Doulton ceramic decals
- Lenox china transfers
- decorative glass panel decals
- custom mug decoration transfers
Codes often confused with 4908.10
Common mistake. This code is differentiated from 490890 (Transfers, other than vitrifiable) because of the specific vitrifiable property, which implies a different manufacturing process and end-use, and from 4911 (Other printed matter) which covers general prints.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 490810, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 490810 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 27% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 3.8% of its imports here ($488K, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $28M 28% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $23M 22% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$6.7M 6.6% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $102M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $33M 27% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $13M 10% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$13M 10% of world imports · partner records ↗
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 3.8% of its imports here ($488K, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $122M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 4908.10
Brazil does not split HS 4908.10: its NCM code is 4908.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 49.08 →
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 4908.10
What is HS code 490810?
HS code 490810 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Printed matter; transfers (decalcomanias), vitrifiable. This code specifically covers vitrifiable transfers, also known as ceramic decals or water-slide decals designed for firing onto surfaces like ceramics, glass, or enamel. These transfers contain ceramic pigments that fuse with the substrate when heated to high temperatures, creating a permanent, durable decoration. International trade in these items is driven by industries involved in tableware manufacturing, tile production, art ceramics, and decorative glass. Importers are typically ceramic factories, glass manufacturers, or craft suppliers looking for specialized decorative elements. Exporters are often specialized printing companies with expertise in ceramic ink technology. Key aspects include the precision required in printing, the specific firing temperatures, and the artistic and design value of the transfers. The market is somewhat niche but essential for industries producing decorated ceramic and glass products globally.
What products fall under HS code 490810?
Ceramic decals, glass transfers, enamel transfers, vitrifiable water-slide decals, porcelain decoration transfers, tile decoration transfers, oven-safe decals
What are common misclassifications for HS code 490810?
This code is differentiated from 490890 (Transfers, other than vitrifiable) because of the specific vitrifiable property, which implies a different manufacturing process and end-use, and from 4911 (Other printed matter) which covers general prints.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 490810?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 490810 in UN Comtrade data were China ($28M, 28% of world exports), Hong Kong ($23M) and Taiwan (about $6.7M). World exports came to about $102M, 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 490810?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 490810 in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($33M, 27% of world imports), Indonesia ($13M) and Vietnam (about $13M). World imports came to about $122M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 3.8% of its imports here ($488K, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
How is HS code 490810 structured?
HS code 490810 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (49) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 490810?
In Brazil, HS code 490810 is NCM 4908.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.