HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4908.90 – Printed matter; transfers (decalcomanias), other than vitrifiable
HS code 4908.90 is the 6-digit subheading for printed matter, transfers (decalcomanias), other than vitrifiable. It is used for temporary tattoos, iron-on transfers, vinyl decals, sticker sheets and model kit decals.
What HS 4908.90 covers
This HS code covers a broad range of decalcomanias or transfers that are not designed for vitrification. These non-vitrifiable transfers are typically applied using water, heat, or pressure and are used for temporary or permanent decoration on various surfaces like skin, plastic, metal, wood, or textiles. International trade in these items is extensive, catering to diverse sectors including toys, apparel, automotive, promotional products, and general consumer goods. Importers include toy manufacturers, clothing brands, promotional product companies, and retailers. Exporters are generally printing companies specializing in transfer technology. Key considerations involve the adhesive quality, durability, ease of application, and the specific substrate they are designed for. This category is much larger and more varied than its vitrifiable counterpart, reflecting its widespread application in consumer and industrial products globally.
- Covers
- Temporary tattoos
- Iron-on transfers
- Vinyl decals
- Sticker sheets
- Model kit decals
- Screen print transfers
- Heat transfer vinyl
- Water-slide decals (non-vitrifiable)
- Examples
- Crayola temporary tattoos
- Nike iron-on logos
- Hot Wheels car decals
- custom t-shirt transfers
- wall art decals
Codes often confused with 4908.90
Common mistake. This code is distinguished from 490810 (Transfers, vitrifiable) by the absence of vitrifiable properties, and from 4911 (Other printed matter) which covers general printed materials not specifically designed as transfers.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 490890, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 490890 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 12% of world imports. Taiwan 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 44% of its exports here ($61M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. 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 39% of its imports here ($34M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $245M 21% of world exports
- 2 China $234M 20% of world exports
- 3 Japan $93M 8.1% of world exports
Taiwan 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 44% of its exports here ($61M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $122M 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $91M 8.7% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$65M 6.2% 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 39% of its imports here ($34M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $1.0B 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 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. 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 4908.90
Brazil does not split HS 4908.90: its NCM code is 4908.90.00.
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 4908.90
What is HS code 490890?
HS code 490890 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Printed matter; transfers (decalcomanias), other than vitrifiable. This HS code covers a broad range of decalcomanias or transfers that are not designed for vitrification. These non-vitrifiable transfers are typically applied using water, heat, or pressure and are used for temporary or permanent decoration on various surfaces like skin, plastic, metal, wood, or textiles. International trade in these items is extensive, catering to diverse sectors including toys, apparel, automotive, promotional products, and general consumer goods. Importers include toy manufacturers, clothing brands, promotional product companies, and retailers. Exporters are generally printing companies specializing in transfer technology. Key considerations involve the adhesive quality, durability, ease of application, and the specific substrate they are designed for. This category is much larger and more varied than its vitrifiable counterpart, reflecting its widespread application in consumer and industrial products globally.
What products fall under HS code 490890?
Temporary tattoos, iron-on transfers, vinyl decals, sticker sheets, model kit decals, screen print transfers, heat transfer vinyl, water-slide decals (non-vitrifiable)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 490890?
This code is distinguished from 490810 (Transfers, vitrifiable) by the absence of vitrifiable properties, and from 4911 (Other printed matter) which covers general printed materials not specifically designed as transfers.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 490890?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 490890 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($245M, 21% of world exports), China ($234M) and Japan ($93M). World exports came to about $1.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan 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 44% of its exports here ($61M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 490890?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 490890 in UN Comtrade data were China ($122M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($91M) and Vietnam (about $65M). World imports came to about $1.0B, 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 39% of its imports here ($34M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
How is HS code 490890 structured?
HS code 490890 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 490890?
In Brazil, HS code 490890 is NCM 4908.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.