HS Code 49.09 – Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings

HS code 4909 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings. Heading 4909 covers 'Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings.' This classification is dedicated to various forms of printed cards primarily intended for personal communication, celebration, or announcement. Its scope includes traditional picture postcards, a vast array of greeting cards for occasions like birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries, as well as announcement cards for events such as weddings, births, or graduations. The inclusion of 'with or without envelopes or trimmings' ensures comprehensive coverage of card sets that might include ribbons, glitter, or coordinated envelopes. This heading specifically excludes blank cards, playing cards (classified under 9504), or business cards (often 4911 if not primarily for personal greeting). Accurate classification under 4909 is vital for trade compliance, affecting applicable tariffs, import duties, and adherence to any specific labeling or packaging requirements for stationery products. As a core component of Chapter 49, which focuses on printed matter, this heading reflects the significant role of personalized printed communication in global trade and consumer markets, underscoring its cultural and commercial importance in celebrating life's milestones.

Scenic picture postcards, birthday greeting cards, Christmas holiday cards, wedding invitation sets, baby shower announcement cards, sympathy cards, thank-you notes, Valentine's Day cards, graduation announcement cards, Mother's Day cards, Father's Day cards, get-well cards, blank art postcards for printing, religious festival cards, boxed stationery sets with greeting cards, corporate holiday cards, personalized photo cards, engagement party invitations, anniversary cards, cultural event postcards, souvenir postcards, thank you card packs, condolence cards, new home cards, congratulations cards.

Common misclassification issues for 4909 arise when the 'greeting/message/announcement' function is not clearly defined. Traders might incorrectly classify generic printed cards as other printed matter (4911) if they lack a specific greeting purpose. Similarly, cards that incorporate minor calendar elements, but whose primary function is a greeting, could be mistakenly placed under calendars (4910). Additionally, very small cards attached to gifts might be confused with labels (4821), although labels primarily serve for identification rather than conveying a personal message or announcement.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 4909 in UN Comtrade data were China ($349M, 42% of world exports), Vietnam (about $94M) and the United Kingdom ($74M). World exports came to about $836M, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 4909 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($265M, 32% of world imports), Germany ($81M) and the United Kingdom ($80M). World imports came to about $839M, 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.

HS code 4909 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 49 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (49) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (09) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.