About HS Code 490900
This code covers a range of personal communication and greeting items, specifically printed postcards and various types of greeting cards. These items are characterized by their primary function of conveying personal messages, greetings, or announcements, often featuring illustrations or decorative elements. International trade in these goods is driven by the global consumer market for stationery, gifts, and tourism. Importers are typically stationery retailers, gift shops, tourist souvenir vendors, and large chain stores. Exporters include specialized printing companies, paper product manufacturers, and design studios. Key factors in this trade include design trends, seasonal demand (e.g., holiday cards), cultural relevance, and the quality of printing and paper. Despite the rise of digital communication, physical cards and postcards maintain a significant market, particularly for special occasions and as souvenirs.
Products Under This Code
Birthday cards, Christmas cards, thank you cards, blank postcards, scenic postcards, wedding invitations, baby shower announcements, sympathy cards
Real World Examples
Hallmark greeting cards, Papyrus cards, National Geographic postcards, local tourist postcards, custom printed invitations
Common Misclassification
This code can be confused with 4911 (Other printed matter) if the cards are primarily for advertising or informational purposes rather than personal greetings, or with 4901 (Printed books, brochures, leaflets) if they are more akin to small booklets.
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 4909.00
Industry
This code belongs to the Paper & Printing industry.
Trade Overview
The USA, UK, and Germany are major importers and consumers of greeting cards, while China and India are significant exporters due to their printing capacities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 490900?
HS code 490900 covers: Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings. This code covers a range of personal communication and greeting items, specifically printed postcards and various types of greeting cards. These items are characterized by their primary function of conveying personal messages, greetings, or announcements, often featuring illustrations or decorative elements. International trade in these goods is driven by the global consumer market for stationery, gifts, and tourism. Importers are typically stationery retailers, gift shops, tourist souvenir vendors, and large chain stores. Exporters include specialized printing companies, paper product manufacturers, and design studios. Key factors in this trade include design trends, seasonal demand (e.g., holiday cards), cultural relevance, and the quality of printing and paper. Despite the rise of digital communication, physical cards and postcards maintain a significant market, particularly for special occasions and as souvenirs.
What products fall under HS code 490900?
Birthday cards, Christmas cards, thank you cards, blank postcards, scenic postcards, wedding invitations, baby shower announcements, sympathy cards
What are common misclassifications for HS code 490900?
This code can be confused with 4911 (Other printed matter) if the cards are primarily for advertising or informational purposes rather than personal greetings, or with 4901 (Printed books, brochures, leaflets) if they are more akin to small booklets.
How is HS code 490900 structured?
HS code 490900 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (49) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (09) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.