HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4909.00 – Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings
HS code 4909.00 is the 6-digit subheading for printed or illustrated postcards, printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings. It is used for birthday cards, christmas cards, thank you cards, blank postcards and scenic postcards.
What HS 4909.00 covers
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.
- Covers
- Birthday cards
- Christmas cards
- Thank you cards
- Blank postcards
- Scenic postcards
- Wedding invitations
- Baby shower announcements
- Sympathy cards
- Examples
- Hallmark greeting cards
- Papyrus cards
- National Geographic postcards
- local tourist postcards
- custom printed invitations
Codes often confused with 4909.00
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 490900, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 490900 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 32% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $349M 42% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$94M 11% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 United Kingdom $74M 8.9% of world exports
World total: $836M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $265M 32% of world imports
- 2 Germany $81M 9.7% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $80M 9.6% of world imports
World total: $839M 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 4909.00
Brazil does not split HS 4909.00: its NCM code is 4909.00.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 49.09 →
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 4909.00
What is HS code 490900?
HS code 490900 is a 6-digit subheading 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. 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.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 490900?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 490900 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 490900?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 490900 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.
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.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 490900?
In Brazil, HS code 490900 is NCM 4909.00.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.