Product classification
HS code for Advertising material: 4911.10
Printed matter, trade advertising material, commercial catalogues and the like.
Classification of advertising material under HS 4911.10
HS 491110 specifically covers printed matter used for trade advertising, commercial catalogues, and similar promotional materials. This code is designed for items whose primary purpose is to promote goods, services, or companies, distinguishing them from general printed matter or books. The "printed matter" aspect is key, indicating that the information is conveyed through printing on paper or similar substrates. This classification ensures that materials explicitly created for marketing and promotional activities are categorized appropriately, reflecting their commercial function rather than their informational or artistic value.
- Covers
- Commercial catalogues
- Brochures
- Flyers
- Pamphlets
- Price lists
- Promotional posters (not art prints)
- Trade advertising circulars
- Company annual reports primarily for promotional purposes
- Also under 4911.10
- IKEA catalogues
- car dealership brochures
- travel agency leaflets
- corporate event programs
- fashion lookbooks
Codes often confused with 4911.10
Common mistake. Other HS codes often confused with 491110 include: HS 4901 (Books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets). This code is for general printed matter, often educational or literary. Advertising material is distinct because its primary function is promotion, not general information dissemination or entertainment. HS 491191 (Other printed matter; pictures, designs and photographs). This code covers other types of printed matter, such as art prints or decorative items. Advertising material is specifically excluded from this broader category due to its explicit commercial purpose. HS 4902 (Newspapers, journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material). While newspapers and journals contain advertising, the entire publication is classified under 4902, not the individual advertisements within them. HS 491110 applies to dedicated advertising materials.
Top exporters and importers of HS 491110 (the code used for advertising material), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 491110 (the code used for advertising material) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 12% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 491110, not only advertising material.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $547M 16% of world exports
- 2 China $401M 12% of world exports
- 3 Poland $333M 9.6% of world exports
World total: $3.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $382M 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $334M 11% of world imports
- 3 France $260M 8.5% of world imports
World total: $3.1B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 codes for advertising material
Brazil splits HS 4911.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4911.10.10Trade ads with technical info on extra-zone goods
- 4911.10.90Other trade advertising and commercial catalogues
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
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 advertising material
What is the HS code for Advertising material?
The HS code for Advertising material is 491110 (Printed matter; trade advertising material, commercial catalogues and the like). The Harmonized System (HS) code for advertising material, including trade advertising material and commercial catalogues, is 491110. This classification specifically covers printed matter designed for promotional purposes.
How do I classify Advertising material for customs?
Advertising material is classified under HS code 491110 — Printed matter; trade advertising material, commercial catalogues and the like. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is "trade advertising material" defined under HS 491110?
"Trade advertising material" under HS 491110 refers to printed items whose primary function is to promote goods, services, or businesses. This includes items like brochures, flyers, and commercial catalogues that are distributed to inform potential customers or clients about products or services.
Which countries are the top exporters of advertising material (HS 491110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 491110 (the code used for advertising material) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($547M, 16% of world exports), China ($401M) and Poland ($333M). World exports came to about $3.5B, 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 advertising material (HS 491110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 491110 (the code used for advertising material) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($382M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($334M) and France ($260M). World imports came to about $3.1B, 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.
Is the HS code for Advertising material the same in all countries?
The base HS code 491110 for Advertising material is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for advertising material in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 491110 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for advertising material depends on the product's details: 4911.10.10 (Trade ads with technical info on extra-zone goods), 4911.10.90 (Other trade advertising and commercial catalogues).