Product classification
HS code for Art prints: 4911.91
Printed matter, pictures, designs and photographs, n.e.c. in item no. 4911.10.
Classification of art prints under HS 4911.91
Art prints fall under HS code 4911.91, which covers printed matter including pictures, designs, and photographs. This classification is used for mass-produced or commercially printed reproductions of artwork rather than original, hand-executed pieces. The code applies to items produced via lithography, offset printing, or digital inkjet processes on various substrates, including paper and canvas. Because these items are considered "printed matter" rather than "works of art" in the legal sense of the Harmonized System, they are categorized in Chapter 49. The distinction is based on the method of production; if the item is a mechanical reproduction of an existing work, it belongs here. This ensures that commercial decorative items are taxed and regulated differently than unique cultural heritage items or original artist-signed limited editions that might qualify for Chapter 97.
- Covers
- Offset lithograph art reproductions
- Digital giclée prints on paper or canvas
- Mass-produced photographic prints
- Artistic posters without advertising text
- Printed reproductions of famous paintings
- Also under 4911.91
- Fine art giclée prints
- National Geographic posters
- movie posters (e.g., Star Wars)
- framed decorative prints
- stock photography prints
Codes often confused with 4911.91
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is HS code 9701, which is reserved for original paintings, drawings, and pastels executed entirely by hand. Another frequent error is using 4911.10, which is specifically for commercial catalogs and advertising material. If the print contains significant advertising text, it must move to the latter code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 491191 (the code used for art prints), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 491191 (the code used for art prints) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% 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 491191, not only art prints.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $358M 18% of world exports
- 2 China $320M 16% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $223M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $664M 28% of world imports
- 2 Canada $291M 12% of world imports
- 3 China $181M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $2.3B 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 code for art prints
Brazil classifies art prints under NCM 4911.91.00: HS 4911.91 with 00 added.
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 art prints
What is the HS code for Art prints?
The HS code for Art prints is 491191 (Printed matter; pictures, designs and photographs, n.e.c. in item no. 4911.10). The HS code for art prints, categorized as printed pictures or photographs, is 4911.91.
How do I classify Art prints for customs?
Art prints is classified under HS code 491191 — Printed matter; pictures, designs and photographs, n.e.c. in item no. 4911.10. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are original hand-signed lithographs under this code?
Generally, no. Original engravings, prints, and lithographs produced directly from a plate or block hand-worked by the artist are classified under HS code 9702.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of art prints (HS 491191)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 491191 (the code used for art prints) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($358M, 18% of world exports), China ($320M) and Switzerland ($223M). World exports came to about $1.9B, 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 art prints (HS 491191)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 491191 (the code used for art prints) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($664M, 28% of world imports), Canada ($291M) and China ($181M). World imports came to about $2.3B, 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 Art prints the same in all countries?
The base HS code 491191 for Art prints 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 art prints in Brazil?
In Brazil, art prints (HS 491191) is classified under NCM 4911.91.00.