Product classification
HS code for Atlases: 4905.20
Maps and hydrographic or similar charts, printed in book form, including atlases, topographical plans and similar.
Classification of atlases under HS 4905.20
Atlases are classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 490520. This classification falls within Chapter 49, which encompasses printed books, newspapers, pictures, and other products of the printing industry. Heading 4905 is specifically dedicated to maps and hydrographic or similar charts. Subheading 490520 explicitly includes "atlases" when they are "printed in book form." This code accurately reflects atlases as collections of maps bound together, distinguishing them from individual maps or other types of printed matter.
- Covers
- World atlases
- Regional atlases (e.g., national, continental)
- Historical atlases
- Thematic atlases (e.g., economic, political, environmental)
- Road atlases in book format
- School atlases
- Also under 4905.20
- National Geographic Atlases
- Rand McNally Road Atlases
- Michelin Green Guides (with maps)
- Ordnance Survey Atlases
- DK Eyewitness Travel Guides (with maps)
Codes often confused with 4905.20
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for atlases often involve HS code 4901 and 490590. HS 4901 covers general printed books, brochures, and similar printed matter. While an atlas is a book, 490520 is a more specific and appropriate classification because its primary content consists of maps. If a book contains maps but they are not the main subject, 4901 might be considered. HS 490590 covers other maps and charts that are not in book form, such as individual folded maps, wall maps, or rolled charts. The key distinction for 490520 is that the maps are "printed in book form," which is the defining characteristic of an atlas.
Top exporters and importers of HS 490520 (the code used for atlases), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 490520 (the code used for atlases) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 14% 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 490520, not only atlases.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $15M 37% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $6.4M 16% of world exports
- 3 United States $3.5M 8.5% of world exports
World total: $41M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $2.7M 14% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $2.6M 13% of world imports
- 3 United States $2.3M 12% of world imports
World total: $20M 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 atlases
Brazil classifies atlases under NCM 4905.20.00: HS 4905.20 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.
Questions about atlases
What is the HS code for Atlases?
The HS code for Atlases is 490520 (Maps and hydrographic or similar charts; printed in book form, including atlases, topographical plans and similar). The HS code for atlases printed in book form is 490520.
How do I classify Atlases for customs?
Atlases is classified under HS code 490520 — Maps and hydrographic or similar charts; printed in book form, including atlases, topographical plans and similar. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are digital atlases classified under HS 490520?
No, HS 490520 specifically refers to "printed" maps and charts in book form. Digital atlases, such as those provided on CD-ROMs, DVDs, or as downloadable software applications, are typically classified under different headings. These may include codes related to recorded media (e.g., Chapter 85 for optical media) or software (e.g., Chapter 85 or 84 for data processing machines), depending on their specific format and content.
Which countries are the top exporters of atlases (HS 490520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 490520 (the code used for atlases) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($15M, 37% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($6.4M) and the United States ($3.5M). World exports came to about $41M, 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 atlases (HS 490520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 490520 (the code used for atlases) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.7M, 14% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($2.6M) and the United States ($2.3M). World imports came to about $20M, 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 Atlases the same in all countries?
The base HS code 490520 for Atlases 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 atlases in Brazil?
In Brazil, atlases (HS 490520) is classified under NCM 4905.20.00.