Product classification
HS code for Banknotes: 4907.00
Unused postage, revenue or similar stamps of current or new issue in the country in which they have, or will have, a recognised face value, stamp-impressed paper, cheque forms, banknotes, stock, share or bond certificates and the like of similar title.
Classification of banknotes under HS 4907.00
Banknotes are classified under HS code 4907.00 because they represent documents of title and are products of the printing industry that possess a recognized face value. This specific heading is reserved for items that are of current or new issue in the country in which they have, or will have, a legal status as currency or financial instruments. The classification is strictly determined by the item's status as legal tender; the Harmonized System distinguishes between currency currently in circulation and historical currency. Because banknotes are high-security documents produced through specialized printing processes like intaglio, they are grouped with other security-printed items such as stamps and stock certificates. The classification remains 4907.00 regardless of the material used, whether traditional cotton-fiber paper or modern polymer substrates, as the function and legal recognition of the document take precedence over the material composition in Chapter 49.
- Covers
- Legal tender banknotes in current circulation
- New issue banknotes not yet released to the public
- Unissued currency notes held in reserve
- Promissory notes and similar documents of title
- Stock, share, or bond certificates
- Cheque forms and books
- Unused postage and revenue stamps
- Also under 4907.00
- US Dollar banknotes
- Euro banknotes
- Royal Mail unused stamps
- blank Visa chequebooks
- corporate stock certificates
Codes often confused with 4907.00
Common mistake. Banknotes are frequently misclassified under HS code 4911.99, which covers other printed matter. However, 4911 is a residual category and should not be used for items with a face value. Another common error is using HS code 9705.00, which is designated for collections and collectors' pieces of numismatic interest. Banknotes should only be classified under 9705.00 if they are no longer legal tender and are being traded for their historical or numismatic value rather than their face value. Using 4907.00 for antique, out-of-circulation currency is a common regulatory mistake.
Top exporters and importers of HS 490700 (the code used for banknotes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 490700 (the code used for banknotes) in UN Comtrade data was Malta, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, 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 490700, not only banknotes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Malta $348M 17% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $290M 14% of world exports
- 3 Germany $182M 9.1% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $994M 28% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $537M 15% of world imports
- 3 Angola $268M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $3.5B 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 banknotes
Brazil splits HS 4907.00 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4907.00.10Banknotes
- 4907.00.20Travellers' cheques
- 4907.00.30Validated, signed share or bond certificates
- 4907.00.90Unused stamps, cheque forms and other securities
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 banknotes
What is the HS code for Banknotes?
The HS code for Banknotes is 490700 (Unused postage, revenue or similar stamps of current or new issue in the country in which they have, or will have, a recognised face value; stamp-impressed paper; cheque forms; banknotes, stock, share or bond certificates and the like of similar title). The primary HS code for banknotes of current or new issue is 4907.00.
How do I classify Banknotes for customs?
Banknotes is classified under HS code 490700 — Unused postage, revenue or similar stamps of current or new issue in the country in which they have, or will have, a recognised face value; stamp-impressed paper; cheque forms; banknotes, stock, share or bond certificates and the like of similar title. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are old or collectible banknotes classified here?
No, banknotes that are no longer legal tender and are intended for collectors are classified under HS code 9705.31 for numismatic items.
Which countries are the top exporters of banknotes (HS 490700)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 490700 (the code used for banknotes) in UN Comtrade data were Malta ($348M, 17% of world exports), Hong Kong ($290M) and Germany ($182M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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 banknotes (HS 490700)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 490700 (the code used for banknotes) in UN Comtrade data were China ($994M, 28% of world imports), Hong Kong ($537M) and Angola ($268M). World imports 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.
Is the HS code for Banknotes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 490700 for Banknotes 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 banknotes in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 490700 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for banknotes depends on the product's details: 4907.00.10 (Banknotes), 4907.00.20 (Travellers' cheques), 4907.00.30 (Validated, signed share or bond certificates), 4907.00.90 (Unused stamps, cheque forms and other securities).