Product classification
HS code for Books: 4901.99
Printed matter, books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter n.e.c. in item no. 4901.10 or 4901.91.
Classification of books under HS 4901.99
HS code 490199 is designated for printed books, brochures, leaflets, and similar printed matter not elsewhere specified within subheadings 4901.10 or 4901.91. This classification serves as a residual category for a broad range of printed literary and informational works. The primary criterion for inclusion under this code is the nature of the item as a printed book or a similar publication, intended for reading and conveying information, and not falling into more specific categories such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, or single-sheet advertising material. This ensures that a wide variety of general-purpose books are appropriately classified for international trade and customs purposes.
- Covers
- Novels, fiction, and non-fiction books
- Textbooks and educational materials
- Children's storybooks (excluding picture books specifically classified under 4903)
- Art books and photography books
- Atlases (when not specifically classified elsewhere)
- Brochures and leaflets that are substantial enough to be considered similar to books in their informational content and format, and not merely single-sheet advertising.
- Also under 4901.99
- Harry Potter series
- Lonely Planet travel guides
- "The Joy of Cooking"
- "Dune" novel
- National Geographic magazines (if bound as books)
- IKEA product catalogs (bound)
Codes often confused with 4901.99
Common mistake. Common misclassifications occur with other subheadings within Chapter 49. HS 490110 covers single sheets, folded or not, for advertising, which are distinct from multi-page books. HS 490191 is specifically for dictionaries, encyclopedias, and serial installments, which are more specialized types of books. HS 4902 covers newspapers, journals, and periodicals, which are characterized by their regular publication schedule. HS 4903 is for children's picture books, drawing books, or coloring books, which have a primary focus on visual content for young children. Careful distinction based on content, format, and primary purpose is essential to avoid errors.
Top exporters and importers of HS 490199 (the code used for books), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 490199 (the code used for books) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 490199, not only books.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $1.6B 13% of world exports
- 2 United States $1.6B 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $1.4B 11% of world exports
World total: $12.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.1B 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.4B 10% of world imports
- 3 Canada $854M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $13.6B 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 books
Brazil classifies books under NCM 4901.99.00: HS 4901.99 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 books
What is the HS code for Books?
The HS code for Books is 490199 (Printed matter; books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter n.e.c. in item no. 4901.10 or 4901.91). The HS code for general printed books, brochures, and leaflets not elsewhere specified is 490199.
How do I classify Books for customs?
Books is classified under HS code 490199 — Printed matter; books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter n.e.c. in item no. 4901.10 or 4901.91. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What distinguishes HS 490199 from other book codes?
HS 490199 is a residual category for printed books and similar matter that do not fit into more specific subheadings within 4901, such as dictionaries and encyclopedias (490191) or single-sheet advertising material (490110). It encompasses a wide array of general literary and informational books.
Which countries are the top exporters of books (HS 490199)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 490199 (the code used for books) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($1.6B, 13% of world exports), the United States ($1.6B) and Germany ($1.4B). World exports came to about $12.7B, 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 books (HS 490199)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 490199 (the code used for books) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.1B, 16% of world imports), Germany ($1.4B) and Canada ($854M). World imports came to about $13.6B, 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 Books the same in all countries?
The base HS code 490199 for Books 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 books in Brazil?
In Brazil, books (HS 490199) is classified under NCM 4901.99.00.