Product classification
HS code for Brochures: 4911.10
Printed matter, trade advertising material, commercial catalogues and the like.
Classification of brochures under HS 4911.10
Brochures are classified under HS code 4911.10, which covers trade advertising material, commercial catalogues, and similar printed matter. This classification is based on the primary intent of the product: to promote goods, services, or commercial entities. Chapter 49 of the Harmonized System deals with products of the printing industry, and 4911 is the residual category for printed matter not specified elsewhere in the chapter. Subheading 4911.10 is specifically carved out for commercial propaganda. To qualify for this code, the brochure must be clearly intended for advertising purposes. The physical form—whether it is a single folded sheet, a multi-page stapled booklet, or a glossy pamphlet—is less important than the commercial nature of the content. This classification is vital for customs because many countries offer duty-free entry or reduced rates for advertising materials to facilitate trade, though they may be subject to specific weight limits or value thresholds depending on local regional trade agreements.
- Covers
- Product marketing catalogs
- Travel and tourism brochures
- Commercial advertising leaflets
- Real estate listing pamphlets
- Company profile brochures for marketing
- 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. Brochures are often confused with HS code 4901.10 or 4901.99. Heading 4901 is intended for printed books, brochures, leaflets, and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets. However, Note 5 to Chapter 49 clarifies that heading 4911 takes precedence for advertising material. Therefore, even if a brochure looks like a small book, if its primary purpose is commercial advertising, it must be classified under 4911.10. Another error involves HS code 4911.99, which is for "other" printed matter; this should only be used if the material is not commercial advertising, such as printed photos or non-commercial informational sheets.
Top exporters and importers of HS 491110 (the code used for brochures), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 491110 (the code used for brochures) 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 brochures.
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 brochures
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 brochures
What is the HS code for Brochures?
The HS code for Brochures is 491110 (Printed matter; trade advertising material, commercial catalogues and the like). The HS code for brochures intended for trade advertising is 4911.10. If they are not for advertising, they may fall under 4901.99.
How do I classify Brochures for customs?
Brochures is classified under HS code 491110 — Printed matter; trade advertising material, commercial catalogues and the like. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are educational brochures classified under 4911.10?
Generally, no. If the brochure is purely educational and contains no commercial advertising, it is typically classified under HS code 4901.99 as other printed matter.
Which countries are the top exporters of brochures (HS 491110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 491110 (the code used for brochures) 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 brochures (HS 491110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 491110 (the code used for brochures) 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 Brochures the same in all countries?
The base HS code 491110 for Brochures 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 brochures in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 491110 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for brochures 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).