Product classification
HS code for Charts: 4905.90
Maps and hydrographic or similar charts, (printed other than in book form), including wall maps, topographical plans and similar.
Classification of charts under HS 4905.90
Charts used for navigation, hydrography, or topography are classified under HS code 4905.90. Heading 4905 covers maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atlases, wall maps, and topographical plans. The classification is divided between those in book form (4905.10) and others (4905.90). Therefore, a single-sheet nautical chart, a large-scale wall map of a specific region, or a printed topographical plan falls under 4905.90. These items are characterized by their printed nature and their purpose as reference tools for geographic or hydrographic information. It is important to note that this heading excludes schematic diagrams or industrial plans, which may fall under 4906. The classification relies on the primary intent of the document: providing a representation of a geographical area, the sea, or celestial bodies. This follows GRI 1, as the product is a printed map/chart not bound in a book format.
- Covers
- Nautical and hydrographic charts for sea navigation
- Aeronautical charts for flight planning
- Printed wall maps of countries or regions
- Topographical plans and maps
- Celestial charts and star maps (not in book form)
- Also under 4905.90
- National Geographic Wall Maps
- Michelin Folded Maps
- Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps
- NOAA Nautical Charts
- Streetwise Maps
Codes often confused with 4905.90
Common mistake. Charts are often confused with HS code 4911.99 (other printed matter), but 4905 is more specific for cartographic products. Another common error is 4823.40 (chart paper), which is for recording data, whereas 4905.90 is for navigational or geographic reference. If the charts are bound together in a volume with a cover, they must be classified under 4905.10 as globes or 4901 as books, depending on the content. Finally, hand-drawn original plans are classified under 4906.00, not 4905.
Top exporters and importers of HS 490590 (the code used for charts), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 490590 (the code used for charts) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 13% 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 490590, not only charts.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $14M 18% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $10M 13% of world exports
- 3 Germany $8.2M 10% of world exports
World total: $81M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $11M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $9.2M 11% of world imports
- 3 France $8.5M 10% of world imports
World total: $83M 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 charts
Brazil classifies charts under NCM 4905.90.00: HS 4905.90 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 charts
What is the HS code for Charts?
The HS code for Charts is 490590 (Maps and hydrographic or similar charts; (printed other than in book form), including wall maps, topographical plans and similar). The HS code for printed navigational or topographical charts (not in book form) is 4905.90.
How do I classify Charts for customs?
Charts is classified under HS code 490590 — Maps and hydrographic or similar charts; (printed other than in book form), including wall maps, topographical plans and similar. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are digital charts on a USB drive classified here?
No, 4905.90 only applies to printed physical charts. Digital versions are classified under 8523 as recorded media or software.
Which countries are the top exporters of charts (HS 490590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 490590 (the code used for charts) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($14M, 18% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($10M) and Germany ($8.2M). World exports came to about $81M, 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 charts (HS 490590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 490590 (the code used for charts) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($11M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($9.2M) and France ($8.5M). World imports came to about $83M, 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 Charts the same in all countries?
The base HS code 490590 for Charts 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 charts in Brazil?
In Brazil, charts (HS 490590) is classified under NCM 4905.90.00.