Product classification
HS code for Collectible stamps: 9704.00
Stamps, postage or revenue, stamp-postmarks, first-day covers, postal stationery (stamped paper) and like, used or unused, other than those of heading 4907.
Classification of collectible stamps under HS 9704.00
The classification of collectible stamps under HS code 9704.00 is based on their status as philatelic items rather than functional postage. This heading includes postage or revenue stamps, stamp-postmarks, and first-day covers. A critical distinction for this code is that the stamps must either be used or, if unused, they must not be of current or new issue in the country of destination. If the stamps are still valid for use as legal tender for postage in the importing country, they are classified under heading 4907. The intent of the collector and the historical or numismatic value of the items are the defining factors. This code ensures that stamps traded as collectibles are treated differently from financial instruments or current postal supplies. The classification applies regardless of the material the stamp is printed on, provided it serves the function of a stamp or postal stationery.
- Covers
- Used postage stamps from any country
- Unused stamps not of current issue in the destination country
- First-day covers with cancelled stamps
- Revenue stamps (used or obsolete)
- Stamped postal stationery (envelopes, postcards)
- Also under 9704.00
- 'Penny Black' stamp
- 'Inverted Jenny' stamp
- British Guiana 1c Magenta
- Mauritius 'Post Office' stamps
Codes often confused with 9704.00
Common mistake. The primary misclassification is with HS code 4907, which covers unused stamps of current or new issue in the country to which they are destined. These are treated as financial documents. Another error is 9705, which covers collections of numismatic interest; while stamps are often collected alongside coins, they must remain in 9704.
Top exporters and importers of HS 970400 (the code used for collectible stamps), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 970400 (the code used for collectible stamps) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 22% 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 970400, not only collectible stamps.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $40M 32% of world exports
- 2 Switzerland $24M 19% of world exports
- 3 Germany $15M 12% of world exports
World total: $125M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $25M 22% of world imports
- 2 Switzerland $16M 15% of world imports
- 3 Germany $13M 12% of world imports
World total: $111M 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 collectible stamps
Brazil classifies collectible stamps under NCM 9704.00.00: HS 9704.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about collectible stamps
What is the HS code for Collectible stamps?
The HS code for Collectible stamps is 970400 (Stamps, postage or revenue; stamp-postmarks, first-day covers, postal stationery (stamped paper) and like, used or unused, other than those of heading 4907). The HS code for collectible postage and revenue stamps is 9704.00.
How do I classify Collectible stamps for customs?
Collectible stamps is classified under HS code 970400 — Stamps, postage or revenue; stamp-postmarks, first-day covers, postal stationery (stamped paper) and like, used or unused, other than those of heading 4907. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are unused stamps included in 9704.00?
Yes, but only if they are not currently valid for postage in the country where they are being imported. If they are valid, they fall under 4907.
Which countries are the top exporters of collectible stamps (HS 970400)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 970400 (the code used for collectible stamps) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($40M, 32% of world exports), Switzerland ($24M) and Germany ($15M). World exports came to about $125M, 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 collectible stamps (HS 970400)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 970400 (the code used for collectible stamps) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($25M, 22% of world imports), Switzerland ($16M) and Germany ($13M). World imports came to about $111M, 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 Collectible stamps the same in all countries?
The base HS code 970400 for Collectible stamps 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 collectible stamps in Brazil?
In Brazil, collectible stamps (HS 970400) is classified under NCM 9704.00.00.