Product classification
HS code for Colouring books: 4903.00
Printed matter, children's picture, drawing or colouring books.
Classification of colouring books under HS 4903.00
Children's colouring books are classified under HS code 4903.00. This heading is dedicated to children's picture, drawing, or colouring books. The primary characteristic for classification here is that the book is intended for children and the pictures constitute the main interest, rather than the text. For a product to fall under 4903.00, the text must be subsidiary to the illustrations. These books are often printed on paper that is suitable for use with crayons, pencils, or paints. Unlike standard printed books of heading 4901, these items are designed for interactive use by children. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the book is bound or in the form of loose sheets, provided it meets the criteria of being a children's drawing or colouring product. The Harmonized System distinguishes these from other printed matter because of their educational and recreational nature specifically tailored for the youth demographic. If the book contains significant narrative text that outweighs the importance of the colouring pages, it may be moved to a different heading, but standard colouring books almost always reside here.
- Covers
- Children's colouring books
- Children's drawing books with outlines
- Picture books for children with interactive elements
- Water-colouring books for children
- Sticker-based colouring books
- Also under 4903.00
"The Very Hungry Caterpillar", "Where the Wild Things Are", Disney colouring books, Usborne activity books, Peppa Pig sticker books, Dr. Seuss books
Codes often confused with 4903.00
Common mistake. Colouring books are often misclassified under HS code 4901.99, which is the general code for printed books. However, 4903.00 is a specific heading for children's books where pictures are the primary focus. Another common error is using HS code 4820.10, which covers registers, account books, and notebooks, but this code is for stationery rather than printed children's literature.
Top exporters and importers of HS 490300 (the code used for colouring books), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 490300 (the code used for colouring books) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 61% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% 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 490300, not only colouring books.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $740M 61% of world exports
- 2 Germany $78M 6.4% of world exports
- 3 Hong Kong $48M 3.9% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $506M 29% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $206M 12% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $140M 8.0% of world imports
World total: $1.7B 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 colouring books
Brazil classifies colouring books under NCM 4903.00.00: HS 4903.00 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 colouring books
What is the HS code for Colouring books?
The HS code for Colouring books is 490300 (Printed matter; children's picture, drawing or colouring books). The HS code for children's colouring books is 4903.00.
How do I classify Colouring books for customs?
Colouring books is classified under HS code 490300 — Printed matter; children's picture, drawing or colouring books. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code apply to adult colouring books?
Generally, no. Adult colouring books are usually classified under HS code 4901.99 because they are not considered "children's" books as defined by the specific criteria of heading 4903.
Which countries are the top exporters of colouring books (HS 490300)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 490300 (the code used for colouring books) in UN Comtrade data were China ($740M, 61% of world exports), Germany ($78M) and Hong Kong ($48M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 colouring books (HS 490300)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 490300 (the code used for colouring books) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($506M, 29% of world imports), Hong Kong ($206M) and the United Kingdom ($140M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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.
Is the HS code for Colouring books the same in all countries?
The base HS code 490300 for Colouring 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 colouring books in Brazil?
In Brazil, colouring books (HS 490300) is classified under NCM 4903.00.00.