Product classification
HS code for Commercial catalogues: 4911.10
Printed matter, trade advertising material, commercial catalogues and the like.
Classification of commercial catalogues under HS 4911.10
Commercial catalogues are classified under HS code 4911.10, which covers printed trade advertising material and similar matter. The classification is based on the functional nature of the product as a tool for commercial promotion. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), printed matter that is primarily intended to advertise goods or services, listing them for sale with descriptions and prices, falls under this specific subheading. This includes publications issued by manufacturers, wholesalers, or retailers to showcase their inventory. The Harmonized System distinguishes between purely literary or educational books (4901) and material designed for trade. Even if a catalogue contains high-quality photography or informative articles, its primary purpose as a sales vehicle dictates its placement in 4911.10. This code is essential for customs authorities to differentiate between commercial imports and general publications, as trade advertising often carries different duty rates or import restrictions.
- Covers
- Product catalogues for retail or wholesale
- Trade price lists with descriptions
- Commercial brochures promoting specific services
- Direct mail advertising booklets
- Promotional flyers for commercial goods
- 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. Commercial catalogues are frequently misclassified under HS code 4901.10 (printed books and brochures). While they may look like brochures, 4901 is intended for non-advertising material. Another common error is using 4911.99 (other printed matter), but 4911.10 is more specific for advertising. If the catalogue is primarily composed of pictures with no text, it might be confused with 4911.91 (pictures, designs, and photographs), but the commercial intent usually keeps it in 4911.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 491110 (the code used for commercial catalogues), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 491110 (the code used for commercial catalogues) 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 commercial catalogues.
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 commercial catalogues
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 commercial catalogues
What is the HS code for Commercial catalogues?
The HS code for Commercial catalogues is 491110 (Printed matter; trade advertising material, commercial catalogues and the like). The HS code for commercial catalogues and trade advertising material is 4911.10.
How do I classify Commercial catalogues for customs?
Commercial catalogues 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 digital catalogues classified here?
No, HS code 4911.10 only applies to physical, printed matter. Digital catalogues are usually classified as software or services depending on the medium (e.g., 8523 for physical media).
Which countries are the top exporters of commercial catalogues (HS 491110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 491110 (the code used for commercial catalogues) 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 commercial catalogues (HS 491110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 491110 (the code used for commercial catalogues) 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 Commercial catalogues the same in all countries?
The base HS code 491110 for Commercial catalogues 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 commercial catalogues in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 491110 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for commercial catalogues 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).