Product classification
HS code for Commercial prints: 4911.99
Printed matter, n.e.c. in heading no. 4911.
Classification of commercial prints under HS 4911.99
Commercial prints are classified under HS code 4911.99 because they represent printed matter that does not fit into more specific categories within Chapter 49. Chapter 49 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to products of the printing industry, manuscripts, typescripts, and plans. While heading 4911 covers \"Other printed matter,\" it is subdivided into trade advertising material (4911.10) and \"Other\" (4911.99). Therefore, any printed item that is not primarily intended for advertising and does not qualify as a book, newspaper, or picture under headings 4901 through 4910 is classified here. This classification relies on General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1 and 6, which dictate that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and subheadings. Since 4911.99 is a residual category, it captures a wide variety of technical, decorative, and functional printed items used in commercial environments that lack a more specific description in the nomenclature.
- Covers
- Technical schematic diagrams and blueprints
- Commercial calendars without advertising
- Printed instructional manuals for machinery
- Artistic prints and reproductions not on canvas
- Commercial stationery with printed headers
- Identification cards and printed tags
- Also under 4911.99
- Airline boarding passes
- concert tickets
- road maps
- medical record forms
- sewing patterns
- product instruction booklets
Codes often confused with 4911.99
Common mistake. Commercial prints are frequently misclassified under HS code 4911.10. The distinction lies in the intent of the material; 4911.10 is strictly for trade advertising material, commercial catalogs, and the like. If the print is functional or technical rather than promotional, 4911.99 is the correct code. Another common error is using 4901.99, which is reserved for printed books and brochures. If the item consists of a single sheet or does not meet the definition of a book, it must stay within 4911.
Top exporters and importers of HS 491199 (the code used for commercial prints), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 491199 (the code used for commercial prints) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 491199, not only commercial prints.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.0B 18% of world exports
- 2 China $492M 8.6% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $464M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $5.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $738M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $392M 6.6% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $336M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $5.9B 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 commercial prints
Brazil classifies commercial prints under NCM 4911.99.00: HS 4911.99 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 commercial prints
What is the HS code for Commercial prints?
The HS code for Commercial prints is 491199 (Printed matter; n.e.c. in heading no. 4911). The HS code for commercial prints that are not advertising material is 4911.99.
How do I classify Commercial prints for customs?
Commercial prints is classified under HS code 491199 — Printed matter; n.e.c. in heading no. 4911. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between 4911.10 and 4911.99?
Use 4911.10 if the primary purpose is to promote a product or service (advertising). Use 4911.99 for all other printed matter, such as technical drawings, certificates, or decorative prints.
Which countries are the top exporters of commercial prints (HS 491199)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 491199 (the code used for commercial prints) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.0B, 18% of world exports), China ($492M) and the Netherlands ($464M). World exports came to about $5.7B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of commercial prints (HS 491199)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 491199 (the code used for commercial prints) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($738M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($392M) and Singapore ($336M). World imports came to about $5.9B, 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 prints the same in all countries?
The base HS code 491199 for Commercial prints 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 prints in Brazil?
In Brazil, commercial prints (HS 491199) is classified under NCM 4911.99.00.