Product classification
HS code for Decals: 4908.90
Printed matter, transfers (decalcomanias), other than vitrifiable.
Classification of decals under HS 4908.90
Decals, or decalcomanias, are classified under HS code 4908.90 when they are of the non-vitrifiable variety. This heading covers printed transfers consisting of a design or image on a backing, usually paper or plastic, intended to be transferred to another surface by pressure, heat, or water. The classification under 4908.90 is for "other" transfers, meaning those not intended for firing in a kiln. The logic behind this classification is based on the product's nature as printed matter where the essential character is the printed design rather than the substrate itself. These items are distinct from simple stickers because they involve a transfer process where the design is separated from its original backing during application.
- Covers
- Water-slide decals for model kits
- Pressure-sensitive dry transfers
- Heat transfer decals for apparel (non-industrial)
- Vinyl transfer decals for windows
- Temporary tattoos (printed transfers)
- Also under 4908.90
- Crayola temporary tattoos
- Nike iron-on logos
- Hot Wheels car decals
- custom t-shirt transfers
- wall art decals
Codes often confused with 4908.90
Common mistake. Decals are often misclassified under HS code 4908.10, which is specifically for vitrifiable decals intended for ceramics or glass that must be fired in a kiln. Another common error is classifying them as self-adhesive plastic sheets under 3919; however, if the product is a transfer (where the carrier is discarded), 4908 is more specific. If the item is a simple permanent sticker that does not involve a transfer process, it may fall under 4911.91 (pictures/designs) or 3919 depending on the material and construction.
Top exporters and importers of HS 490890 (the code used for decals), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 490890 (the code used for decals) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 12% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 44% of its exports here ($61M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 39% of its imports here ($34M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 490890, not only decals.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $245M 21% of world exports
- 2 China $234M 20% of world exports
- 3 Japan $93M 8.1% of world exports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 44% of its exports here ($61M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $122M 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $91M 8.7% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$65M 6.2% of world imports · partner records ↗
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 39% of its imports here ($34M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $1.0B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 decals
Brazil classifies decals under NCM 4908.90.00: HS 4908.90 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.
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 decals
What is the HS code for Decals?
The HS code for Decals is 490890 (Printed matter; transfers (decalcomanias), other than vitrifiable). The HS code for standard non-vitrifiable decals is 4908.90.
How do I classify Decals for customs?
Decals is classified under HS code 490890 — Printed matter; transfers (decalcomanias), other than vitrifiable. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 4908.10 and 4908.90?
HS code 4908.10 is for vitrifiable decals (used for ceramics/glass and fired in a kiln), while 4908.90 is for all other types of transfers, such as water-slide or dry transfers.
Which countries are the top exporters of decals (HS 490890)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 490890 (the code used for decals) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($245M, 21% of world exports), China ($234M) and Japan ($93M). World exports came to about $1.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 44% of its exports here ($61M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of decals (HS 490890)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 490890 (the code used for decals) in UN Comtrade data were China ($122M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($91M) and Vietnam (about $65M). World imports came to about $1.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 39% of its imports here ($34M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Is the HS code for Decals the same in all countries?
The base HS code 490890 for Decals 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 decals in Brazil?
In Brazil, decals (HS 490890) is classified under NCM 4908.90.00.