Product classification
HS code for Diaries: 4820.10
Paper and paperboard, registers, account books, note books, order books, receipt books, letter pads, memorandum pads, diaries and similar articles.
Classification of diaries under HS 4820.10
Diaries are classified under HS code 4820.10, which falls within Chapter 48 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, covering paper and paperboard articles. Specifically, heading 4820 includes stationery items such as registers, account books, note books, and diaries. The classification is based on the item's primary utility as a surface for writing or record-keeping. Under the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, diaries are defined as articles used for recording daily events or appointments. Even if a diary contains a small amount of printed information, such as a calendar, maps, or public holiday listings, it remains under 4820.10 as long as its essential character is that of a stationery article for writing. This distinguishes it from products in Chapter 49, which are primarily intended for reading. The material of the cover, whether it be plastic, leather, or paperboard, does not change the classification of the internal paper component, although it may affect the specific statistical suffix in some jurisdictions.
- Covers
- Personal daily diaries and journals
- Appointment books and planners
- Business organizers with dated pages
- Leather-bound executive diaries
- Pocket diaries and academic planners
- Also under 4820.10
- Moleskine notebooks
- Leuchtturm1917 journals
- Staples legal pads
- Filofax diaries
- National Brand ledger books
Codes often confused with 4820.10
Common mistake. Diaries are often misclassified under HS code 4901.99 as printed books. However, 4901 is reserved for items where the printed text is the primary value, whereas 4820 is for items intended for writing. Another common error is using HS code 4910.00 for calendars. While diaries contain calendars, 4910.00 is for items that are primarily for display or reference of dates without significant space for daily entries.
Top exporters and importers of HS 482010 (the code used for diaries), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 482010 (the code used for diaries) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 52% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% 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 482010, not only diaries.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.8B 52% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$282M 8.3% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Netherlands $166M 4.9% of world exports
World total: $3.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $626M 23% of world imports
- 2 Germany $204M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $186M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $2.8B 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 diaries
Brazil classifies diaries under NCM 4820.10.00: HS 4820.10 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 diaries
What is the HS code for Diaries?
The HS code for Diaries is 482010 (Paper and paperboard; registers, account books, note books, order books, receipt books, letter pads, memorandum pads, diaries and similar articles). The HS code for diaries is 4820.10, which covers registers, notebooks, and similar stationery articles made of paper.
How do I classify Diaries for customs?
Diaries is classified under HS code 482010 — Paper and paperboard; registers, account books, note books, order books, receipt books, letter pads, memorandum pads, diaries and similar articles. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include electronic diaries?
No, electronic diaries or digital personal organizers are classified under Chapter 85, typically under HS code 8543.70 as other electrical machines and apparatus with individual functions.
Which countries are the top exporters of diaries (HS 482010)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 482010 (the code used for diaries) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.8B, 52% of world exports), Vietnam (about $282M) and the Netherlands ($166M). World exports came to about $3.4B, 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 diaries (HS 482010)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 482010 (the code used for diaries) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($626M, 23% of world imports), Germany ($204M) and the United Kingdom ($186M). World imports came to about $2.8B, 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 Diaries the same in all countries?
The base HS code 482010 for Diaries 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 diaries in Brazil?
In Brazil, diaries (HS 482010) is classified under NCM 4820.10.00.