Product classification
HS code for Dictionaries: 4901.91
Printed matter, dictionaries, encyclopaedias and serial instalments thereof.
Classification of dictionaries under HS 4901.91
Dictionaries are classified under HS code 4901.91 according to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6. This classification falls within Chapter 49, which covers printed books, newspapers, pictures, and other products of the printing industry. Heading 4901 is specifically designated for printed books, brochures, leaflets, and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets. The Harmonized System further divides this heading to distinguish between different types of literary and reference material. Subheading 4901.91 is explicitly reserved for dictionaries and encyclopedias, including those published in serial installments. The classification is determined by the essential character of the item as a reference work containing an alphabetical list of words, terms, or topics with definitions or translations. Even if a dictionary contains illustrations or is part of a multi-volume set, it remains under this code as long as the primary function is lexicographical or encyclopedic. It is important to note that this code applies to physical printed matter; digital versions or dictionaries on electronic media would be classified elsewhere, typically under Chapter 85.
- Covers
- English language dictionaries
- Bilingual and multilingual translation dictionaries
- Technical and medical dictionaries
- General purpose encyclopedias
- Thesauruses in printed book format
- Serial installments of encyclopedic works
- Also under 4901.91
- Oxford English Dictionary
- Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary
- Larousse Gastronomique
- Dorling Kindersley Visual Dictionary
Codes often confused with 4901.91
Common mistake. Dictionaries are frequently misclassified under HS code 4901.99, which is the residual category for other printed books. While 4901.99 covers a vast array of literature, 4901.91 is a more specific provision that takes precedence. Another common error is using HS code 4911.99 for 'other printed matter,' but this should only be used if the item does not meet the definition of a book or brochure under 4901.
Top exporters and importers of HS 490191 (the code used for dictionaries), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 490191 (the code used for dictionaries) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 30% 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 490191, not only dictionaries.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $95M 65% of world exports
- 2 Germany $7.6M 5.2% of world exports
- 3 Italy $7.0M 4.8% of world exports
World total: $145M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$28M 30% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Germany $8.8M 9.6% of world imports
- 3 Sweden $4.2M 4.6% of world imports
World total: $92M 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 dictionaries
Brazil classifies dictionaries under NCM 4901.91.00: HS 4901.91 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 dictionaries
What is the HS code for Dictionaries?
The HS code for Dictionaries is 490191 (Printed matter; dictionaries, encyclopaedias and serial instalments thereof). The primary HS code for printed dictionaries and encyclopedias is 4901.91.
How do I classify Dictionaries for customs?
Dictionaries is classified under HS code 490191 — Printed matter; dictionaries, encyclopaedias and serial instalments thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include electronic dictionary devices?
No, electronic dictionary devices are generally classified under HS code 8543.70 as electrical machines and apparatus having individual functions, not elsewhere specified.
Which countries are the top exporters of dictionaries (HS 490191)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 490191 (the code used for dictionaries) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($95M, 65% of world exports), Germany ($7.6M) and Italy ($7.0M). World exports came to about $145M, 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 dictionaries (HS 490191)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 490191 (the code used for dictionaries) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $28M, 30% of world imports), Germany ($8.8M) and Sweden ($4.2M). World imports came to about $92M, 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 Dictionaries the same in all countries?
The base HS code 490191 for Dictionaries 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 dictionaries in Brazil?
In Brazil, dictionaries (HS 490191) is classified under NCM 4901.91.00.