Product classification
HS code for Encyclopedias: 4901.91
Printed matter, dictionaries, encyclopaedias and serial instalments thereof.
Classification of encyclopedias under HS 4901.91
Encyclopedias and dictionaries are classified under HS code 4901.91. This classification is part of Chapter 49, which covers printed books, newspapers, and other products of the printing industry. Heading 4901 is the primary category for printed books and brochures. Within this heading, the Harmonized System provides a specific subheading for reference works. Subheading 4901.91 is dedicated to dictionaries and encyclopedias, including those published in serial installments. The classification is based on the nature of the content—comprehensive, alphabetical, or thematic reference material intended for consultation rather than continuous reading. This code applies regardless of the binding (hardcover or paperback) or the number of volumes in the set. It is important to distinguish these from general literature or textbooks, which fall under the broader 4901.99 category.
- Covers
- General multi-volume encyclopedias
- Specialized technical dictionaries
- Language translation dictionaries
- 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. Encyclopedias are often misclassified under HS code 4901.99, which is the residual category for "other" printed books. While 4901.99 is a valid code for many books, the specificity of 4901.91 for reference works takes precedence under GRI 3(a). Another error involves 4902, which is for journals and periodicals; even if an encyclopedia is released in parts, its character as a reference work keeps it in 4901.91.
Top exporters and importers of HS 490191 (the code used for encyclopedias), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 490191 (the code used for encyclopedias) 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 encyclopedias.
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 encyclopedias
Brazil classifies encyclopedias 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 encyclopedias
What is the HS code for Encyclopedias?
The HS code for Encyclopedias is 490191 (Printed matter; dictionaries, encyclopaedias and serial instalments thereof). The specific HS code for printed encyclopedias and dictionaries is 4901.91.
How do I classify Encyclopedias for customs?
Encyclopedias is classified under HS code 490191 — Printed matter; dictionaries, encyclopaedias and serial instalments thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are digital encyclopedias on USB or CD-ROM classified here?
No, digital media is classified under Chapter 85 (specifically 8523) because the classification is based on the medium (software/data) rather than the content (reference material).
Which countries are the top exporters of encyclopedias (HS 490191)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 490191 (the code used for encyclopedias) 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 encyclopedias (HS 490191)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 490191 (the code used for encyclopedias) 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 Encyclopedias the same in all countries?
The base HS code 490191 for Encyclopedias 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 encyclopedias in Brazil?
In Brazil, encyclopedias (HS 490191) is classified under NCM 4901.91.00.