Product classification
HS code for Journals: 4902.90
Newspapers, journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material, appearing less frequently than four times a week.
Classification of journals under HS 4902.90
The classification of journals under HS code 4902.90 is determined by the nature of the publication and its frequency of issuance. Chapter 49 of the Harmonized System covers products of the printing industry, including books and newspapers. Heading 4902 specifically encompasses newspapers, journals, and periodicals, whether or not they are illustrated or contain advertising material. The primary criteria for this heading is that the publications must be issued in a series under the same title, with each issue being dated and numbered. Subheading 4902.90 is reserved for those publications that appear less frequently than four times a week, which includes the vast majority of academic, professional, and consumer magazines. To qualify for this classification, the content must be primarily literary, scientific, or informative. If the publication is intended for writing in, such as a personal diary or a blank notebook, it is excluded from this chapter and classified as stationery under Chapter 48. Furthermore, the presence of advertising does not disqualify the item, provided the publication maintains its character as a periodical.
- Covers
- Academic and scholarly journals
- Monthly consumer magazines
- Quarterly professional periodicals
- Trade journals and industry newsletters
- Scientific research publications issued periodically
- Also under 4902.90
- National Geographic Magazine
- The Economist
- Vogue
- Scientific American
- Harvard Business Review
- Time Magazine
- Reader's Digest
Codes often confused with 4902.90
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying journals under HS code 4820.10, which covers registers, account books, notebooks, and diaries. The distinction lies in whether the item is a printed publication (4902) or a blank book for writing (4820). Another common misclassification is 4901.99, which is for printed books; however, 4901 is for non-serial publications, whereas 4902 requires a serial nature with regular intervals of publication.
Top exporters and importers of HS 490290 (the code used for journals), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 490290 (the code used for journals) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 15% 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 490290, not only journals.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $315M 15% of world exports
- 2 Germany $291M 14% of world exports
- 3 France $255M 12% of world exports
World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $301M 15% of world imports
- 2 Canada $214M 11% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $168M 8.2% of world imports
World total: $2.0B 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 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 journals
Brazil classifies journals under NCM 4902.90.00: HS 4902.90 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.
Questions about journals
What is the HS code for Journals?
The HS code for Journals is 490290 (Newspapers, journals and periodicals; whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material, appearing less frequently than four times a week). The HS code for journals appearing less frequently than four times a week is 4902.90. For those appearing four times or more per week, the code is 4902.10.
How do I classify Journals for customs?
Journals is classified under HS code 490290 — Newspapers, journals and periodicals; whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material, appearing less frequently than four times a week. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this include digital journals?
No, HS code 4902.90 applies specifically to physical, printed material. Digital journals or those delivered via the internet are generally classified under Chapter 85 as software/media or treated as services depending on the jurisdiction.
Which countries are the top exporters of journals (HS 490290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 490290 (the code used for journals) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($315M, 15% of world exports), Germany ($291M) and France ($255M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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 journals (HS 490290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 490290 (the code used for journals) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($301M, 15% of world imports), Canada ($214M) and the Netherlands ($168M). World imports came to about $2.0B, 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 Journals the same in all countries?
The base HS code 490290 for Journals 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 journals in Brazil?
In Brazil, journals (HS 490290) is classified under NCM 4902.90.00.