Product classification
HS code for Leaflets: 4901.99
Printed matter, books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter n.e.c. in item no. 4901.10 or 4901.91.
Classification of leaflets under HS 4901.99
Leaflets are classified under HS code 4901.99, which encompasses printed books, brochures, leaflets, and similar printed matter that are not in single sheets. This classification is based on the nature of the printed material as informational or literary rather than purely commercial. Under the General Rules of Interpretation, specifically GRI 1, products are classified according to the heading text. Heading 4901 is preferred for leaflets that consist of multiple pages or a single sheet folded to create multiple sections, provided they do not fall under the specific exclusions for advertising material. The classification 4901.99 serves as a residual category for printed matter that does not qualify as a dictionary, encyclopedia, or a single-sheet publication (which would fall under 4901.10). The content must be primarily textual or educational to remain within this code.
- Covers
- Informational pamphlets
- Folded instructional leaflets
- Religious tracts and booklets
- Technical brochures with multiple pages
- Educational leaflets for public distribution
- Also under 4901.99
- Harry Potter series
- Lonely Planet travel guides
- "The Joy of Cooking"
- "Dune" novel
- National Geographic magazines (if bound as books)
- IKEA product catalogs (bound)
Codes often confused with 4901.99
Common mistake. Leaflets are frequently confused with HS code 4911.10, which covers commercial advertising material. If the primary purpose of the leaflet is to promote a specific product or service for sale, it should be classified under 4911.10. However, if the leaflet provides general information, instructions, or literary content, 4901.99 is the correct code. Another misclassification is 4901.10, which is strictly for printed matter in single sheets, whether or not folded. If the leaflet is bound or consists of more than one sheet, 4901.99 is required.
Top exporters and importers of HS 490199 (the code used for leaflets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 490199 (the code used for leaflets) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 490199, not only leaflets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $1.6B 13% of world exports
- 2 United States $1.6B 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $1.4B 11% of world exports
World total: $12.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.1B 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.4B 10% of world imports
- 3 Canada $854M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $13.6B 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 leaflets
Brazil classifies leaflets under NCM 4901.99.00: HS 4901.99 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 leaflets
What is the HS code for Leaflets?
The HS code for Leaflets is 490199 (Printed matter; books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter n.e.c. in item no. 4901.10 or 4901.91). The HS code for leaflets that are not single sheets and are not primarily advertising is 4901.99.
How do I classify Leaflets for customs?
Leaflets is classified under HS code 490199 — Printed matter; books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter n.e.c. in item no. 4901.10 or 4901.91. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include advertising flyers?
Generally, no. Advertising flyers are typically classified under 4911.10 as commercial advertising material.
Which countries are the top exporters of leaflets (HS 490199)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 490199 (the code used for leaflets) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($1.6B, 13% of world exports), the United States ($1.6B) and Germany ($1.4B). World exports came to about $12.7B, 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 leaflets (HS 490199)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 490199 (the code used for leaflets) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.1B, 16% of world imports), Germany ($1.4B) and Canada ($854M). World imports came to about $13.6B, 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 Leaflets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 490199 for Leaflets 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 leaflets in Brazil?
In Brazil, leaflets (HS 490199) is classified under NCM 4901.99.00.