Product classification
HS code for Magazines: 4902.90
Newspapers, journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material, appearing less frequently than four times a week.
Classification of magazines under HS 4902.90
Magazines are classified under HS code 4902.90. This code is part of Chapter 49, which covers printed books, newspapers, pictures, and other products of the printing industry. Heading 4902 specifically applies to newspapers, journals, and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material. The sub-classification 4902.90 is used for publications that appear less frequently than four times a week. This distinguishes magazines from daily or highly frequent newspapers (which fall under 4902.10). The classification remains the same regardless of the subject matter—be it fashion, science, or trade—provided the publication is issued in a continuous series under the same title and at regular intervals. Even if the magazine contains a high percentage of advertising, it remains in 4902 as long as it retains the character of a periodical. However, if the publication is primarily for advertising (like a catalog), it may move to 4911.
- Covers
- Monthly consumer magazines
- Quarterly academic journals
- Weekly news periodicals
- Trade and professional journals
- Bimonthly lifestyle publications
- Special interest periodicals
- 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. Magazines are often confused with HS code 4901, which covers printed books and brochures. The key difference is the periodicity; 4901 is for one-off publications or non-periodical works, while 4902 requires a regular publication schedule. Another common misclassification is 4911.10, which covers commercial advertising material. If a magazine's content is almost entirely promotional for a specific brand or store (like a seasonal lookbook), it may be classified as advertising rather than a periodical. Additionally, 4902.10 is often incorrectly used for weekly magazines; this code is strictly for publications appearing at least four times a week.
Top exporters and importers of HS 490290 (the code used for magazines), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 490290 (the code used for magazines) 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 magazines.
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 magazines
Brazil classifies magazines 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 magazines
What is the HS code for Magazines?
The HS code for Magazines 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 magazines and periodicals appearing less than four times a week is 4902.90.
How do I classify Magazines for customs?
Magazines 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.
Are digital magazine subscriptions classified under 4902.90?
No, HS code 4902.90 applies only to physical, printed publications. Digital content is generally classified as an electronically supplied service or under 8523 if provided on physical media like a USB drive.
Which countries are the top exporters of magazines (HS 490290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 490290 (the code used for magazines) 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 magazines (HS 490290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 490290 (the code used for magazines) 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 Magazines the same in all countries?
The base HS code 490290 for Magazines 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 magazines in Brazil?
In Brazil, magazines (HS 490290) is classified under NCM 4902.90.00.