Product classification
HS code for Map books: 4905.20
Maps and hydrographic or similar charts, printed in book form, including atlases, topographical plans and similar.
Classification of map books under HS 4905.20
Map books, including atlases and topographical plans bound in book form, are classified under HS code 4905.20. This classification is distinct from single-sheet maps because of the physical format of the publication. The Harmonized System separates cartographic products based on whether they are printed as individual sheets or bound together. Heading 4905 covers all types of maps, including hydrographic charts and wall maps, but subheading 4905.20 specifically targets those presented as books. This includes collections of maps that provide geographical, geological, or astronomical information. The primary purpose of the item must be the conveyance of cartographic data; if a book contains maps but is primarily a work of literature or history, it may be classified elsewhere in Chapter 49. The binding can be permanent or loose-leaf, provided it is intended to be kept in a book-like structure.
- Covers
- World atlases
- Road map books
- Bound topographical plans
- Hydrographic charts in book form
- Astronomical charts in book form
- Also under 4905.20
- National Geographic Atlases
- Rand McNally Road Atlases
- Michelin Green Guides (with maps)
- Ordnance Survey Atlases
- DK Eyewitness Travel Guides (with maps)
Codes often confused with 4905.20
Common mistake. Map books are often confused with 4905.91, which is the code for maps printed in sheet form. The key difference is the binding. They are also sometimes misclassified under 4901.99 (General printed books). However, because maps are a specific category of printed matter, the more specific heading 4905 takes precedence over the general heading 4901.
Top exporters and importers of HS 490520 (the code used for map books), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 490520 (the code used for map books) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 14% 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 490520, not only map books.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $15M 37% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $6.4M 16% of world exports
- 3 United States $3.5M 8.5% of world exports
World total: $41M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $2.7M 14% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $2.6M 13% of world imports
- 3 United States $2.3M 12% of world imports
World total: $20M 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 map books
Brazil classifies map books under NCM 4905.20.00: HS 4905.20 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 map books
What is the HS code for Map books?
The HS code for Map books is 490520 (Maps and hydrographic or similar charts; printed in book form, including atlases, topographical plans and similar).
How do I classify Map books for customs?
Map books is classified under HS code 490520 — Maps and hydrographic or similar charts; printed in book form, including atlases, topographical plans and similar. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for a world atlas?
A world atlas is classified under HS code 4905.20 as a map book.
Are digital maps classified here?
No, digital maps provided on physical media like USB drives or via download are classified under 8523 or as software services, not as printed matter.
Which countries are the top exporters of map books (HS 490520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 490520 (the code used for map books) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($15M, 37% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($6.4M) and the United States ($3.5M). World exports came to about $41M, 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 map books (HS 490520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 490520 (the code used for map books) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.7M, 14% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($2.6M) and the United States ($2.3M). World imports came to about $20M, 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 Map books the same in all countries?
The base HS code 490520 for Map books 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 map books in Brazil?
In Brazil, map books (HS 490520) is classified under NCM 4905.20.00.