Product classification
HS code for Music scores: 4904.00
Music, printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated.
Classification of music scores under HS 4904.00
Music scores, whether printed or in manuscript form, are classified under HS code 4904.00. This heading is part of Chapter 49, which covers printed books, newspapers, pictures, and other products of the printing industry. Heading 4904 is unique because it specifically addresses music, whether or not it is bound or illustrated. This includes sheet music for individual instruments, full orchestral scores, choral arrangements, and vocal scores. The classification applies regardless of the printing method—whether offset, digital, or traditional engraving—or the type of paper used. It also covers manuscripts of music, which are hand-written versions of musical compositions. Unlike general books (4901), music scores are distinguished by the presence of musical notation (staves, notes, and clefs) as the primary content. This specific classification ensures that cultural and educational materials related to music are tracked separately from general literature, technical manuals, or periodicals. Even if the score contains significant text (such as lyrics or historical notes), the musical notation dictates the classification under 4904.
- Covers
- Printed sheet music
- Bound orchestral scores
- Hand-written music manuscripts
- Music books with notation for study
- Also under 4904.00
- Hal Leonard sheet music
- Alfred Music publications
- Henle Urtext editions
- Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics
- Faber Music scores
- Real Book jazz fake books
Codes often confused with 4904.00
Common mistake. Music scores are frequently misclassified under HS code 4901, which covers general printed books and brochures. While a bound volume of music looks like a book, the musical notation moves it to 4904. Another misclassification is 4903.00, which is for children's picture, drawing, or coloring books, even if they contain simple songs. Finally, antique manuscripts might be confused with 9706 (antiques), but 4904 remains the primary code for music manuscripts.
Top exporters and importers of HS 490400 (the code used for music scores), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 490400 (the code used for music scores) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 21% 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 490400, not only music scores.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $28M 34% of world exports
- 2 Germany $19M 23% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $13M 15% of world exports
World total: $83M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $17M 21% of world imports
- 2 France $8.8M 11% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $8.8M 11% of world imports
World total: $78M 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 music scores
Brazil classifies music scores under NCM 4904.00.00: HS 4904.00 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 music scores
What is the HS code for Music scores?
The HS code for Music scores is 490400 (Music; printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated). The HS code for printed or manuscript music scores is 4904.00.
How do I classify Music scores for customs?
Music scores is classified under HS code 490400 — Music; printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are digital music files classified under this code?
No, HS code 4904.00 applies only to physical printed or manuscript materials. Digital music files are generally classified under Chapter 85 or treated as services depending on the jurisdiction.
Which countries are the top exporters of music scores (HS 490400)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 490400 (the code used for music scores) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($28M, 34% of world exports), Germany ($19M) and the United Kingdom ($13M). World exports came to about $83M, 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 music scores (HS 490400)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 490400 (the code used for music scores) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($17M, 21% of world imports), France ($8.8M) and the United Kingdom ($8.8M). World imports came to about $78M, 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 Music scores the same in all countries?
The base HS code 490400 for Music scores 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 music scores in Brazil?
In Brazil, music scores (HS 490400) is classified under NCM 4904.00.00.