Product classification
HS code for Newspapers: 4902.10
Newspapers, journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material, appearing at least four times a week.
Classification of newspapers under HS 4902.10
Newspapers are classified under HS code 4902.10 when they are published at least four times a week. This classification is strictly determined by the frequency of the publication rather than the specific content or the quality of the paper used. The Harmonized System distinguishes between high-frequency news publications and other periodicals to facilitate specific trade regulations and postal rates that often apply to daily news. These publications typically consist of unbound sheets containing current events, editorials, and advertisements. Even if the newspaper includes supplements like magazines or comics, the entire bundle is classified here if it is part of the daily or near-daily issue. The primary intent of this code is to capture the trade of daily information media.
- Covers
- Daily morning and evening newspapers
- Financial daily journals
- National and local daily news publications
- Newspapers appearing 4, 5, 6, or 7 times a week
- Daily sports newspapers
- Also under 4902.10
- The New York Times
- The Wall Street Journal
- The Guardian
- Financial Times
- Le Monde
- USA Today
- The Times of India
Codes often confused with 4902.10
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is HS code 4902.90, which is used for newspapers, journals, and periodicals that appear less than four times a week (such as weekly or monthly magazines). Another error involves HS code 4901.99, which is for books and brochures. If a publication is bound or lacks the characteristics of a newspaper (like a daily frequency), it cannot stay in 4902.10. Old or waste newspapers intended for recycling are also excluded and should be classified under 4707.30.
Top exporters and importers of HS 490210 (the code used for newspapers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 490210 (the code used for newspapers) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Ireland, with 31% 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 490210, not only newspapers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $25M 21% of world exports
- 2 France $23M 19% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $13M 10% of world exports
World total: $119M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Ireland $41M 31% of world imports
- 2 Switzerland $12M 8.9% of world imports
- 3 Portugal $11M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $132M 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 newspapers
Brazil classifies newspapers under NCM 4902.10.00: HS 4902.10 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 newspapers
What is the HS code for Newspapers?
The HS code for Newspapers is 490210 (Newspapers, journals and periodicals; whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material, appearing at least four times a week).
How do I classify Newspapers for customs?
Newspapers is classified under HS code 490210 — Newspapers, journals and periodicals; whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material, appearing at least four times a week. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for daily newspapers?
The HS code for newspapers that are published at least four times a week is 4902.10.
What if the newspaper is only published once a week?
If the publication frequency is less than four times a week, it must be classified under HS code 4902.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of newspapers (HS 490210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 490210 (the code used for newspapers) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($25M, 21% of world exports), France ($23M) and the United Kingdom ($13M). World exports came to about $119M, 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 newspapers (HS 490210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 490210 (the code used for newspapers) in UN Comtrade data were Ireland ($41M, 31% of world imports), Switzerland ($12M) and Portugal ($11M). World imports came to about $132M, 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 Newspapers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 490210 for Newspapers 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 newspapers in Brazil?
In Brazil, newspapers (HS 490210) is classified under NCM 4902.10.00.