Product classification
HS code for Periodicals: 4902.90
Newspapers, journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material, appearing less frequently than four times a week.
Classification of periodicals under HS 4902.90
Periodicals are classified under HS code 4902.90. This classification falls under Chapter 49, which covers printed books, newspapers, pictures, and other products of the printing industry. Heading 4902 is dedicated to newspapers, journals, and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material. The subheading 4902.90 specifically applies to those publications that appear less frequently than four times a week. This includes weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual publications. The essential characteristic of a periodical under this heading is that it constitutes one issue in a continuous series under the same title, published at regular intervals, with each issue being dated and numbered. Unlike books, periodicals usually consist of multiple articles or reports by various authors and are intended to provide current information or entertainment to a specific audience over time.
- Covers
- Monthly fashion and lifestyle magazines
- Weekly news and current affairs journals
- Quarterly academic and scientific journals
- Trade journals and professional periodicals published monthly
- Special interest magazines (e.g., hobbyist, automotive, or travel)
- 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. The most frequent misclassification occurs with 4902.10, which is reserved for newspapers and periodicals that appear at least four times a week (typically daily newspapers). Another common error is classifying thick periodicals as books under 4901.99. While some journals may look like books, their serial nature and periodic issuance keep them in 4902. Additionally, advertising catalogs are sometimes confused with periodicals, but if the primary purpose is commercial propaganda, they should be classified under 4911.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 490290 (the code used for periodicals), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 490290 (the code used for periodicals) 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 periodicals.
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 periodicals
Brazil classifies periodicals 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 periodicals
What is the HS code for Periodicals?
The HS code for Periodicals is 490290 (Newspapers, journals and periodicals; whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material, appearing less frequently than four times a week).
How do I classify Periodicals for customs?
Periodicals 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.
What is the HS code for monthly magazines?
Monthly magazines are classified under HS code 4902.90 because they are periodicals appearing less than four times a week.
Are digital magazines covered under this HS code?
No, HS code 4902.90 applies only to physical, printed periodicals. Digital content is generally classified under Chapter 85 or treated as a service depending on the jurisdiction and delivery method.
Which countries are the top exporters of periodicals (HS 490290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 490290 (the code used for periodicals) 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 periodicals (HS 490290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 490290 (the code used for periodicals) 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 Periodicals the same in all countries?
The base HS code 490290 for Periodicals 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 periodicals in Brazil?
In Brazil, periodicals (HS 490290) is classified under NCM 4902.90.00.