Product classification
HS code for Photo albums: 4820.50
Paper and paperboard, albums for samples or for collections.
Classification of photo albums under HS 4820.50
Photo albums are classified under HS code 4820.50. This classification is determined by the primary material of construction and the intended use of the article. Chapter 48 covers paper and paperboard, and heading 4820 includes stationery items such as registers, account books, notebooks, and albums for samples or for collections. Subheading 4820.50 is the specific international designation for albums. The classification applies to products where the essential character is provided by the paper or paperboard structure, even if the album includes plastic inserts, metal ring binders, or decorative fabric covers. The primary function of the item—to organize and protect a collection of photographs or samples—aligns with the specific description of this subheading. This code is used globally to ensure uniform tariff application for consumer stationery goods designed for archival and storage purposes.
- Covers
- Traditional slip-in photo albums
- Scrapbooks for photographic collections
- Stamp albums for collectors
- Sample albums for textile or wallpaper swatches
- Wedding and commemorative photo books with paper pages
- Also under 4820.50
- Lighthouse stamp albums
- Ultra Pro trading card binders
- Pioneer photo albums
- fabric swatch books from textile manufacturers
- coin collection albums
Codes often confused with 4820.50
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 3926.90, which covers other articles of plastics. Importers often choose this code if the album has a significant amount of plastic sheeting or a plastic cover. However, according to the Section X notes and Chapter 48 headings, if the item is designed as an album for collections, 4820.50 takes precedence as the more specific description. Another common error is using HS code 4911.91, which covers printed pictures and photographs. This code is incorrect for albums because 4911 refers to the photographs themselves or printed matter, whereas 4820.50 refers to the empty vessel or stationery item intended to hold them.
Top exporters and importers of HS 482050 (the code used for photo albums), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 482050 (the code used for photo albums) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 13% 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 482050, not only photo albums.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $121M 48% of world exports
- 2 Germany $19M 7.6% of world exports
- 3 France $19M 7.4% of world exports
World total: $251M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $23M 13% of world imports
- 2 France $23M 13% of world imports
- 3 United States $13M 7.2% of world imports
World total: $173M 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 photo albums
Brazil classifies photo albums under NCM 4820.50.00: HS 4820.50 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.
This product is covered by the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), requiring operators to exercise due diligence to minimize the risk of placing illegally harvested timber on the EU market.
Questions about photo albums
What is the HS code for Photo albums?
The HS code for Photo albums is 482050 (Paper and paperboard; albums for samples or for collections). The standard HS code for photo albums is 4820.50, which covers albums for samples or for collections.
How do I classify Photo albums for customs?
Photo albums is classified under HS code 482050 — Paper and paperboard; albums for samples or for collections. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are digital photo frames classified here?
No, digital photo frames are classified under HS code 8528.52 or 8528.59 as monitors or display apparatus, as they are electronic devices rather than paper stationery.
Which countries are the top exporters of photo albums (HS 482050)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 482050 (the code used for photo albums) in UN Comtrade data were China ($121M, 48% of world exports), Germany ($19M) and France ($19M). World exports came to about $251M, 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 photo albums (HS 482050)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 482050 (the code used for photo albums) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($23M, 13% of world imports), France ($23M) and the United States ($13M). World imports came to about $173M, 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 Photo albums the same in all countries?
The base HS code 482050 for Photo albums 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 photo albums in Brazil?
In Brazil, photo albums (HS 482050) is classified under NCM 4820.50.00.