Product classification
HS code for Photographs: 4911.91
Printed matter, pictures, designs and photographs, n.e.c. in item no. 4911.10.
Classification of photographs under HS 4911.91
Photographs are classified under HS code 4911.91 as part of the broader category of printed matter. Unlike the materials in Chapter 37, which are unexposed and sensitised, products in Chapter 49 are finished goods resulting from a printing or development process. This code specifically covers pictures, designs, and photographs that are not elsewhere specified. The classification applies to any photograph produced on a substrate, whether through traditional chemical development of silver halide paper or through modern digital printing techniques. The primary characteristic for this classification is that the item is a completed visual representation intended for display, documentation, or artistic purposes, and it no longer possesses light-sensitive properties.
- Covers
- Developed photographic prints
- Portrait and landscape photographs
- Artistic photographic prints
- Printed photographic reproductions
- Also under 4911.91
- Fine art giclée prints
- National Geographic posters
- movie posters (e.g., Star Wars)
- framed decorative prints
- stock photography prints
Codes often confused with 4911.91
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 3703, which is only for unexposed, sensitised paper. Once the paper is developed into a photo, it moves to 4911.91. Another frequent error involves HS code 9701, which covers paintings and drawings; however, photographs are only classified in Chapter 97 if they are considered original works of art created by the photographer and meet specific age or limited-edition criteria. Additionally, photographs contained within books are classified under 4901 rather than 4911.91.
Top exporters and importers of HS 491191 (the code used for photographs), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 491191 (the code used for photographs) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% 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 491191, not only photographs.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $358M 18% of world exports
- 2 China $320M 16% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $223M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $664M 28% of world imports
- 2 Canada $291M 12% of world imports
- 3 China $181M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $2.3B 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 photographs
Brazil classifies photographs under NCM 4911.91.00: HS 4911.91 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 photographs
What is the HS code for Photographs?
The HS code for Photographs is 491191 (Printed matter; pictures, designs and photographs, n.e.c. in item no. 4911.10). The standard HS code for printed photographs is 4911.91, which covers pictures, designs, and photographs.
How do I classify Photographs for customs?
Photographs is classified under HS code 491191 — Printed matter; pictures, designs and photographs, n.e.c. in item no. 4911.10. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are digital photo files classified under this code?
No, HS code 4911.91 applies only to physical prints. Digital files are generally treated as software or data and may fall under 8523 or be exempt from physical classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of photographs (HS 491191)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 491191 (the code used for photographs) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($358M, 18% of world exports), China ($320M) and Switzerland ($223M). World exports came to about $1.9B, 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 photographs (HS 491191)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 491191 (the code used for photographs) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($664M, 28% of world imports), Canada ($291M) and China ($181M). World imports came to about $2.3B, 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 Photographs the same in all countries?
The base HS code 491191 for Photographs 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 photographs in Brazil?
In Brazil, photographs (HS 491191) is classified under NCM 4911.91.00.