Product classification
HS code for Picture books: 4903.00
Printed matter, children's picture, drawing or colouring books.
Classification of picture books under HS 4903.00
Classification under HS code 4903.00 is determined by the primary function and target audience of the printed material. This code specifically applies to children's picture, drawing, or coloring books. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, these books are characterized by the fact that the pictures are the principal interest and the text is subsidiary. For a product to fall under this heading, it must be clearly intended for children. This includes books where the illustrations provide the narrative or where the primary activity is coloring or drawing. The physical construction often involves durable materials like cardboard or plastic-coated paper to withstand use by young children. If the text provides a continuous narrative that is not merely descriptive of the pictures, the item might be classified elsewhere, but 4903.00 remains the definitive code for items where visual engagement is the primary purpose for a juvenile audience.
- Covers
- Children's picture storybooks
- Coloring books for children
- Drawing books with instructional outlines for children
- Alphabet picture books
- Children's books with pop-up illustrations (where the book remains the primary character)
- Also under 4903.00
"The Very Hungry Caterpillar", "Where the Wild Things Are", Disney colouring books, Usborne activity books, Peppa Pig sticker books, Dr. Seuss books
Codes often confused with 4903.00
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying these items under HS code 4901, which covers general printed books. The distinction lies in the ratio of text to imagery; if the text is the primary source of information or narrative, 4901 is appropriate. Another common confusion occurs with HS code 9503, which covers toys. If a book contains extensive play features, such as detachable toys or electronic components that make it primarily a plaything rather than a reading or coloring medium, it may be classified as a toy under 9503.00.
Top exporters and importers of HS 490300 (the code used for picture books), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 490300 (the code used for picture books) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 61% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% 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 490300, not only picture books.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $740M 61% of world exports
- 2 Germany $78M 6.4% of world exports
- 3 Hong Kong $48M 3.9% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $506M 29% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $206M 12% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $140M 8.0% of world imports
World total: $1.7B 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 picture books
Brazil classifies picture books under NCM 4903.00.00: HS 4903.00 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.
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 picture books
What is the HS code for Picture books?
The HS code for Picture books is 490300 (Printed matter; children's picture, drawing or colouring books). The HS code for children's picture, drawing, or coloring books is 4903.00.
How do I classify Picture books for customs?
Picture books is classified under HS code 490300 — Printed matter; children's picture, drawing or colouring books. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include adult coloring books?
No, adult coloring books are generally classified under HS code 4901 because they are not specifically designed for the use of children, which is a requirement for heading 4903.
Which countries are the top exporters of picture books (HS 490300)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 490300 (the code used for picture books) in UN Comtrade data were China ($740M, 61% of world exports), Germany ($78M) and Hong Kong ($48M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 picture books (HS 490300)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 490300 (the code used for picture books) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($506M, 29% of world imports), Hong Kong ($206M) and the United Kingdom ($140M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 Picture books the same in all countries?
The base HS code 490300 for Picture books 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 picture books in Brazil?
In Brazil, picture books (HS 490300) is classified under NCM 4903.00.00.