Product classification
HS code for Postage stamps: 9704.00
Stamps, postage or revenue, stamp-postmarks, first-day covers, postal stationery (stamped paper) and like, used or unused, other than those of heading 4907.
Classification of postage stamps under HS 9704.00
Postage stamps, including used stamps or unused stamps that are not of current or new issue in the country of destination, are classified under HS code 9704.00. This code is part of Chapter 97, which is dedicated to works of art, collectors' pieces, and antiques. The primary criterion for classification here is the philatelic interest or historical value of the items. This heading includes not only stamps but also first-day covers, postal stationery (stamped paper), and stamp-postmarks. The classification logic separates these items from "stamped paper" or unused stamps intended for actual postal use, which are treated as financial instruments or products of the printing industry rather than collectibles. For a stamp to fall under 9704.00, it must generally be used, or if unused, it must not be a current legal tender for postage in the country where it is being imported. This distinction is critical because items in Chapter 97 often enjoy duty-free status in many jurisdictions, whereas current-issue stamps are regulated under different financial and printing categories. The items must be of a nature that they are intended for sale to collectors or for study by philatelists.
- Covers
- Used postage stamps
- First-day covers (FDCs)
- Used revenue stamps
- Antique postal stationery
- Cancelled stamp-postmarks
- Unused stamps not of current issue in the importing country
- Also under 9704.00
- 'Penny Black' stamp
- 'Inverted Jenny' stamp
- British Guiana 1c Magenta
- Mauritius 'Post Office' stamps
Codes often confused with 9704.00
Common mistake. Postage stamps are often misclassified under HS code 4907.00. Code 4907.00 is reserved for unused postage, revenue, or similar stamps of current or new issue in the country to which they are destined. If the stamps are intended for use as postage rather than as a collector's item, 4907.00 is the correct code. Misclassification also occurs with 9705.00 for general collections of historical interest.
Top exporters and importers of HS 970400 (the code used for postage stamps), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 970400 (the code used for postage stamps) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 22% 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 970400, not only postage stamps.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $40M 32% of world exports
- 2 Switzerland $24M 19% of world exports
- 3 Germany $15M 12% of world exports
World total: $125M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $25M 22% of world imports
- 2 Switzerland $16M 15% of world imports
- 3 Germany $13M 12% of world imports
World total: $111M 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 postage stamps
Brazil classifies postage stamps under NCM 9704.00.00: HS 9704.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about postage stamps
What is the HS code for Postage stamps?
The HS code for Postage stamps is 970400 (Stamps, postage or revenue; stamp-postmarks, first-day covers, postal stationery (stamped paper) and like, used or unused, other than those of heading 4907). The HS code for used or collector-grade postage stamps and related philatelic items is 9704.00.
How do I classify Postage stamps for customs?
Postage stamps is classified under HS code 970400 — Stamps, postage or revenue; stamp-postmarks, first-day covers, postal stationery (stamped paper) and like, used or unused, other than those of heading 4907. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are new stamps bought at the post office covered here?
No, new stamps of current issue intended for use are classified under HS code 4907.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of postage stamps (HS 970400)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 970400 (the code used for postage stamps) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($40M, 32% of world exports), Switzerland ($24M) and Germany ($15M). World exports came to about $125M, 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 postage stamps (HS 970400)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 970400 (the code used for postage stamps) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($25M, 22% of world imports), Switzerland ($16M) and Germany ($13M). World imports came to about $111M, 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 Postage stamps the same in all countries?
The base HS code 970400 for Postage stamps 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 postage stamps in Brazil?
In Brazil, postage stamps (HS 970400) is classified under NCM 9704.00.00.