Product classification
HS code for Printed matter: 4911.99
Printed matter, n.e.c. in heading no. 4911.
Classification of printed matter under HS 4911.99
Printed matter that does not fall into more specific categories within Chapter 49 is classified under HS code 4911.99. Chapter 49 covers printed books, newspapers, pictures, and other products of the printing industry. Heading 49.11 is a residual heading for \"other\" printed matter. Subheading 4911.99 is the \"not elsewhere specified or included\" (n.e.c.) category for items that are not trade advertising material (4911.10), pictures, designs, or photographs (4911.91). This code is used for a wide variety of printed items where the printing gives the product its essential character, but the item does not meet the definitions of books, brochures, music, maps, or specialized forms like labels or postcards.
- Covers
- Printed technical schematics and blueprints
- Printed instructional leaflets (not advertising)
- Printed certificates and documents
- Printed cards (other than greeting or postcards)
- Printed patterns for dressmaking
- Also under 4911.99
- Airline boarding passes
- concert tickets
- road maps
- medical record forms
- sewing patterns
- product instruction booklets
Codes often confused with 4911.99
Common mistake. This code is often used as a catch-all, leading to misclassifications. If the printed matter is primarily for commercial advertising, it must be classified under 4911.10. If the item is a printed picture or photograph, it belongs in 4911.91. If the item is a book or brochure, it falls under 49.01. Furthermore, if the printed item is a label, it should be under 48.21, and if it is a postcard, it should be under 49.09. Accuracy depends on ensuring no other specific heading in Chapter 49 applies.
Top exporters and importers of HS 491199 (the code used for printed matter), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 491199 (the code used for printed matter) 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 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 491199, not only printed matter.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.0B 18% of world exports
- 2 China $492M 8.6% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $464M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $5.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $738M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $392M 6.6% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $336M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $5.9B 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 printed matter
Brazil classifies printed matter under NCM 4911.99.00: HS 4911.99 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 printed matter
What is the HS code for Printed matter?
The HS code for Printed matter is 491199 (Printed matter; n.e.c. in heading no. 4911).
How do I classify Printed matter for customs?
Printed matter is classified under HS code 491199 — Printed matter; n.e.c. in heading no. 4911. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for general printed matter?
The HS code for general printed matter not specified elsewhere is 4911.99.
When should I use 4911.10 instead of 4911.99?
Use 4911.10 if the printed matter is specifically for trade advertising, such as commercial catalogs, travel brochures, or promotional posters. Use 4911.99 for non-advertising items like internal documents or technical drawings.
Which countries are the top exporters of printed matter (HS 491199)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 491199 (the code used for printed matter) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.0B, 18% of world exports), China ($492M) and the Netherlands ($464M). World exports came to about $5.7B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of printed matter (HS 491199)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 491199 (the code used for printed matter) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($738M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($392M) and Singapore ($336M). World imports came to about $5.9B, 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.
Is the HS code for Printed matter the same in all countries?
The base HS code 491199 for Printed matter 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 printed matter in Brazil?
In Brazil, printed matter (HS 491199) is classified under NCM 4911.99.00.