Product classification

HS code for Printed pictures: 4911.91

Printed matter, pictures, designs and photographs, n.e.c. in item no. 4911.10.

Classification of printed pictures under HS 4911.91

HS code 4911.91 is reserved for printed pictures, designs, and photographs that do not fall under more specific categories like advertising material or commercial catalogs. This classification is part of Chapter 49, which encompasses products of the printing industry, manuscripts, and typescripts. To qualify for 4911.91, the item must be a product of a printing process—such as offset, lithography, digital, or screen printing—where the primary value and purpose are the printed image itself rather than the material it is printed on. This includes mass-produced decorative prints, photographic reproductions, and artistic designs. It excludes items that have a functional purpose beyond being a visual representation, such as calendars, maps, or stationery. The classification is essential for distinguishing between commercial art reproductions and original works of art, which are treated differently for customs and duty purposes. The "n.e.c." (not elsewhere classified) designation in the description indicates that this is a residual category for pictorial matter that does not fit into the advertising or promotional subheadings.

Covers
  • Mass-produced art prints on paper
  • Printed photographs and portraits
  • Decorative wall posters (non-advertising)
  • Printed designs for framing
  • Lithographic reproductions of paintings
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 frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 4911.10, which is specifically for trade advertising material and commercial catalogs. If a picture is intended to promote a product, it belongs there. Another common error is using HS code 9701.10, which is reserved for original paintings and drawings executed entirely by hand. Finally, printed paper items with a functional use, like postcards, should be classified under 4817 or 4909 depending on their specific characteristics.

4911.10Printed matter; trade advertising material, commercial catalogues and the like48.17Envelopes, letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards, of paper, paperboard; boxes, pouches, wallets and writing compendiums, of paper or paperboard containing assortment of paper stationery49.09Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings

Top exporters and importers of HS 491191 (the code used for printed pictures), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 491191 (the code used for printed pictures) 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 printed pictures.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $358M
  2. 2 China $320M
  3. 3 Switzerland $223M

World total: $1.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $664M
  2. 2 Canada $291M
  3. 3 China $181M

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 printed pictures

Brazil classifies printed pictures 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 printed pictures

What is the HS code for Printed pictures?

The HS code for Printed pictures is 491191 (Printed matter; pictures, designs and photographs, n.e.c. in item no. 4911.10). The HS code for printed pictures, designs, and photographs not used for advertising is 4911.91.

How do I classify Printed pictures for customs?

Printed pictures 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 original hand-painted works included in 4911.91?

No, original hand-painted works are classified under Chapter 97 (9701), while 4911.91 is strictly for products of a mechanical or digital printing process.

Which countries are the top exporters of printed pictures (HS 491191)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 491191 (the code used for printed pictures) 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 printed pictures (HS 491191)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 491191 (the code used for printed pictures) 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 Printed pictures the same in all countries?

The base HS code 491191 for Printed pictures 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 pictures in Brazil?

In Brazil, printed pictures (HS 491191) is classified under NCM 4911.91.00.