Product classification
HS code for Sheet music: 4904.00
Music, printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated.
Classification of sheet music under HS 4904.00
Sheet music is classified under HS code 4904.00. This heading is part of Chapter 49, which covers printed books, newspapers, pictures, and other products of the printing industry. The classification is straightforward because 4904.00 specifically names "Music, printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated." The essential characteristic for this code is the presence of musical notation, which includes staves, notes, clefs, and other symbols used to communicate musical performance. This applies regardless of the genre of music or the complexity of the arrangement. The code covers everything from a single sheet of a pop song to a full orchestral score or a bound book of piano exercises. Even if the sheet music contains significant amounts of text, such as lyrics or historical commentary, the presence of the musical score dictates the classification. This heading also includes music that is handwritten (manuscript) rather than mechanically printed, provided it is intended for reading and performance.
- Covers
- Printed piano scores
- Orchestral parts and full scores
- Songbooks with musical notation
- Manuscript music (handwritten)
- Choral music sheets
- Hymnals with musical staves
- Also under 4904.00
- Hal Leonard sheet music
- Alfred Music publications
- Henle Urtext editions
- Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics
- Faber Music scores
- Real Book jazz fake books
Codes often confused with 4904.00
Common mistake. Sheet music is sometimes misclassified under HS code 4901.99, which is the general category for printed books. While a bound collection of music may look like a book, the specific mention of music in 4904.00 takes precedence. Another error involves 4911.99, which covers other printed matter. This usually happens when the music is printed on unconventional items like posters or cards. However, if the primary purpose is to provide a musical score, 4904.00 remains the correct choice. Digital downloads of music are not classified here, as HS codes generally apply to physical goods.
Top exporters and importers of HS 490400 (the code used for sheet music), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 490400 (the code used for sheet music) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 21% 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 490400, not only sheet music.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $28M 34% of world exports
- 2 Germany $19M 23% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $13M 15% of world exports
World total: $83M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $17M 21% of world imports
- 2 France $8.8M 11% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $8.8M 11% of world imports
World total: $78M 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 sheet music
Brazil classifies sheet music under NCM 4904.00.00: HS 4904.00 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.
Questions about sheet music
What is the HS code for Sheet music?
The HS code for Sheet music is 490400 (Music; printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated).
How do I classify Sheet music for customs?
Sheet music is classified under HS code 490400 — Music; printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for printed sheet music?
The HS code for all physical printed or manuscript music is 4904.00.
Does this code include books that only have lyrics?
No, books containing only lyrics without musical notation are classified as printed books under heading 4901.
Which countries are the top exporters of sheet music (HS 490400)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 490400 (the code used for sheet music) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($28M, 34% of world exports), Germany ($19M) and the United Kingdom ($13M). World exports came to about $83M, 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 sheet music (HS 490400)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 490400 (the code used for sheet music) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($17M, 21% of world imports), France ($8.8M) and the United Kingdom ($8.8M). World imports came to about $78M, 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 Sheet music the same in all countries?
The base HS code 490400 for Sheet music 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 sheet music in Brazil?
In Brazil, sheet music (HS 490400) is classified under NCM 4904.00.00.