Product classification
HS code for Transfer stickers: 4908.90
Printed matter, transfers (decalcomanias), other than vitrifiable.
Classification of transfer stickers under HS 4908.90
Transfer stickers, technically referred to as decalcomanias, are classified under HS code 4908.90. This classification is based on the nature of the product as printed matter intended for transfer onto another surface. Chapter 49 of the Harmonized System covers products of the printing industry, including books, newspapers, and pictures. Heading 4908 specifically addresses transfers (decalcomanias). The code is split into two primary categories: 4908.10 for vitrifiable transfers and 4908.90 for all other types. Vitrifiable transfers are those used for ceramics or glass that are fired in a kiln to fuse the image to the substrate. Since standard transfer stickers used for branding, vehicle graphics, or general decoration on non-ceramic surfaces do not undergo a vitrification process, they fall into the residual category of 4908.90. This classification remains consistent regardless of whether the transfer is a dry rub-on, a water-slide decal, or a heat-applied vinyl transfer, provided the primary characteristic is the printed image intended for relocation to a final surface.
- Covers
- Dry rub-on transfers
- Water-slide decals for model kits
- Heat transfer vinyl (HTV) with printed designs
- Pressure-sensitive transfer decals
- Temporary tattoos
- Also under 4908.90
- Crayola temporary tattoos
- Nike iron-on logos
- Hot Wheels car decals
- custom t-shirt transfers
- wall art decals
Codes often confused with 4908.90
Common mistake. Transfer stickers are often misclassified under HS code 3919.10 or 3919.90, which covers self-adhesive plates, sheets, or film of plastics. While many transfer stickers are made of plastic, the 'printed matter' aspect of Chapter 49 takes precedence over the 'plastic article' aspect of Chapter 39 when the printing is not merely incidental. Additionally, they are sometimes confused with HS code 4821.10, which covers paper labels, but transfers are distinct because the carrier material is discarded after the image is applied.
Top exporters and importers of HS 490890 (the code used for transfer stickers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 490890 (the code used for transfer stickers) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 12% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 44% of its exports here ($61M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 39% of its imports here ($34M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 490890, not only transfer stickers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $245M 21% of world exports
- 2 China $234M 20% of world exports
- 3 Japan $93M 8.1% of world exports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 44% of its exports here ($61M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $122M 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $91M 8.7% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$65M 6.2% of world imports · partner records ↗
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 39% of its imports here ($34M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $1.0B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 transfer stickers
Brazil classifies transfer stickers under NCM 4908.90.00: HS 4908.90 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 transfer stickers
What is the HS code for Transfer stickers?
The HS code for Transfer stickers is 490890 (Printed matter; transfers (decalcomanias), other than vitrifiable). The primary HS code for non-vitrifiable transfer stickers is 4908.90. If they are for ceramic use, the code is 4908.10.
How do I classify Transfer stickers for customs?
Transfer stickers is classified under HS code 490890 — Printed matter; transfers (decalcomanias), other than vitrifiable. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are vinyl stickers classified the same as transfer stickers?
Not necessarily. Standard vinyl stickers that remain on their adhesive backing are often 3919, whereas 'transfers' where the image is moved to a new surface are 4908.
Which countries are the top exporters of transfer stickers (HS 490890)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 490890 (the code used for transfer stickers) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($245M, 21% of world exports), China ($234M) and Japan ($93M). World exports came to about $1.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 44% of its exports here ($61M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of transfer stickers (HS 490890)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 490890 (the code used for transfer stickers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($122M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($91M) and Vietnam (about $65M). World imports came to about $1.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 39% of its imports here ($34M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Is the HS code for Transfer stickers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 490890 for Transfer stickers 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 transfer stickers in Brazil?
In Brazil, transfer stickers (HS 490890) is classified under NCM 4908.90.00.