Section X · Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard; paper and paperboard and articles thereof
Chapter 49: Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans
Chapter 49 of the Harmonized System has 11 four-digit headings, from 49.01 to 49.11. Each heading is split further into six-digit subheadings, then into national 8- and 10-digit commodity codes.
Headings in chapter 49
| Heading | Description |
|---|---|
| 49.01 | Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets |
| 49.02 | Newspapers, journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material |
| 49.03 | Children's picture, drawing or colouring books |
| 49.04 | Music, printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated |
| 49.05 | Maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atlases, wall maps, topographical plans and globes, printed |
| 49.06 | Plans and drawings for architectural, engineering, industrial, commercial, topographical or similar purposes, being originals drawn by hand; handwritten texts; photographic reproductions on sensitised paper and carbon copies of the foregoing |
| 49.07 | Unused postage, revenue or similar stamps of current or new issue in the country in which they have, or will have, a recognised face value; stamp-impressed paper; banknotes; cheque forms; stock, share or bond certificates and similar documents of title |
| 49.08 | Transfers (decalcomanias) |
| 49.09 | Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings |
| 49.10 | Calendars of any kind, printed, including calendar blocks |
| 49.11 | Other printed matter, including printed pictures and photographs |
Classifying goods in chapter 49
Start with the chapter and section notes: they are legally binding and often decide what is included or excluded. Then choose the heading whose wording best describes your product (GRI 1), and work down to the six-digit subheading before choosing the national commodity code.
The six-digit code is shared internationally. The UK and EU add digits for their own tariffs and statistics, and the US uses its own 10-digit HTS lines, so always confirm the final code in the tariff of the country you are importing into.
Official sources
Check chapter 49 in the UK Trade Tariff, the EU TARIC and the US HTS.