Chapter 49
HTS codes for printed books and publications
Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts and plans.
- Headings
- 11
- Tariff lines
- 50
- General duty
- Duty-free under the general rate
Headings in Chapter 49
- 4901Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets16
- 4902Newspapers, journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material5
- 4903Children's picture, drawing or coloring books1
- 4904Music, printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated2
- 4905Maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atlases, wall maps, topographical plans and globes, printed3
- 4906Plans and drawings for architectural, engineering, industrial, commercial, topographical or similar purposes, being originals drawn by hand; handwritten texts; photographic reproductions on sensitized paper and carbon copies of the foregoing1
- 4907Unused postage, revenue or similar stamps of current or new issue in the country in which they have, or will have, a recognized face value; stamp-impressed paper; banknotes; check forms; stock, share or bond certificates and similar documents of title1
- 4908Transfers (decalcomanias)2
- 4909Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings2
- 4910Calendars of any kind, printed, including calendar blocks3
- 4911Other printed matter, including printed pictures and photographs14
Documents required to import Chapter 49 goods
Customs paperwork typically required to import these goods into the United States. Conditional items depend on shipment value, transport mode, or origin.
- Commercial InvoiceRequired
- Packing ListRequired
- Bill of Lading / Airway BillRequired
- CBP Entry Summary (7501)Required
Prepared and filed by your customs broker
- CBP Entry / Release (3461)Required
Prepared and filed by your customs broker
- Customs Bond (CBP 301)Conditional
Required for formal entries — generally shipments valued over $2,500
Single-entry or continuous bond, obtained through your broker or a surety
- Importer Security Filing (ISF "10+2")Conditional
Required for ocean freight only
Filed electronically at least 24 hours before loading at the foreign port
- Importer ID Input Record (CBP 5106)Conditional
Required to establish or update your importer-of-record number with CBP
One-time setup for a new importer; not filed per shipment
- Entry Manifest (CBP 7533)Conditional
Alternative to the 3461 for informal, low-value, or contiguous-country entries
Common questions
- What does HTS Chapter 49 cover?
- Chapter 49 of the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule covers printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts and plans. It contains 11 four-digit headings and 50 tariff lines.
- What is the duty rate for Chapter 49 goods?
- Duty-free under the general rate. The rate that applies depends on the specific tariff line and the country of origin — preferential trade agreements can reduce or eliminate the general rate.
- How do I find the right HTS code in Chapter 49?
- Classification depends on the material, construction, and intended use of the product. Browse the headings on this page, or describe your product in the search box to get a candidate code with its duty rate.