Chapter 49 HS Codes: Chapter 49 Commodities
CHAPTER DEFINITION & SCOPE
HS Chapter 49 of the WCO Harmonized System covers chapter 49 commodities. It groups 11 4-digit WCO headings and 18 6-digit subheadings under the official 2026 customs nomenclature [USITC HTS 2026].
Chapter
Ch 49
Headings
11 Headings
Subheadings
18 HS6
US Tariff Status
Active 2026
Chapter 49 4-Digit Headings Directory
| Heading | WCO Heading Description | Subheading Count | Directory Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heading 4901 | Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets | 3 subheadings | Browse Heading 4901 → |
| Heading 4902 | Newspapers, journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material | 2 subheadings | Browse Heading 4902 → |
| Heading 4903 | Children's picture, drawing or coloring books | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 4903 → |
| Heading 4904 | Music, printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 4904 → |
| Heading 4905 | Maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atlases, wall maps, topographical plans and globes, printed | 2 subheadings | Browse Heading 4905 → |
| Heading 4906 | Plans 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 foregoing | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 4906 → |
| Heading 4907 | Unused 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 title | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 4907 → |
| Heading 4908 | Transfers (decalcomanias) | 2 subheadings | Browse Heading 4908 → |
| Heading 4909 | Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 4909 → |
| Heading 4910 | Calendars of any kind, printed, including calendar blocks | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 4910 → |
| Heading 4911 | Other printed matter, including printed pictures and photographs | 3 subheadings | Browse Heading 4911 → |
Chapter 49 Subheading Sample & MFN Duty Rates
| HS Code | Subheading Description | Heading | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4901.10 | In single sheets, whether or not folded | 4901 | View 4901.10 → |
| 4901.91 | Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets, Other, Dictionaries and encyclopedias, and serial installments thereof | 4901 | View 4901.91 → |
| 4901.99 | Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets, Other, Other | 4901 | View 4901.99 → |
| 4902.10 | Newspapers, journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material, Appearing at least four times a week | 4902 | View 4902.10 → |
| 4902.90 | Newspapers, journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material, Other | 4902 | View 4902.90 → |
| 4903.00 | Children's picture, drawing or coloring books | 4903 | View 4903.00 → |
| 4904.00 | Music, printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated | 4904 | View 4904.00 → |
| 4905.20 | Maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atlases, wall maps, topographical plans and globes, printed, In book form | 4905 | View 4905.20 → |
| 4905.90 | Maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atlases, wall maps, topographical plans and globes, printed, Other | 4905 | View 4905.90 → |
| 4906.00 | Plans 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 foregoing | 4906 | View 4906.00 → |
| 4907.00 | Unused 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 title | 4907 | View 4907.00 → |
| 4908.10 | Transfers (decalcomanias), vitrifiable | 4908 | View 4908.10 → |
| 4908.90 | Transfers (decalcomanias), Other | 4908 | View 4908.90 → |
| 4909.00 | Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings | 4909 | View 4909.00 → |
| 4910.00 | Calendars of any kind, printed, including calendar blocks | 4910 | View 4910.00 → |
EXPERT CLASSIFICATION PRO TIPS
Common Pitfalls When Classifying Chapter 49 Goods
- Always review WCO Section and Chapter Legal Notes before assigning 4-digit headings.
- Distinguish carefully between unprocessed raw materials and further prepared or processed articles.
- Verify Partner Government Agency (PGA) flags for agriculture, food, or chemical items.
- Cross-reference official CBP CROSS rulings for binding precedents on mixed or composite goods.
Official Primary Sources & Authority References
USITC HTS Chapter 49 Tariff ↗
United States International Trade Commission official Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
CBP CROSS Rulings ↗
Customs Rulings Online Search System for Chapter 49 binding classification precedents.
WCO HS Nomenclature ↗
World Customs Organization international 6-digit Harmonized System backbone standard.
U.S. Census Foreign Trade ↗
U.S. Census Bureau trade statistics and Schedule B concordance portal.
Chapter 49 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What commodities are covered under HS Chapter 49?
Chapter 49 (Chapter 49 Commodities) covers WCO Harmonized System 4-digit headings from 4901 upward, encompassing primary goods, raw materials, and manufactured articles within this nomenclature section.
How many 4-digit headings exist in HS Chapter 49?
Chapter 49 contains 11 official 4-digit WCO headings and 18 6-digit tariff subheadings.
What is the US general import duty range for Chapter 49 commodities?
Base customs duties under Chapter 49 range from 0.0% (Duty-Free) up to representative MFN rate limits depending on 10-digit HTS statistical suffix extensions.
Do Section 301 China tariffs apply to Chapter 49 imports?
Section 301 tariffs depend on specific 8-digit HTS subheadings. Importers must verify if their exact HTS code appears on USTR Lists 1 through 4A.
Are Partner Government Agency (PGA) permits required for Chapter 49?
PGA message-set flags (such as FDA, USDA APHIS, EPA, or CITES) apply conditionally depending on the commodity classification within Chapter 49.
How are products classified between adjacent headings in Chapter 49?
Classification follows WCO General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 through 6, prioritizing specific heading terms over general descriptions.
Can Chapter 49 goods enter duty-free under USMCA or Free Trade Agreements?
Yes. Eligible goods originating in USMCA member states (US, Mexico, Canada) or FTA partners enter duty-free under SPI code P, KR, AU, or CL with a valid Certificate of Origin.
What is the Section 321 de minimis limit for Chapter 49 shipments?
Eligible commercial shipments valued at $800 USD or less imported by one person on one day may enter duty-free under 19 U.S.C. 1321.
What documents are required for formal entry of Chapter 49 goods?
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, and entry summary CBP Form 7501 are mandatory for entries exceeding $2,500 USD.
How can an importer obtain a binding CBP ruling for Chapter 49?
Importers may submit an e-Ruling application under 19 CFR Part 177 to CBP National Commodity Specialist Division.