Chapter 49
Printed Books and Newspapers
By TariffCenter Research Team · Updated 2026-02-07 · Source: USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule
At a glance
Chapter 49 contains 69 HTS lines covering printed books and newspapers. General U.S. duty rates: Free. Section 301 surcharges apply on selected lines for imports from China. Reciprocal tariffs apply following the February 2026 SCOTUS ruling.
4901 — Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets
#Heading 4901 contains 20 HTS lines. General U.S. duty rates: Free. Section 301 surcharges (25%) and reciprocal tariffs (10%) apply to selected lines.
4901
Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets:
Free
4901.10.00
In single sheets, whether or not folded
Free
4901.10.00.20
Reproduction proofs
Free
4901.10.00.40
Other
Free
4901.91.00
Dictionaries and encyclopedias, and serial installments thereof
Free
4901.91.00.20
Dictionaries (including thesauruses)
Free
4901.91.00.40
Encyclopedias
Free
4901.99.00
Other
Free
4901.99.00.10
Textbooks
Free
4901.99.00.20
Bound newspapers, journals and periodicals provided for in Legal Note 3 to this chapter
Free
4901.99.00.30
Directories
Free
4901.99.00.40
Bibles, testaments, prayer books and other religious books
Free
4901.99.00.50
Technical, scientific and professional books
Free
4901.99.00.60
Valued under $5 each
Free
4901.99.00.65
Valued $5 or more each
Free
4901.99.00.70
Hardbound books
Free
4901.99.00.75
Rack size paperbound books
Free
4901.99.00.91
Containing not more than 4 pages each (excluding covers)
Free
4901.99.00.92
Containing 5 or more pages each, but not more than 48 pages each (excluding covers)
Free
4901.99.00.93
Containing 49 or more pages each (excluding covers)
Free
| HS Code | Description | General Rate | Special Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4901 | Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets: | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4901.10.00 | In single sheets, whether or not folded | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4901.10.00.20 | Reproduction proofs | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4901.10.00.40 | Other | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4901.91.00 | Dictionaries and encyclopedias, and serial installments thereof | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4901.91.00.20 | Dictionaries (including thesauruses) | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4901.91.00.40 | Encyclopedias | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4901.99.00 | Other | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4901.99.00.10 | Textbooks | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4901.99.00.20 | Bound newspapers, journals and periodicals provided for in Legal Note 3 to this chapter | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4901.99.00.30 | Directories | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4901.99.00.40 | Bibles, testaments, prayer books and other religious books | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4901.99.00.50 | Technical, scientific and professional books | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4901.99.00.60 | Valued under $5 each | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4901.99.00.65 | Valued $5 or more each | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4901.99.00.70 | Hardbound books | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4901.99.00.75 | Rack size paperbound books | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4901.99.00.91 | Containing not more than 4 pages each (excluding covers) | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4901.99.00.92 | Containing 5 or more pages each, but not more than 48 pages each (excluding covers) | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4901.99.00.93 | Containing 49 or more pages each (excluding covers) | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
4902 — Newspapers, journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material
#Heading 4902 contains 8 HTS lines. General U.S. duty rates: Free. Section 301 surcharges (25%) and reciprocal tariffs (10%) apply to selected lines.
4902
Newspapers, journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material:
Free
4902.10.00.00
Appearing at least four times a week
Free
4902.90
Other:
Free
4902.90.10.00
Newspaper supplements printed by a gravure process
Free
4902.90.20
Other
Free
4902.90.20.20
Newspapers appearing less than four times per week
Free
4902.90.20.40
Other business and professional journals and periodicals (including single issues tied together for shipping purposes)
Free
4902.90.20.60
Other (including single issues tied together for shipping purposes)
Free
| HS Code | Description | General Rate | Special Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4902 | Newspapers, journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material: | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4902.10.00.00 | Appearing at least four times a week | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4902.90 | Other: | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4902.90.10.00 | Newspaper supplements printed by a gravure process | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4902.90.20 | Other | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4902.90.20.20 | Newspapers appearing less than four times per week | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4902.90.20.40 | Other business and professional journals and periodicals (including single issues tied together for shipping purposes) | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4902.90.20.60 | Other (including single issues tied together for shipping purposes) | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
4903 — Children's picture, drawing or coloring books
#Heading 4903 contains 1 HTS line. General U.S. duty rates: Free. Section 301 surcharges (25%) and reciprocal tariffs (10%) apply to selected lines.
| HS Code | Description | General Rate | Special Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4903.00.00.00 | Children's picture, drawing or coloring books | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
4904 — Music, printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated
#Heading 4904 contains 3 HTS lines. General U.S. duty rates: Free. Section 301 surcharges (25%) and reciprocal tariffs (10%) apply to selected lines.
4904.00.00
Music, printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated
Free
4904.00.00.20
Sheet music, whether or not stapled or folded, but not otherwise bound
Free
4904.00.00.40
Other
Free
| HS Code | Description | General Rate | Special Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4904.00.00 | Music, printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4904.00.00.20 | Sheet music, whether or not stapled or folded, but not otherwise bound | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4904.00.00.40 | Other | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
4905 — Maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atlases, wall maps, topographical plans and globes, printed
#Heading 4905 contains 5 HTS lines. General U.S. duty rates: Free. Section 301 surcharges (25%) and reciprocal tariffs (10%) apply to selected lines.
4905
Maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atlases, wall maps, topographical plans and globes, printed:
Free
4905.20.00.00
In book form
Free
4905.90
Other:
Free
4905.90.20.00
Globes
Free
4905.90.60.00
Other
Free
| HS Code | Description | General Rate | Special Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4905 | Maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atlases, wall maps, topographical plans and globes, printed: | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4905.20.00.00 | In book form | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4905.90 | Other: | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4905.90.20.00 | Globes | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4905.90.60.00 | Other | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
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
#Heading 4906 contains 1 HTS line. General U.S. duty rates: Free. Section 301 surcharges (25%) and reciprocal tariffs (10%) apply to selected lines.
| HS Code | Description | General Rate | Special Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4906.00.00.00 | 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 | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
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
#Heading 4907 contains 1 HTS line. General U.S. duty rates: Free. Section 301 surcharges (25%) and reciprocal tariffs (10%) apply to selected lines.
| HS Code | Description | General Rate | Special Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4907.00.00.00 | 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 | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
4908 — Transfers (decalcomanias)
#Heading 4908 contains 3 HTS lines. General U.S. duty rates: Free. Section 301 surcharges (25%) and reciprocal tariffs (10%) apply to selected lines.
4908
Transfers (decalcomanias):
Free
4908.10.00.00
Transfers (decalcomanias), vitrifiable
Free
4908.90.00.00
Other
Free
| HS Code | Description | General Rate | Special Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4908 | Transfers (decalcomanias): | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4908.10.00.00 | Transfers (decalcomanias), vitrifiable | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4908.90.00.00 | Other | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
4909 — Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings
#Heading 4909 contains 3 HTS lines. General U.S. duty rates: Free. Section 301 surcharges (25%) and reciprocal tariffs (10%) apply to selected lines.
4909.00
Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings:
Free
4909.00.20.00
Postcards
Free
4909.00.40.00
Other
Free
| HS Code | Description | General Rate | Special Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4909.00 | Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings: | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4909.00.20.00 | Postcards | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4909.00.40.00 | Other | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
4910 — Calendars of any kind, printed, including calendar blocks
#Heading 4910 contains 4 HTS lines. General U.S. duty rates: Free. Section 301 surcharges (25%) and reciprocal tariffs (10%) apply to selected lines.
4910.00
Calendars of any kind, printed, including calendar blocks:
Free
4910.00.20.00
Not over 0.51 mm in thickness
Free
4910.00.40.00
Over 0.51 mm in thickness
Free
4910.00.60.00
Other
Free
| HS Code | Description | General Rate | Special Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4910.00 | Calendars of any kind, printed, including calendar blocks: | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4910.00.20.00 | Not over 0.51 mm in thickness | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4910.00.40.00 | Over 0.51 mm in thickness | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4910.00.60.00 | Other | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
4911 — Other printed matter, including printed pictures and photographs
#Heading 4911 contains 20 HTS lines. General U.S. duty rates: Free. Section 301 surcharges (25%) and reciprocal tariffs (10%) apply to selected lines.
4911
Other printed matter, including printed pictures and photographs:
Free
4911.10.00
Trade advertising material, commercial catalogs and the like
Free
4911.10.00.20
Printed catalogs relating principally to current offers for the sale of United States products
Free
4911.10.00.40
Printed catalogs, price lists or trade notices, relating to offers, by a person whose principal place of business or bonafide residence is in a foreign country, to sell or rent products of a foreign country or to furnish foreign or international transportation or commercial insurance services
Free
4911.10.00.60
Tourist and other literature (including posters), containing geographic, historical, hotel, institutional, timetable, travel or similar information, principally with respect to places, travel facilities or educational opportunities outside the customs territory of the United States
Free
4911.10.00.80
Other
Free
4911.91
Pictures, designs and photographs:
Free
4911.91.10.00
Printed over 20 years at time of importation
Free
4911.91.15.00
Suitable for use in the production of articles of heading 4901
Free
4911.91.20
Not over 0.51 mm in thickness
Free
4911.91.20.20
Posters
Free
4911.91.20.40
Other
Free
4911.91.30.00
Over 0.51 mm in thickness
Free
4911.91.40
Other
Free
4911.91.40.20
Posters
Free
4911.91.40.40
Other
Free
4911.99
Other:
Free
4911.99.20.00
International customs forms (carnets) and parts thereof, in English or French (whether or not in additional languages)
Free
4911.99.60.00
Printed on paper in whole or in part by a lithographic process
Free
4911.99.80.00
Other
Free
| HS Code | Description | General Rate | Special Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4911 | Other printed matter, including printed pictures and photographs: | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4911.10.00 | Trade advertising material, commercial catalogs and the like | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4911.10.00.20 | Printed catalogs relating principally to current offers for the sale of United States products | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4911.10.00.40 | Printed catalogs, price lists or trade notices, relating to offers, by a person whose principal place of business or bonafide residence is in a foreign country, to sell or rent products of a foreign country or to furnish foreign or international transportation or commercial insurance services | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4911.10.00.60 | Tourist and other literature (including posters), containing geographic, historical, hotel, institutional, timetable, travel or similar information, principally with respect to places, travel facilities or educational opportunities outside the customs territory of the United States | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4911.10.00.80 | Other | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4911.91 | Pictures, designs and photographs: | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4911.91.10.00 | Printed over 20 years at time of importation | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4911.91.15.00 | Suitable for use in the production of articles of heading 4901 | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4911.91.20 | Not over 0.51 mm in thickness | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4911.91.20.20 | Posters | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4911.91.20.40 | Other | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4911.91.30.00 | Over 0.51 mm in thickness | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4911.91.40 | Other | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4911.91.40.20 | Posters | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4911.91.40.40 | Other | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4911.99 | Other: | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4911.99.20.00 | International customs forms (carnets) and parts thereof, in English or French (whether or not in additional languages) | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4911.99.60.00 | Printed on paper in whole or in part by a lithographic process | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
| 4911.99.80.00 | Other | Free | 301: 25%Recip: 10% |
Frequently Asked Questions — Chapter 49
Sources & Methodology
- Base HTS rates: U.S. International Trade Commission — Harmonized Tariff Schedule (2025 edition, Chapter 49). “General rate” shows the min–max range across all 10-digit subheadings.
- Section 301 rates: Office of the U.S. Trade Representative — Section 301 action lists. Flags indicate HTS lines listed on USTR China 301 Lists 1–4B.
- Reciprocal tariffs: Based on the post-SCOTUS Section 122 framework (February 2026). See the TariffCenter Tariff Tracker for current program status.
- Verify before importing: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Rulings Online or consult a licensed customs broker for binding classification rulings.
Glossary
- General rate (MFN rate)
- The base import duty applied to all World Trade Organization members under Most-Favored-Nation treatment. This is the standard rate shown in the General Rate column.
- Section 301 tariff (301: 25%)
- An additional surcharge authorized under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, imposed on selected imports from China. The most common rate is 25%; some products carry 7.5%. Applied on top of the MFN base rate.
- Reciprocal tariff (Recip: 10%)
- Tariffs applied under the post-February 2026 SCOTUS ruling upholding Section 122 authority. Typically 10–25% depending on country of origin, stacked on top of base and Section 301 rates.
- Section 232 tariff (S232: 25%)
- Tariffs on steel and aluminum products (and downstream derivatives) imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 on national security grounds.
- hts_special / Special rates
- Preferential duty rates available to imports from countries with Free Trade Agreements or other special trade programs with the U.S. Country codes: AU (Australia), BH (Bahrain), CA (Canada), CL (Chile), CO (Colombia), IL (Israel), JO (Jordan), KR (South Korea), MA (Morocco), MX (Mexico), OM (Oman), PA (Panama), PE (Peru), SG (Singapore). Free (AU,BH...) means duty-free treatment for those partners.