HS code for books
A printed book is heading 4901, unless it is a picture, drawing or colouring book for children, heading 4903. Within 4901, single sheets and dictionaries or encyclopaedias have lines of their own.
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The possible codes
From the EU's Combined Nomenclature 2026, in English.
Heading 4901: printed books, brochures and leaflets
Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets
| Code | Official text | Applies when |
|---|---|---|
| HS 4901 10CN 4901 10 00 | In single sheets, whether or not folded | Printed in single sheets, folded or not, like a leaflet |
| OtherOther printed books and brochures | ||
| HS 4901 91CN 4901 91 00 | Dictionaries and encyclopaedias, and serial instalments thereof | A dictionary or an encyclopaedia, or an instalment of one |
| HS 4901 99CN 4901 99 00 | Other | Any other printed book or brochure, such as a novel, a cookbook or a textbook |
Heading 4903: picture, drawing and colouring books for children
Children's picture, drawing or colouring books
A children's picture book is a book for children in which the pictures form the principal interest and the text is subsidiary (chapter 49, note 6).
| Code | Official text | Applies when |
|---|---|---|
| HS 4903 00CN 4903 00 00 | Children's picture, drawing or colouring books | A book for children whose pictures matter more than its text, or a drawing or colouring book for children |
Printed music is heading 4904 and maps and atlases are heading 4905; publications essentially devoted to advertising, such as trade catalogues, are not heading 4901 but 4911 (chapter 49, note 5). They are not shown here.
The €3 customs duty per item
Since 1 July 2026 the EU charges €3 customs duty per item in a parcel worth up to €150. Goods with the same tariff code are one item.
How many digits of the code count depends on the declaration: 6 on H7, 8 on H6, and 10 on a full H1 declaration, where origin and description also separate items.
Check the code before you file it
This page shows the lines of the tariff and what leads to each. It is not a ruling: a binding one, called a BTI, comes only from a customs authority. Compare the official text with your product, and look the code up in the EU's TARIC database. You are responsible for the code on your declaration.
Other products
- HS code for leggings
- HS code for phone cases
- HS code for LED lamps
- HS code for T-shirts
- HS code for toys
- HS code for hoodies and sweaters
- HS code for coffee
- HS code for laptops
- HS code for headphones and earphones
- HS code for sunglasses
- HS code for socks
- HS code for bags
- HS code for backpacks
- HS code for wallets and purses
- HS code for caps and hats
- HS code for posters, prints and paintings
- HS code for mugs and ceramic tableware
- HS code for jewellery
- HS code for stroopwafels
- HS code for sweets