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HSChapter 49
U.S. imports of architectural, engineering & industrial plans and drawings (HS 490600) totaled $212K in April 2026, traded with 17 countries.
Importers of Architectural, Engineering & Industrial Plans and Drawings paid $12K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 11% on $116K in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Architectural, Engineering & Industrial Plans and Drawings imports of $212K in April 2026 ran 91% below the year-to-date monthly average of $2.3M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataOriginals and specific reproductions of plans and drawings for architectural, engineering, industrial, commercial, and topographical purposes enter under a single tariff line (4906000000). Unlike mass-produced printed matter, these documents are typically unique or produced in very limited runs, which affects both their valuation and their classification — CBP distinguishes 'specific reproductions' (e.g., blueprints made directly from an original) from mass-printed copies, which would classify elsewhere. The United Kingdom and China are the leading sources, with Germany and Mexico also significant, reflecting cross-border engineering project workflows and outsourced drafting services.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
A 'specific reproduction' under heading 490600 refers to a copy made directly from an original plan or drawing — such as a blueprint, diazo print, or photocopy of an engineering drawing — produced in limited quantities for a specific project. Mass-produced printed copies of architectural or engineering drawings intended for general sale (e.g., published plan books) would instead classify under Chapter 49 headings covering printed books or pictures. The limited-run, project-specific nature of the reproduction is the operative distinction.
No. HTS classification applies to physical goods crossing the US border. Digital files transmitted electronically — including CAD drawings, BIM models, or PDF plans — are not classified as imported goods under the HTS. Only physical documents (paper prints, film reproductions, or similar tangible media) bearing the plans or drawings are subject to customs entry under 4906000000.
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| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAPAN | $55K | -- | -$55K |
| CANADA | $24K | $21K | -$3K |
| SPAIN | $37K | -- | -$37K |
| UNITED KINGDOM | $37K | -- | -$37K |
| ITALY | $22K | -- | -$22K |
Monthly import values over time
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4906000000 | PLANS, DRAWINGS FOR ARCHITECTURAL, ETC PURPOSES | $212K | 10.62% | $12K |
PLANS, DRAWINGS FOR ARCHITECTURAL, ETC PURPOSES
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 4906000000 | PLANS, DRAWINGS FOR ARCHITECTURAL, ETC PURPOSES | $73K |
PLANS, DRAWINGS FOR ARCHITECTURAL, ETC PURPOSES
2.1K kg
PRINTED BOOKS, BROCHURES, ETC., NESOI
HS 490199
PRINTED MATTER, NESOI
HS 491199
PICTURES, DESIGNS AND PHOTOGRAPHS, PRINTED
HS 491191
CHILDREN'S PICTURE, DRAWING OR COLORING BOOKS
HS 490300
TRADE ADVERTISING MATERIAL, COMMERCIAL CATALOG ETC
HS 491110
PRINTED OR ILLUST POST CARDS, GREETING CARDS, ETC.
HS 490900
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW ORLEANS, LA | $54K | $9K | -$45K |
| CLEVELAND, OH | $45K | $5K | -$40K |
| CHICAGO, IL | $30K | $7K | -$23K |