U.S. imports of printed matter, not elsewhere specified (HS 491199) totaled $80.1M in August 2026, imported from 81 countries.
Importers of Printed Matter, Not Elsewhere Specified paid $3.4M in duties in August 2026, an effective tariff rate of 4.27% of the $80.1M imported — duty actually collected as a share of that value, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 2026 dataAs the catch-all subheading for printed matter not covered by more specific headings in Chapter 49, this category encompasses a wide range of commercial print products — from specialty forms to lithographic output — with China, Mexico, and Canada collectively accounting for the bulk of US imports. One notable tariff line, 4911992000, specifically covers international customs forms (carnets) printed in English or French, a narrow but operationally important provision for trade facilitation documents. Lithographically produced printed matter has its own line (4911996000), while all other residual printed matter falls under 4911998000; accurate classification requires ruling out all more-specific Chapter 49 provisions before defaulting to this subheading.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
5.4K shipments/mo
Classification here is residual — it applies only after confirming the article does not fit headings for books, newspapers, maps, music, postcards, greeting cards, calendars, or trade advertising material. Importers should document why each more-specific provision was considered and rejected, as CBP may challenge NESOI classifications during a CF-28 or audit review.
Carnets are standardized international trade facilitation documents governed by customs conventions, and their dedicated line (4911992000) reflects their distinct regulatory status. Importers of blank or pre-printed carnet booklets should use this specific line rather than the general NESOI lines to ensure accurate statistical reporting and avoid classification disputes.
HSChapter 49
Subheading 2 of 3 in heading 4911
Subheading 491199 · $80.1M of $190.6M
ImportsExports
Imports
$80.1MYoY · free account
Exports
$92.4MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
YoY · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $949.4M of Printed Matter, Not Elsewhere Specified.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 491199 — Printed Matter, Not Elsewhere Specified, so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4911998000 | Printed Matter, NESOI | $56.2M | 5.11% | 39.47% | $2.9M |
| 4911996000 | Printed Matter NESOI on Paper Lithographic Process | $23.9M | 2.29% | 22.44% | $549K |
| 4911992000 | Int'l Customs Forms (Carnets) in English or French | $43K | 13.44% | 95.30% | $6K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 4911990000 | Printed Matter, NESOI | $92.4M |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
Imports · August 2026
origin
Canada and China together supply 54% of it. China pays 13.8% duty; Mexico 0.1%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
65.5% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 4.27% of total import value.