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HSChapter 49
U.S. imports of printed matter, not elsewhere specified (HS 491199) totaled $90.3M in June 2026, traded with 78 countries.
Importers of Printed Matter, Not Elsewhere Specified paid $3.7M in duties in June 2026 — an effective duty rate of 11% on $34.3M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: June 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.
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.
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Monthly import values over time
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 | $60.2M | 4.16% | 35.66% | $2.5M |
| 4911996000 | PRINTED MATTER NESOI ON PAPER LITHOGRAPHIC PROCESS | $29.9M | 3.85% | 42.75% | $1.2M |
| 4911992000 | INT'L CUSTOMS FORMS (CARNETS) IN ENGLISH OR FRENCH | $105K | 4.90% | 60.48% | $5K |
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 | $92.6M |
PRINTED BOOKS, BROCHURES, ETC., NESOI
HS 490199
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
PRINTED BOOKS/BROCHURES/LEAFLETS ETC,SINGLE SHEETS
HS 490110
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $28.3M | $12.3M | -$16.0M |
| California | $17.3M | $16.4M | -$889K |
| New Hampshire | -- | $8.8M | +$8.8M |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAREDO, TX | $9.5M | $5.4M | -$4.2M |
| LOS ANGELES, CA | $10.9M | -- | -$10.9M |
| DALLAS-FORT WORTH, TX | $8.6M | $1.8M | -$6.7M |