Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans
Chapter 49 of the Harmonised System covers Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans. It groups 11 four-digit headings used worldwide to classify these goods for customs and duty.
Sourcing this category from India
Products classified under HS 49 can be sourced from India across a range of clusters and price points. Use this page to understand where Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans sits in the tariff schedule, then explore the Indian sectors and products that supply it.
How to read this code
49 is the two-digit HS chapter. Your destination country extends it to 8–10 digits and assigns the duty rate. India's preferential trade agreements (UAE CEPA, Australia ECTA, and others) can reduce or zero out that duty for many goods — check our import guides for your market.
Headings under HS 49
The Harmonised System breaks Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans into these 11 headings. Drill down to the exact classification for your goods.
Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets
Newspapers, journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material
Children's picture, drawing or colouring books
Music, printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated
Maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atlases, wall maps, topographical plans and globes, printed
Plans and drawings; for architectural, engineering, industrial, commercial, topographical or similar, being originals drawn by hand; hand-written texts; photo- graphic reproductions; their carbon copies
Unused postage, revenue or similar stamps of current or new issue in the country in which they have, or will have, a recognised face value; stamp-impressed paper; cheque forms; banknotes, stock, share or bond certificates and the like of similar title
Transfers (decalcomanias)
Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings
Calendars of any kind, printed, including calendar blocks
Printed matter, n.e.c., including printed pictures and photographs
Import duty guides by destination
See full duty context and India-vs-rivals comparisons in our India comparison guides and export resource hub.
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