European Union tariff, chapter 49: Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans
Last updated
Key facts
- National lines
- 23
- Subheadings
- 18
- Import VAT/GST in the European Union
- VAT 21%
- De minimis in the European Union
- Flat €3 duty up to €150; tax always charged
- Tariff
- European Union
- Chapter
- 49: Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans
Summary
The European Union tariff has 23 national lines in HS chapter 49 (printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans), under 18 subheadings in 11 headings.
Subheadings with European Union lines
The European Union tariff has 23 national lines in HS chapter 49 (printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans), under 18 subheadings in 11 headings.
49.01 Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets
49.02 Newspapers, journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material
49.03 Children's picture, drawing or colouring books
- 4903.00Children's picture, drawing or colouring books1 line
49.04 Music, printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated
- 4904.00Music, printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated1 line
49.05 Maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atlases, wall maps, topographical plans and globes, printed
49.06 Plans and drawings for architectural, engineering, industrial, commercial, topographical or similar purposes, being originals drawn by hand; handwritten texts; photographic reproductions on sensitised paper and carbon copies of the foregoing
- 4906.00Plans and drawings for architectural, engineering, industrial, commercial, topographical or similar purposes, being originals drawn by hand; hand-written texts; photographic reproductions on sensitised paper and carbon copies of the foregoing1 line
49.07 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; banknotes; cheque forms; stock, share or bond certificates and similar documents of title
- 4907.00Unused 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; banknotes; cheque forms; stock, share or bond certificates and similar documents of title3 lines
49.08 Transfers (decalcomanias)
49.09 Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings
- 4909.00Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings1 line
49.10 Calendars of any kind, printed, including calendar blocks
- 4910.00Calendars of any kind, printed, including calendar blocks1 line
Import VAT and de minimis in the European Union
The European Union charges VAT on imports at a standard rate of 21%.
From 1 July 2026 until 1 July 2028, consignments sold to buyers in the European Union worth up to €150 pay a flat customs duty of €3 per tariff classification in the consignment instead of the tariff rate. Import tax is charged whatever the value.
In other countries
National tariff lines under chapter 49 are live on border.bot for the United States (50 lines, also used by 1 other country).
- United States50 lines, used by 1 other country
Frequently asked questions
How many national tariff lines does the European Union tariff have in HS chapter 49?
The European Union tariff has 23 national lines in HS chapter 49 (printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans), under 18 subheadings in 11 headings.
Sources and updates
The tariff lines for the European Union come from border.bot release 1, read from the publisher’s files, and have been live since 11 October 2026.
The duty rates for the European Union come from border.bot release 1, read from the publisher’s files, and have been live since 11 October 2026.
The trade programmes for the European Union come from border.bot release 1, read from the publisher’s files, and have been live since 11 October 2026.
The import taxes for the European Union come from border.bot release 1, imported from a file, and have been live since 9 October 2026.
The de minimis thresholds for the European Union come from border.bot release 2, entered by border.bot, and have been live since 11 October 2026.
This page was last updated on 11 October 2026.
Guidance from published tariff data, not a binding ruling. For a decision customs must follow, apply to the destination’s customs authority for a binding tariff ruling.