HS code for children’s picture books in the United States
Last updated
Key facts
- Most likely code
- 4903.00
- Candidate codes
- 1
- HS edition
- HS2022
- National lines
- 1
- General duty (MFN)
- free
Summary
Children’s picture books imported into the United States are usually classified under HS code 4903.00 when it is a children’s picture, drawing or colouring book. It sits in heading 49.03, “Children's picture, drawing or colouring books”. The tariff of the United States has 1 national line under this code. The general (MFN) duty in the United States on the national lines under 4903.00 is free.
How to choose the right code
Is it a picture, drawing or colouring book for children, or an ordinary book with text? Use 4903.00 when it is a children’s picture, drawing or colouring book. Use 4901.99 when it is an ordinary printed book for children rather than a picture, drawing or colouring book.
Some similar goods are classified elsewhere: 4901.99 applies when it is an ordinary printed book for children rather than a picture, drawing or colouring book.
Codes for children’s picture books
Each code is listed with its legal text from the HS2022 Harmonized System release, quoted as published, and the condition under which it applies to children’s picture books.
- 4903.00
Most likely
Legal text: “Children's picture, drawing or colouring books”
Heading 49.03: “Children's picture, drawing or colouring books”
Applies when it is a children’s picture, drawing or colouring book.
- 4901.99
Classified elsewhere
Legal text: “Other: Other”
Heading 49.01: “Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets”
Applies when it is an ordinary printed book for children rather than a picture, drawing or colouring book.
National lines in the United States
The tariff of the United States splits this code into 1 national line, listed with their published text and general duty.
The general (MFN) duty in the United States on the national lines under 4903.00 is free. Import VAT or sales tax is charged on top, and de minimis rules can change what is due; the landed cost calculator works it out for a shipment.
Under 4903.00
- 4903.00.00.00“Children's picture, drawing or coloring books”free
Similar products
Products in the same category as children’s picture books, or classified under the same headings.
- BooksHS 4901.99
- PostersHS 4911.91
- Vinyl recordsHS 8523.80
Check your exact product
Describe your product, or paste its page, and the classifier suggests the code in the tariff of the United States with its reasons.
Classification depends on the exact product
The right code depends on what the product is made of, how it is made and what it is for, so two products sold as children’s picture books can fall under different codes.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for children’s picture books?
Children’s picture books imported into the United States are usually classified under HS code 4903.00 when it is a children’s picture, drawing or colouring book. It sits in heading 49.03, “Children's picture, drawing or colouring books”.
Does the type of book change the HS code for children’s picture books?
Yes. Use 4903.00 when it is a children’s picture, drawing or colouring book. Use 4901.99 when it is an ordinary printed book for children rather than a picture, drawing or colouring book.
What is the duty on children’s picture books imported into the United States?
The general (MFN) duty in the United States on the national lines under 4903.00 is free. Import VAT or sales tax is charged on top, and de minimis rules can change what is due; the landed cost calculator works it out for a shipment.
Sources and updates
The legal texts are from the HS2022 Harmonized System release, live on border.bot since 11 October 2026.
The national lines are from the tariff release of the United States (2026HTSRev21), live on border.bot since 9 October 2026.
The duty rates are from the live rates release, live on border.bot since 9 October 2026.
The conditions and questions on this page were written for children’s picture books by border.bot and checked against those legal texts; the page changes when a new release goes live or the topic is reviewed again.
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