Comic books Hs Code

Comic books harmonized system code

Product Overview Comic books classified under HS Code 490199 are defined as printed publications consisting primarily of sequential art narratives, typically combining illustrated panels with text, designed for entertainment and informational purposes. These products are generally manufactured on coated or uncoated paper stock with dimensions conforming to industry standards, commonly ranging from 17 to 26 centimeters in width and 25 to 32 centimeters in height. The processing level involves high-quality offset printing, binding through saddle-stitching or perfect binding, and application of gloss or matte finishes to enhance durability and visual appeal. Subcategories within 490199 include serialized comic books, graphic novels, and limited edition prints, each distinguished by format, content, and production techniques. Commercially, these publications serve key roles in retail outlets, specialty comic shops, and cultural events, as well as supporting secondary markets in licensing and merchandising. Their market positioning emphasizes standardized content formats and reproducible physical attributes, ensuring consistency for international distribution and trade compliance. HS Code Classification & Trade Specifications The HS Code 490199 falls under Chapter 49: Printed Books, Newspapers, Pictures and Other Products of the Printing Industry; specifically, Heading 4901: Printed Books, Brochures, Leaflets and Similar Printed Matter, and Subheading 4901.99: Other printed books, including comic books. This classification is based on the product’s nature as a printed publication primarily comprising sequential art and text, distinct from newspapers or catalogues. Trade considerations include packaging in moisture-resistant shrink wrap or cardboard cartons to prevent physical damage and environmental degradation during transit. Preservation methods emphasize humidity control and protection against UV exposure to maintain print quality and paper integrity. Shipping requirements comply with international standards for printed matter, including adherence to ISPM 15 regulations for wooden packaging materials where applicable. Quality standards align with ISO 9706 (Paper for documents) and ISO 12647 (Process control for printing), ensuring durability and color consistency. This classification supports WTO agreements and is consistent with WCO Harmonized System guidelines, facilitating smooth customs clearance and accurate tariff application across global markets.

Comic books Chapter Note

1.- This Chapter does not cover : (a) Photographic negatives or positives on transparent bases (Chapter 37); (b) Maps, plans or globes, in relief, whether or not printed (heading 90.23); (c) Playing cards or other goods of Chapter 95; or (d) Original engravings, prints or lithographs (heading 97.02), postage or revenue stamps, stamppostmarks, first-day covers, postal stationery or the like of heading 97.04, antiques of an age exceeding one hundred years or other articles of Chapter 97. 2.- For the purposes of Chapter 49, the term “printed” also means reproduced by means of a duplicating machine, produced under the control of an automatic data processing machine, embossed, photographed, photocopied, thermocopied or typewritten. 3.- Newspapers, journals and periodicals which are bound otherwise than in paper, and sets of newspapers, journals or periodicals comprising more than one number under a single cover are to be classified in heading 49.01, whether or not containing advertising material. 4.- Heading 49.01 also covers : (a) A collection of printed reproductions of, for example, works of art or drawings, with a relative text, put up with numbered pages in a form suitable for binding into one or more volumes; (b) A pictorial supplement accompanying, and subsidiary to, a bound volume; and (c) Printed parts of books or booklets, in the form of assembled or separate sheets or signatures, constituting the whole or a part of a complete work and designed for binding. However, printed pictures or illustrations not bearing a text, whether in the form of signatures or separate sheets, fall in heading 49.11. 5.- Subject to Note 3 to this Chapter , heading 49.01 does not cover publications which are essentially devoted to advertising (for example, brochures, pamphlets, leaflets, trade catalogues, year books published by trade associations, tourist propaganda). Such publications are to be classified in heading 49.11. 6.- For the purposes of heading 49.03, the expression “children's picture books” means books for children in which the pictures form the principal interest and the text is subsidiary.