HS Code for Books

Printed books are generally classified under HTS heading 4901, which covers printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter. Children's picture, drawing and coloring books sit separately under heading 4903. Books entering the United States under both headings are duty-free (0% general rate). The specific subheading you explore depends on the type of book (dictionaries and encyclopedias, textbooks, religious books, or general trade titles), and, within general books, on format and value for statistical reporting.

Printed books are most often associated with heading 4901 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, which broadly covers printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets. A helpful starting point for importers is that products falling under this heading enter the United States duty-free.

The first branch within 4901 separates books in single sheets (4901.10) from bound and other books (4901.91 and 4901.99). Dictionaries and encyclopedias (including thesauruses and serial installments) have their own subheading at 4901.91. Most other printed books, including trade titles, fall under 4901.99.

Within 4901.99, the statistical breakouts are worth reviewing because importers report at the 10-digit level. Common potential matches include textbooks (4901.99.00.10), religious books such as Bibles and prayer books (4901.99.00.40), technical, scientific and professional books (4901.99.00.50), hardbound books (4901.99.00.70), and rack-size paperbound books (4901.99.00.75). Some general titles are further distinguished by value (under $5 versus $5 or more each) or by page count, so it is useful to review the specific product against these breakouts.

Children's picture, drawing and coloring books are directed to heading 4903 rather than 4901. The distinguishing feature is that the essential character is pictures, drawing or coloring activity for children rather than a body of text.

A recurring point to consider is the line between a printed book and a blank writing product. Notebooks, diaries and similar blank or partly printed stationery are provided for under heading 4820, while a product whose essential character is printed content for reading points toward 4901. Newspapers, journals and periodicals appearing at regular intervals are a separate category under heading 4902.

Printed books under heading 4901 and children's books under heading 4903 enter the United States duty-free at a 0% general rate. This applies regardless of country of origin, binding method, page count, or value, and these products remain duty-free even under the Column 2 (non-MFN) rate. Books are therefore one of the more straightforward product categories for import duty assessment, though importers still report the specific 10-digit statistical code that matches the book type.