HS 490210 Appearing at least four times a week
Quick Answer: Newspapers imported under HS 490210 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US duty-free. This classification specifically covers newspapers that appear at least four times a week. Importers and customs brokers should note that while duty rates are currently zero across these major markets, adherence to specific import regulations for printed matter, such as content restrictions or labeling requirements, remains crucial. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the generally favorable trade environment for these publications.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4902100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4902100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4902100000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 490210 cover?
This subheading covers newspapers, journals, and periodicals, appearing at least four times a week, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (WCO HS) Nomenclature. Official sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this category specifically includes publications that are issued with a high frequency, distinguishing them from less frequent publications under other subheadings. The key criterion is the publication schedule, ensuring these daily or near-daily news and information sources are correctly classified.
What falls outside HS 490210?
The following products are excluded from HS 490210: publications appearing less than four times a week, such as weekly or monthly magazines, which are classified under HS 490290. Also excluded are printed books (Chapter 4901), children's picture books and drawing books (Chapter 4903), music in manuscript or published form (Chapter 4904), and maps or charts (Chapter 4905). Advertising material and commercial catalogues are typically classified under Chapter 4901 or 4901.10.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 490210?
A common error is misinterpreting the frequency requirement, leading to the classification of less frequent publications under this subheading. For instance, a daily newspaper is correctly classified here, but a publication issued only three times a week would fall under HS 490290. This can also occur with publications that have supplementary inserts or special editions that might alter the perceived frequency. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes, is crucial.
How should importers classify products under HS 490210?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 490210 involves verifying the publication's frequency against the "at least four times a week" criterion. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and review the specific wording of Heading 4902 and its subheadings. Examining the publisher's stated publication schedule is paramount, and if ambiguity exists, seeking a binding ruling from customs authorities is advisable.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 490210?
A shipment of 1,000 copies of "The Daily Chronicle" newspaper, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $0.00. This is because the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for newspapers under HS 490210 in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule is 0% ad valorem. Therefore, the calculation is 0% × $500 USD = $0.00 USD. This reflects the duty-free status for most newspapers in the United States.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 490210?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 490210, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada and Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also offers preferential rates, potentially Free, for originating goods from member countries like Japan. To claim these preferences, a valid Certificate of Origin or a self-certified origin statement, as specified by the importing country's customs regulations, is typically required.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 490210, which covers newspapers appearing at least four times a week?
For HS code 490210, which specifically covers newspapers appearing at least four times a week, the duty rates are generally very favorable. For example, under the U.S. Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff, the rate is 0.00%. Similarly, the United Kingdom's duty rate is Free. The EU TARIC system also lists this classification as Free. These rates indicate that most countries do not impose tariffs on these publications, recognizing their role in information dissemination.
What specific classification criteria must be met for a publication to be classified under HS code 490210?
To be classified under HS code 490210, a publication must meet two primary criteria: 1. It must be a 'newspaper'. This generally implies a publication containing news, articles, and advertisements, typically printed on newsprint and issued at regular intervals. 2. It must appear at least four times a week. This frequency is a key differentiator from other periodical publications. Publications that do not meet both the 'newspaper' definition and the minimum frequency of four times per week would likely be classified under a different HS code, such as 490290 for other newspapers or periodicals.
Are there any common trade agreements that provide preferential duty rates for newspapers classified under HS code 490210?
While HS code 490210 often benefits from duty-free treatment under standard MFN tariffs, specific trade agreements can reinforce or clarify this. For instance, many Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that the US, UK, or EU are party to typically maintain duty-free status for printed matter like newspapers. Importers should always consult the specific trade agreement applicable to their country of origin and destination to confirm any additional benefits or specific rules of origin that might apply, though for duty-free items, these are often less complex.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 490210, and can you provide an example?
Since the duty rates for HS code 490210 are typically 0.00% or Free, the calculation results in zero duty payable. For instance, if a shipment of newspapers classified under 490210 were imported into the United States, the MFN duty rate of 0.00% ad valorem would apply. If the value of the shipment were $10,000, the calculation would be: 0.00% (duty rate) × $10,000 (value) = $0 (duty amount). Similarly, if there were a specific per-unit duty (e.g., per kilogram or per copy), and that rate was also Free, the calculation would yield zero duty. Therefore, for this specific HS code, duty is generally not a cost factor.
What documentation is typically required when importing newspapers classified under HS code 490210?
When importing newspapers under HS code 490210, standard import documentation is usually required. This typically includes a commercial invoice detailing the value and quantity of the newspapers, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill for transport. While specific import licenses are uncommon for newspapers, customs authorities may require a declaration confirming the publication's frequency (at least four times a week) and nature to ensure correct classification. It is advisable to check with the customs authority of the importing country for any specific declarations or certifications related to printed matter.