HS 491110 Trade advertising material, commercial catalogues and the like
Quick Answer: Printed trade advertising material, commercial catalogues, and similar printed items imported under HS 491110 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US duty-free under the MFN rate. This classification specifically applies to printed matter designed to promote the sale of goods or services, such as brochures, leaflets, price lists, and product catalogues. It is crucial for importers and customs brokers to ensure that the content is purely for advertising or commercial cataloguing purposes and does not fall under other chapters of the Harmonized System, such as those for books or periodicals. CustomTariffs aggregates this duty information across multiple jurisdictions.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4911100000 | — | — | — |
| 4911101000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 4911109000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4911100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 4911101000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 4911109000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49111000 | Free | — | — |
| 4911100020 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 4911100040 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 4911100060 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 4911100080 | — | — | ["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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 491110 cover?
This subheading covers trade advertising material, commercial catalogues, and similar printed matter, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System (HS) Nomenclature. According to the US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database, this includes brochures, leaflets, price lists, and other printed items designed to promote the sale or use of goods or services. These materials are typically printed on paper or paperboard and are intended for distribution to potential customers.
What falls outside HS 491110?
The following products are excluded from HS 491110: printed books, newspapers, periodicals, and other printed matter that do not primarily serve a trade advertising purpose. For instance, unbound pages of a book, even if promotional, would not fall under this code. Similarly, printed calendars, greeting cards, and posters that are not specifically for advertising a commercial product or service are classified elsewhere, often under their own specific headings within Chapter 49.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 491110?
A common error is misclassifying printed matter that contains a significant informational or artistic component alongside advertising. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b), mixtures and composite goods are often classified by the material or component that gives them their essential character. If a printed item is primarily an instruction manual or a technical guide with only incidental advertising, it may not meet the criteria for HS 491110 and could be classified under other headings.
How should importers classify products under HS 491110?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 491110 involves a thorough examination of the item's primary purpose and content. Importers and customs brokers must determine if the printed material is predominantly for advertising or promoting the sale of goods or services. Reviewing the WCO Explanatory Notes and the specific tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the UK Trade Tariff, is crucial to ensure accurate classification based on the intended use and content.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 491110?
A shipment of 10,000 promotional flyers for a new car model, 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 HS 491110 in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule is 0.0% ad valorem. Therefore, the duty calculation is 0.0% × $500 USD = $0.00 USD, assuming no other specific duties apply.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 491110?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 491110, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a Free duty rate for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer preferential rates for qualifying goods from developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically need a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and importing jurisdiction's requirements.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 491110 (trade advertising material)?
For HS code 491110, which covers trade advertising material, commercial catalogues, and the like, import duty rates are often very low or zero. For example, under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 0.00%. Similarly, under the UK's Tariff, the rate is Free. Many other countries also apply zero duty. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for definitive rates, as these can vary based on trade agreements and origin.
What specific criteria determine if printed material falls under HS code 491110?
HS code 491110 is generally for printed material that is primarily intended for advertising or commercial promotion. This includes items like brochures, flyers, posters, price lists, and commercial catalogues. The key is that the material's main purpose is to advertise goods, services, or a business. Items that are primarily informational, educational, or artistic, even if they contain some commercial elements, might be classified elsewhere. For instance, a purely informational booklet about a product's technical specifications, without a strong advertising component, might not fit this code.
Are there any specific documentation requirements for importing goods under HS code 491110?
While HS code 491110 itself does not typically trigger extensive documentation beyond standard customs declarations, importers should be prepared. Depending on the importing country and the nature of the advertising material, customs authorities may request proof of origin, commercial invoices detailing the value, and potentially a declaration confirming the material's intended use as advertising. For materials that might be considered promotional giveaways, specific rules regarding value thresholds or quantity limitations might apply in some jurisdictions to prevent circumvention of duties on commercial goods.
How is the import duty calculated for HS code 491110 if a duty is applicable?
If a duty rate other than 0.00% or Free applies to HS code 491110 in a specific country, the calculation is typically based on the value of the goods (ad valorem) or sometimes a combination of value and weight. For example, if a country applied a 5% ad valorem duty on advertising material valued at $1,000, the duty would be calculated as: 5% of $1,000 = $50. If a specific rate per unit or weight were applicable, the calculation would be rate × quantity or rate × weight. Always verify the exact duty calculation basis (ad valorem, specific, or compound) with the destination country's customs authority.
Do trade agreements significantly impact duty rates for HS code 491110?
Yes, trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates for HS code 491110. Many agreements, such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) or agreements between the EU and third countries, often provide for preferential duty rates, frequently resulting in duty-free entry for goods originating from partner countries. Importers should always investigate if a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or other preferential trade arrangement exists between the exporting and importing countries. Proof of origin, such as a certificate of origin, is usually required to claim these preferential rates.