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49011000
PRINTED BOOKS, NEWSPAPERS, PICTURES AND OTHER PRODUCTS OF THE PRINTING INDUSTRY; MANUSCRIPTS, TYPESCRIPTS AND PLANSPrinted books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets

In single sheets, whether or not folded

Standard EU duty
0%
VAT
5%
Additional duties / sanctions
0 rules
Docs required
77 docs
C067Y069Y949Y935X060X061+71
Preferences
ERGA OMNES 0%ERGA OMNES 0%GB 0%
Notes
TM5101. Customs duties shall be suspended in respect of goods intended for incorporation in the ships, boats or other vessels classified at the following CN codes 8901 10 10; 8901 20 10; 8901 30 10; 8901 90 10; 8902 00 10; 8903 91 10; 8903 92 10; 8904 00 10; 8904 00 91; 8905 10 10; 8905 90 10; 8906 10 00; 8906 90 10 for the purposes of their construction, repair, maintenance or conversion, and in respect of goods intended for fitting to or equipping such ships, boats or other vessels.2. Customs duties shall be suspended in respect of:(a) goods intended for incorporation in drilling or production platforms:(1) fixed, of subheading ex 8430 49, operating in or outside the territorial sea of Member States, or(2) floating or submersible, of subheading 8905 20, for the purposes of their construction, repair, maintenance or conversion, and in respect of goods intended for equipping the said platforms.(b) tubes, pipes, cables and their connection pieces, linking these drilling or production platforms to the mainland.
EU003According to The Special Provisions of Section II (A) (3) of the Preliminary Provisions of the Combined Nomenclature the suspension of customs duties for goods for certain categories of ships, boats and other vessels and for drilling or production platforms shall be subject to conditions laid down in the relevant provisions of the European Union with a view to customs control of the use of such goods.
5

Binding Tariff Information

BTI classification examples

DEgold009/25-1

Advent calendar crime puzzle game set

paperGRI 1GRI 3bGRI 5bGRI 6
SKgold7/25/430

Laminated paper label with rubber bands for vehicle dashboard

paperGRI 1GRI 6
DEgold009/24-1

Escape room game set with printed paper components

paperGRI 1GRI 3bGRI 5bGRI 6
DEgold295/24-1

Advent calendar crime puzzle game set

paperGRI 1GRI 3bGRI 5bGRI 6
FRsilver03803-03

Printed leaflets for Chinese language learning

paperGRI 1GRI 5aGRI 6

BTI (Binding Tariff Information) is an official EU customs decision confirming the classification of goods. Valid for 3 years, binding across all EU member states.

Classification

CN code 490110 covers printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter in single sheets whether or not folded. These are traditional publications including fiction, textbooks, encyclopaedias, manuals and comics.

VAT exemptions and regulations

Books benefit from reduced VAT rates in most EU member states. Book imports are duty-free. Copyright protection applies under Directive 2001/29/EC. Import of pirated copies is prohibited.

Import and trade

Standard customs documentation. Zero duty rate. Transport in cartons with moisture protection. Major print exporters China, USA, UK and Germany.

Zero duty and reduced VAT on printed books CN 4901 10

Printed books CN 4901 10 benefit from zero customs duty in the EU. Reduced VAT rates apply in most EU member states. Classification requires the publication to be printed on paper – electronic books are classified separately. No special import permits are needed, but content must comply with EU law.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a zero customs duty on books?
Yes. Printed books under CN 490110 have zero duty in the EU tariff. VAT is regulated nationally with rates from 0 to 10 percent.
Does importing books from China require special permits?
No special permits but standard customs procedures apply. Customs may check for copyright violations.
Are e-books classified under the same code?
No. E-books as digital products are not physical goods and not subject to CN classification. Digital VAT rules apply separately.
Are printed books CN 4901 10 exempt from EU customs duty?
Yes, printed books CN 4901 10 benefit from zero customs duty in the EU. Reduced VAT rates apply in most member states. No special import permits are required.