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49

Tariff Chapter 49

Unused postage, revenue or similar stamps of current or new issue in the country in which they have, or will have, a recognised face value; stamp-impressed paper; banknotes; cheque forms; stock, share or bond certificates and similar documents of title

What does heading 4907 of the customs tariff cover?

Heading 4907 covers postage stamps, revenue stamps; banknotes; share certificates, stocks, bonds. Printed materials and publications are an important trade category covering scientific, literary, advertising and informational publications. Many printed products benefit from zero or reduced duty rates. Customs duty rates are generally 0% for books, newspapers and most printed materials. Import of printed materials is subject to standard customs procedures. Materials with prohibited content may be seized at the border. Heading 4907 is part of Chapter 49 (wood, paper, cardboard and cellulose products) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 4907 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 4907 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.

Duty rates and import requirements for heading 4907

Heading 4907 covers postage stamps, revenue stamps; banknotes; share certificates, stocks, bonds. Printed materials and publications are an important trade category covering scientific, literary, advertising and informational publications. Many printed products benefit from zero or reduced duty rates. Customs duty rates are generally 0% for books, newspapers and most printed materials. Import of printed materials is subject to standard customs procedures. Import of banknotes and securities requires special authorisations. Books and newspapers generally benefit from 0% duty. Products under heading 4907 are subject to standard customs procedures. Materials with prohibited content may be seized at the border. Banknote and securities imports require special authorisations. When importing goods under heading 4907 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 4907 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system).

Classification of goods under heading 4907 — key considerations

Heading 4907 covers postage stamps, revenue stamps; banknotes; share certificates, stocks,. Chapter 49 covers printed products: books (4901), newspapers (4902), pictures (4911), banknotes/stamps (4907), maps (4905). Classification by content type, publishing form and purpose. Unprinted paper: Chapter 48. Digital media (CD/DVD with content): Chapter 85. Key distinction: 49 = PRINTED products, 48 = paper/paperboard.

Frequently asked questions

What duty rates apply to stamps, banknotes, cheque forms, share certificates (heading 4907)?
Imports of stamps, banknotes, cheque forms, share certificates under heading 4907 are subject to a 0% customs duty rate under the EU conventional tariff. The zero rate on printed matter reflects EU policy supporting the free flow of information and cultural goods. This heading is part of Chapter 49 of the Combined Nomenclature covering printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry. VAT at the domestic rate applies.
What requirements apply when importing stamps?
Importing printed products under heading 4907 requires standard customs documentation: commercial invoice, customs declaration and certificate of origin. Printed products are subject to intellectual property regulations — import of goods infringing copyright is prohibited. Country of origin marking may be required in some cases. Publications must comply with applicable content regulations of the importing EU Member State. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database.
What should be noted when classifying printed goods under heading 4907?
Heading 4907 covers stamps, banknotes, cheque forms, share certificates. Classification under Chapter 49 requires distinguishing between headings — trade books are 4901, newspapers are 4902, znaczki, banknoty, papiery wartościowe are 4907. The intended purpose and nature of the print are key. Advertising materials with company logos may be classified differently from general publications. The format is also relevant — print on paper vs. print on non-standard materials. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database.