DutyChecker

US import duty on books

This calculator uses ordinary hardbound printed book (HTS 4901.99.00.70) as its representative books product. Ordinary hardbound books have 0% MFN and the informational-material forced-labor exemption. China List 4A can still apply; religious books and other printed matter differ.

Post de-minimis Rates: Oct 2026
MFN general rate 0% MFN (Free) HTS 4901.99.00.70 Hardbound books, other printed books

Use where the item was manufactured. The shop or dispatch country can be different.

Each category selects a representative product. Material and construction can change its rate.

£
£

Enter goods and freight separately. Excluding freight from customs value requires an identifiable actual cost, supported by the carrier or forwarder. A seller estimate alone is insufficient.

Entry details and carrier quote
£
$

Add only actual extra paid packing, assists or royalties required in customs value and absent from the goods price. The carrier quote must exclude duty and government fees. A courier total remains incomplete without its quote.

Date selects the published fee schedule. Tariff rules are verified through 2026-10-02; other entry dates need a fresh rule check.

Books duty rates at a glance

ItemHTS codeGeneral rate
Ordinary hardbound printed book 4901.99.00.70 Free (MFN)

Key facts

  • Representative product: Ordinary hardbound printed book
  • HTS 4901.99.00.70: 0% MFN
  • MFN is the base rate; current origin duties and product exclusions are calculated separately.
  • Loss of the $800 de minimis exemption does not remove product-specific duty or postal MPF exemptions.

Don't forget the fees

  • MPF depends on date and entry procedure; ordinary mail is generally exempt
  • USPS dutiable parcel fee: $9.35; private carrier/formal broker fees need a quote
  • Origin duties use product exemptions and, for EU/Japan/Korea, MFN thresholds

Books duty by origin country

🇬🇧 From United Kingdom🇩🇪 From Germany🇯🇵 From Japan🇨🇳 From China🇨🇦 From Canada🇲🇽 From Mexico🇮🇳 From India🇦🇺 From Australia🇰🇷 From South Korea

FAQs

Does this rate apply to every books item?

Ordinary hardbound books have 0% MFN and the informational-material forced-labor exemption. China List 4A can still apply; religious books and other printed matter differ.

Does shipping enter the customs value?

This model starts with a goods-only price plus required valuation additions. Actual, identifiable international freight supported by carrier/forwarder evidence is excluded from duty value and remains in landed cost. A seller estimate does not establish an allowable exclusion.

Which processing and carrier fees apply?

Fees depend on the entry date and procedure. Ordinary mail is generally exempt from MPF; non-EMS dutiable mail documented by CBP can incur a mail fee. Express-facility fees are paid by operators. Private carrier and formal-entry broker/bond charges require a quote.