US import duty on books
Printed books are duty-free under HTS 4901 — the US does not tariff the printed word. You'll still see the MPF and carrier clearance fees on dutiable-value paperwork, but the tariff line reads zero.
MFN general rate 0% (Free) HTS 4901.99 Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter
Books duty rates at a glance
| Item | HTS code | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| Novels, textbooks, art books | 4901.99.00 | Free |
| Children's picture books | 4903.00.00 | Free |
| Magazines & journals | 4902 | Free |
| Maps & atlases | 4905 | Free |
Key facts
- Printed books (HTS 4901.99): Free
- Children's picture books (HTS 4903.00): Free
- E-readers are electronics (HTS 8543), not books — different schedule
- Duty-free does not exempt MPF or carrier brokerage fees
Don't forget the fees
- MPF processing fee: from $2.69 (informal entry)
- Carrier brokerage: USPS flat $9.35; UPS/FedEx/DHL vary
- Country-of-origin surcharges stack on top of MFN rates
Books duty by origin country
FAQs
Are rare or collectible books dutiable?
Printed books remain free under 4901 regardless of value. Original manuscripts or artworks fall under different headings (97), which have their own (usually free) schedules.
Why did my book parcel get a fee?
Duty is zero, but USPS collects a flat clearance fee on dutiable mail processing, and private carriers charge brokerage. Check the fee lines on the charge notice — the tariff line itself should read $0.