Music; printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated

HS code 490400 covers the import and export of printed or manuscript music, regardless of whether it is bound or illustrated. This industry plays a vital role in the global cultural and creative economy, facilitating the distribution and preservation of musical works. As a key component of the publishing and entertainment sectors, the trade in printed music supports the livelihoods of composers, musicians, and publishers worldwide.

The production of printed music typically involves the use of specialized printing techniques, such as offset lithography, digital printing, or even handwritten manuscript reproduction. Depending on the intended use and format, the music may be printed on high-quality paper, bound into books or songbooks, or even reproduced as individual sheet music pages.

The main inputs required for the production of printed music include paper, ink, printing equipment, and the musical compositions themselves. Publishers and printers may also rely on specialized software, binding materials, and distribution channels to bring their products to market. The availability of skilled labor, such as music engravers and typographers, is another critical input for this industry.

The primary outputs of HS code 490400 are printed or manuscript music products, which can be consumed by a wide range of industries and end-users. These include 920100 Music; instrumental, 920200 Music; vocal, 920300 Music; keyboard operated, and 920400 Music; string musical instruments, as well as the broader entertainment and education sectors.