4904.00.00 - Music, printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated

This HTS category, 4904.00.00, encompasses printed or manuscript musical compositions. This includes sheet music, scores, libretti, and other musical notations. The format can range from unbound sheets to bound volumes, and illustrations relevant to the music are also included. The key distinguishing feature of this category is the presence of musical content, whether created by hand (manuscript) or reproduced through printing.

Unlike other categories within Chapter 49, which cover general printed materials like books, newspapers, or pictures, this heading is specifically dedicated to the printed or written form of music. Its placement within Section X, specifically Chapter 49, signifies its nature as a product of the printing industry and its relation to written or illustrated materials.

Within HTS 4904.00.00, further subdivisions exist to refine classification. The subcategory 4904.00.00.20 specifically addresses sheet music that is not extensively bound, typically being stapled or folded. The broader subcategory 4904.00.00.40 covers all other forms of printed or manuscript music not otherwise specified, including more complexly bound volumes or collections of musical works. These distinctions aid in precise record-keeping and tariff assessment.