What is HS code 9701?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
HS-4 · Heading
9701 — Paintings, drawings and pastels, executed entirely by hand; not drawings of heading no. 4906 and not hand-painted, hand-decorated manufactured articles; collages, mosaics and similar decorative plaques
Chapter 97: Works of art, collectors' pieces
Plain-language overview
Use HS-4 9701 when importing or exporting hand-executed paintings, drawings, and pastels, such as an original oil painting created by an artist. This heading covers items not classified as manufactured articles or drawings under heading 4906.
When deciding between HS-6 lines, consider the age of the artwork. For example, if you have a hand-painted canvas that is over 100 years old, you would classify it under HS-6 970121. In contrast, a modern hand-painted piece would fall under HS-6 970191.
The distinction between mosaics and other forms of artwork is also crucial. If your item is a hand-crafted mosaic older than 100 years, it should be classified under HS-6 970122. However, if it's a newer mosaic, you would use HS-6 970192.
For artworks that do not fit into the categories of paintings, drawings, or mosaics, refer to HS-6 970129 for older items and HS-6 970199 for newer ones. This ensures accurate classification based on the specific type and age of the artwork.
Keywords & topics
Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-4 heading.
HS-4 9701 · hand-painted artwork · antique paintings · hand-executed drawings · mosaics classification · artwork age distinction · importing paintings · handcrafted collages · pastels and drawings · artwork customs code
Examples
Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-4 heading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.
- Original oil painting from the 19th century
- Hand-drawn pastel portrait created in 1920
- Antique mosaic tile artwork over 100 years old
- Contemporary hand-painted ceramic piece
- Handcrafted collage made from vintage materials
- Modern abstract painting executed entirely by hand
- Old watercolor landscape painting from the 1800s
Common questions
Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.
How to classify antique paintings for import?
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What are the requirements for importing hand-painted art?
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How to determine the age of artwork for customs?
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What is the difference between HS-6 970121 and 970191?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Can I import modern mosaics under HS-4 9701?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Related topics
Common real-world topics that come up during code comparison.
how to classify hand-painted artwork for customs
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
differences between HS-6 lines for paintings and mosaics
Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.
requirements for importing antique drawings
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understanding HS-4 9701 for artwork classification
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importing pastels and drawings over 100 years old
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how to identify artwork age for HS classification
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
guidelines for importing hand-executed collages
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
customs codes for modern and antique mosaics
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of artwork are covered under HS-4 9701?
- HS-4 9701 covers hand-executed paintings, drawings, pastels, and mosaics that are not manufactured articles or drawings under heading 4906.
- How do I classify a hand-painted artwork that is less than 100 years old?
- If the hand-painted artwork is less than 100 years old, classify it under **HS-6 970191** for paintings or **HS-6 970192** for mosaics.
- What if my artwork is a collage made from various materials?
- For collages and similar artworks that do not fit into the painting or mosaic categories, use **HS-6 970129** if they are over 100 years old, or **HS-6 970199** if they are newer.
- Are there specific documentation requirements for importing artwork?
- Yes, you may need to provide proof of authenticity, age, and origin, especially for antique items to avoid issues with customs.
- Can I import modern mosaics under HS-4 9701?
- Yes, modern mosaics can be imported under **HS-6 970192**, as long as they are executed entirely by hand.
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HS-6 subheadings (6)
- 970121Paintings, drawings and pastels; executed entirely by hand, other than drawings of heading no. 4906, of an age exceeding 100 years
- 970122Mosaics; executed entirely by hand, other than drawings of heading no. 4906, of an age exceeding 100 years
- 970129Artwork; other than paintings, drawings, pastels mosaics, executed entirely by hand, other than drawings of heading no. 4906, of an age exceeding 100 years
- 970191Paintings, drawings and pastels; executed entirely by hand, other than drawings of heading no. 4906, of an age not exceeding 100 years
- 970192Mosaics; executed entirely by hand, other than drawings of heading no. 4906, of an age not exceeding 100 years
- 970199Artwork; other than paintings, drawings, pastels mosaics, executed entirely by hand, other than drawings of heading no. 4906, of an age not exceeding 100 years