TradeTools

HS-6 · Subheading

970121

Paintings, drawings and pastels; executed entirely by hand, other than drawings of heading no. 4906, of an age exceeding 100 years

Heading 9701Paintings, 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-6 970121 when importing or exporting hand-executed paintings, drawings, or pastels that are over 100 years old. For instance, a 19th-century oil painting on canvas would fall under this classification.

This code specifically applies to artworks that have been created entirely by hand, distinguishing them from manufactured items or prints. If you have a hand-painted portrait from the early 1900s, it would be classified here, while a modern reproduction would not.

In contrast, HS-6 970122 covers paintings that are not over 100 years old, so ensure you verify the age of the artwork before selecting the correct code. Additionally, HS-6 9701 encompasses a broader range of hand-executed works, including collages and mosaics, but 970121 is strictly for those over a century old.

When classifying, consider the medium and the method of execution. A hand-drawn pastel of a historical scene created in 1890 would qualify, while a digitally printed image would not.

Keywords & topics

Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-6 subheading.

hand-painted artworks · antique paintings · drawings over 100 years · pastels executed by hand · historical art pieces · collectors' art · artwork classification · fine art import · hand-executed drawings · paintings from 19th century · art shipping requirements · antique art regulations

Examples

Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-6 subheading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.

  • A hand-painted watercolor from 1885
  • An oil painting of a historical figure created in 1900
  • A charcoal drawing dated 1910
  • A pastel artwork depicting a landscape from the 19th century
  • A hand-executed portrait from 1800
  • An antique collage made from various materials over 100 years old
  • A hand-drawn map from the early 1900s
  • A decorative plaque painted by hand in 1895

Common questions

Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.

What is HS code 970121?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

How to classify antique paintings?

Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.

Are pastels over 100 years old taxable?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

What qualifies as a hand-executed artwork?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

Can I import a 19th-century drawing?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

What documents do I need for antique art import?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

How to determine the age of a painting?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

Is a hand-painted collage classified under HS 970121?

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 a hand-painted artwork over 100 years old

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

What are the requirements for importing antique paintings

Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.

Differences between HS codes for paintings and prints

Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.

What types of art fall under HS 970121

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

How to prove the age of an artwork for customs

Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.

Can I export a hand-drawn pastel from the 1800s?

Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.

Understanding antique art classification for importers

Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.

What is needed to ship a historical painting internationally

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

Questions & answers

For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.

What types of artworks are included in HS-6 970121?
HS-6 970121 includes hand-executed paintings, drawings, and pastels that are over 100 years old. This can include oil paintings, watercolors, and charcoal drawings.
How can I verify the age of my painting?
You can verify the age of a painting through provenance documents, expert appraisals, or by checking for any identifying marks or signatures that indicate the date of creation.
Are there any restrictions on importing antique paintings?
Yes, some countries have specific regulations regarding the import of antique artworks, including restrictions on provenance and export permits. Always check local laws before shipping.
What if my painting is a reproduction?
If your painting is a reproduction or not executed entirely by hand, it would not fall under HS-6 970121. You would need to classify it under a different HS code.
Can I use HS-6 970121 for artworks created in the 20th century?
No, HS-6 970121 is specifically for artworks created over 100 years ago. For 20th-century artworks, you would need to look at different HS codes.
What documents do I need for customs clearance of antique art?
You typically need a bill of lading, a commercial invoice, and any provenance documentation that proves the age and authenticity of the artwork.
Is there a difference between HS-6 970121 and HS-6 970122?
Yes, HS-6 970121 is for hand-executed artworks over 100 years old, while HS-6 970122 covers those that are not over 100 years old.
What if my artwork is a collage made from various materials?
If the collage is hand-executed and over 100 years old, it may qualify under HS-6 970121. However, ensure it meets all criteria for classification.

Continue classification

Parent context

Nearby siblings

Next best action

Pick one of these actions to move from reading to a defensible classification decision.

Browse this subheading in the lookup

← HS-4 9701