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 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-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
Short phrases that describe this HS-6 subheading when you're searching or filtering schedules.
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
How people often phrase their search when they're trying to classify goods like yours.
- What is HS code 970121?
- How to classify antique paintings?
- Are pastels over 100 years old taxable?
- What qualifies as a hand-executed artwork?
- Can I import a 19th-century drawing?
- What documents do I need for antique art import?
- How to determine the age of a painting?
- Is a hand-painted collage classified under HS 970121?
Related topics
Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.
- How to classify a hand-painted artwork over 100 years old
- What are the requirements for importing antique paintings
- Differences between HS codes for paintings and prints
- What types of art fall under HS 970121
- How to prove the age of an artwork for customs
- Can I export a hand-drawn pastel from the 1800s?
- Understanding antique art classification for importers
- What is needed to ship a historical painting internationally
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.
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