What is HS code for original paintings?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
HS-6 · Subheading
970191
Paintings, drawings and pastels; executed entirely by hand, other than drawings of heading no. 4906, of an age not 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 970191 when importing or exporting hand-painted artworks like original paintings or drawings created entirely by hand, not exceeding 100 years old. For example, a shipment of an oil painting on canvas from a contemporary artist would fall under this code.
This subheading specifically addresses unique, hand-executed artworks, distinguishing them from manufactured items or prints. If you have a hand-painted ceramic plate, it would not qualify under this code but rather under a different classification for decorative articles.
When considering artworks, be aware of HS-6 970192, which covers similar hand-executed works but focuses on those that are older than 100 years. This distinction is crucial for customs valuation and duty assessments.
Ensure that the artworks you classify under this code are indeed original creations and not reproductions. For instance, a hand-painted watercolor landscape by an emerging artist would qualify, while a mass-produced print would not.
Keywords & topics
Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-6 subheading.
hand-painted artworks · original paintings · customs classification · paintings under 100 years · contemporary art · hand-executed drawings · artwork import/export · unique art pieces · oil paintings · watercolor paintings · pastels and drawings · art trade regulations · collectors' pieces · fine art classification
Examples
Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-6 subheading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.
- Original oil painting on canvas by a living artist
- Hand-drawn charcoal portrait created within the last 100 years
- Watercolor landscape painting executed entirely by hand
- Pastel drawing depicting a modern cityscape
- Unique hand-painted mural on a wooden panel
- Acrylic painting on canvas created by a contemporary artist
- Hand-executed drawing of a botanical scene
- Mixed media artwork combining painting and drawing techniques
Common questions
Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.
How to classify hand-painted artworks?
Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.
Are prints included in HS-6 970191?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What qualifies as a hand-executed drawing?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
How do I classify contemporary art for customs?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What is the difference between HS-6 970191 and 970192?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Can I import modern paintings without duties?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What documentation is needed for art shipments?
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 determine if an artwork is under 100 years old for HS classification
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
What types of paintings are classified under HS-6 970191?
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Guidelines for importing hand-drawn artworks into the US
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
Differences between hand-executed art and manufactured articles
Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.
Requirements for declaring original paintings at customs
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
How to classify mixed media artworks for import
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
What to include in invoices for artwork shipments
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Steps to take when exporting contemporary art pieces
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 artworks fall under HS-6 970191?
- HS-6 970191 covers original paintings, drawings, and pastels executed entirely by hand, created within the last 100 years.
- Can I classify prints or reproductions under this code?
- No, prints or reproductions do not qualify under HS-6 970191. This code is strictly for original hand-executed works.
- What is the difference between HS-6 970191 and HS-6 970192?
- HS-6 970191 is for artworks under 100 years old, while HS-6 970192 is for those over 100 years old.
- Do I need special documentation for importing artworks?
- Yes, you should provide invoices, descriptions, and possibly provenance documentation to support your classification.
- How do I prove that an artwork is original?
- You can provide a certificate of authenticity from the artist or gallery, along with detailed descriptions and images.
- Are there any duties on importing contemporary art?
- Duties may apply depending on the country of import and the value of the artwork, so check local regulations.
- What if my artwork is a mixed media piece?
- Mixed media artworks can still qualify under HS-6 970191 as long as they are hand-executed and original.
- How can I ensure accurate classification for customs?
- Consult with a customs broker or refer to official customs guidelines to ensure proper classification and avoid delays.
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