HS code · 2-digit chapter
HS Code 97 – Works of art; collectors' pieces and antiques
What HS 97 covers
Chapter 97 of the Harmonized System encompasses "Works of art; collectors' pieces and antiques," a specialized classification crucial for the global trade of unique and culturally significant items. This chapter serves as the definitive category for original paintings, drawings, pastels, collages, original engravings, prints, lithographs, original sculptures and statuary, and an array of collectors' pieces. It also includes postage or revenue stamps, philatelic articles, collections of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical, historical, archaeological, paleontological, ethnographic or numismatic interest, and antiques exceeding one hundred years in age. The scope is narrow, focusing on items of artistic merit, historical significance, or rarity for collection, strictly excluding mass-produced reproductions or items primarily for utility, even if old. Accurate classification under Chapter 97 is paramount for trade compliance due to several factors: the often high monetary and cultural value of these goods, potential duty exemptions or reduced tariffs for cultural items, the need for provenance verification to combat illicit trade, and adherence to international conventions like CITES for certain natural specimens. Valuation can be subjective, requiring expert appraisals. Historically, the trade in art and antiques has been a significant driver of cultural exchange and investment, with a complex global market. The major headings within this chapter (9701-9706) delineate these categories precisely, ensuring clarity for customs authorities and stakeholders navigating the intricate world of cultural heritage trade.
- Covers
- Original oil paintings
- Limited edition bronze sculptures
- Antique marble statues
- Signed artist proofs
- Rare first-day philatelic covers
- Roman Empire gold coins
- Fossilized trilobites
- Pre-Columbian pottery shards
- Medieval illuminated manuscripts
- 18th-century porcelain vases (over 100 years old, for collection)
- Vintage concert posters (collectors' items)
- Original watercolor drawings
- Signed lithographs
- Ancient Egyptian amulets
- Rare mineralogical specimens
- 19th-century samurai swords (over 100 years old, for collection)
- Unique ethnographic masks
- Antique scientific instruments (over 100 years old, for collection)
- Limited edition photography prints
- Original architectural drawings
- Rare zoological specimens (e.g., taxidermy from extinct species)
- Handwritten letters from historical figures
- Ming dynasty jade carvings
- Antique Persian rugs (over 100 years old, for collection)
- Examples
A private art collector in New York imports an original oil painting by a renowned European master from a gallery in London, UK, via air freight. The painting, valued at $5 million, is classified under HS 9701.10.00 and undergoes specific customs procedures for high-value artwork, often benefiting from duty-free status under national cultural heritage provisions. Another scenario involves a museum in Paris, France, temporarily importing a collection of ancient Greek coins (numismatic interest) from a museum in Athens, Greece, for a special exhibition. These coins fall under HS 9705.00.00 and enter under a temporary admission procedure, exempting them from import duties and taxes, with strict conditions for re-exportation. An antique dealer in Tokyo, Japan, purchases a 150-year-old Qing Dynasty porcelain vase from an auction house in Hong Kong, for resale. This item, valued at $200,000, is declared under HS 9706.00.00 and shipped via ocean freight, requiring careful documentation to prove its age and antique status to customs authorities. Furthermore, a paleontological research institution in Berlin, Germany, imports a rare fossilized dinosaur egg from a dig site in Patagonia, Argentina. This scientific specimen, intended for research and exhibition, falls under HS 9705.00.00 and requires detailed declarations for its scientific and collector's value, along with CITES permits if applicable.
Headings in chapter 97 6
Codes often confused with 97
Common mistake. Traders often misclassify items under Chapter 97, leading to compliance issues. A common mistake is confusing reproductions or mass-produced art prints with original works. For example, a poster of a famous painting belongs in Chapter 49 (Printed Books, Newspapers, Pictures) under heading 4911, not 9701. Similarly, old furniture or decorative items, even if over 100 years old, are often incorrectly classified as antiques under 9706 if their primary purpose remains utility. An antique chair for sitting would typically fall under Chapter 94 (Furniture), whereas a chair valued solely as a collector's piece due to its unique historical significance might qualify for 9706. The distinction hinges on primary purpose – collection/artistic value versus utility. Another area of confusion is with Chapter 99, which some countries use for national provisions regarding art and antiques; however, Chapter 97 is the international standard.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 97, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 97 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 30% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $10.2B 31% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $5.4B 16% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $4.1B 12% of world exports
World total: $33.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $10.0B 30% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $6.0B 18% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $2.9B 8.8% of world imports
World total: $33.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Questions about HS 97
What is HS code 97?
HS code 97 is a 2-digit chapter in the Harmonized System that covers: Works of art; collectors' pieces and antiques. Chapter 97 of the Harmonized System encompasses "Works of art; collectors' pieces and antiques," a specialized classification crucial for the global trade of unique and culturally significant items. This chapter serves as the definitive category for original paintings, drawings, pastels, collages, original engravings, prints, lithographs, original sculptures and statuary, and an array of collectors' pieces. It also includes postage or revenue stamps, philatelic articles, collections of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical, historical, archaeological, paleontological, ethnographic or numismatic interest, and antiques exceeding one hundred years in age. The scope is narrow, focusing on items of artistic merit, historical significance, or rarity for collection, strictly excluding mass-produced reproductions or items primarily for utility, even if old. Accurate classification under Chapter 97 is paramount for trade compliance due to several factors: the often high monetary and cultural value of these goods, potential duty exemptions or reduced tariffs for cultural items, the need for provenance verification to combat illicit trade, and adherence to international conventions like CITES for certain natural specimens. Valuation can be subjective, requiring expert appraisals. Historically, the trade in art and antiques has been a significant driver of cultural exchange and investment, with a complex global market. The major headings within this chapter (9701-9706) delineate these categories precisely, ensuring clarity for customs authorities and stakeholders navigating the intricate world of cultural heritage trade.
What products fall under HS code 97?
Original oil paintings, limited edition bronze sculptures, antique marble statues, signed artist proofs, rare first-day philatelic covers, Roman Empire gold coins, fossilized trilobites, pre-Columbian pottery shards, medieval illuminated manuscripts, 18th-century porcelain vases (over 100 years old, for collection), vintage concert posters (collectors' items), original watercolor drawings, signed lithographs, ancient Egyptian amulets, rare mineralogical specimens, 19th-century samurai swords (over 100 years old, for collection), unique ethnographic masks, antique scientific instruments (over 100 years old, for collection), limited edition photography prints, original architectural drawings, rare zoological specimens (e.g., taxidermy from extinct species), handwritten letters from historical figures, Ming dynasty jade carvings, antique Persian rugs (over 100 years old, for collection)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 97?
Traders often misclassify items under Chapter 97, leading to compliance issues. A common mistake is confusing reproductions or mass-produced art prints with original works. For example, a poster of a famous painting belongs in Chapter 49 (Printed Books, Newspapers, Pictures) under heading 4911, not 9701. Similarly, old furniture or decorative items, even if over 100 years old, are often incorrectly classified as antiques under 9706 if their primary purpose remains utility. An antique chair for sitting would typically fall under Chapter 94 (Furniture), whereas a chair valued solely as a collector's piece due to its unique historical significance might qualify for 9706. The distinction hinges on primary purpose – collection/artistic value versus utility. Another area of confusion is with Chapter 99, which some countries use for national provisions regarding art and antiques; however, Chapter 97 is the international standard.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 97?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 97 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($10.2B, 31% of world exports), Hong Kong ($5.4B) and the United Kingdom ($4.1B). World exports came to about $33.3B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 97?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 97 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($10.0B, 30% of world imports), Hong Kong ($6.0B) and the United Kingdom ($2.9B). World imports came to about $33.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 97 structured?
HS code 97 is a 2-digit chapter code in the Harmonized System maintained by the World Customs Organization. It represents a broad category of goods and contains multiple 4-digit headings and 6-digit subheadings for more specific classifications.