HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9701.22 – Mosaics; executed entirely by hand, other than drawings of heading no. 4906, of an age exceeding 100 years
HS code 9701.22 is the 6-digit subheading for mosaics, executed entirely by hand, other than drawings of heading no. 4906, of an age exceeding 100 years. It is used for roman floor mosaics, byzantine wall mosaics, ancient Greek pebble mosaics, medieval church mosaics and 19th-century decorative mosaics.
What HS 9701.22 covers
This HS code specifically targets antique, hand-executed mosaics that are over 100 years old, excluding technical drawings. These are unique and often fragile cultural artifacts, traded within a highly specialized segment of the art and antiquities market. Importers are typically museums, private collectors with a focus on ancient art, or institutions dedicated to historical preservation. Exporters might be archaeological foundations, estates, or galleries specializing in ancient and classical art. The trade involves complex logistics due to their inherent fragility, potential large size, and significant weight, alongside stringent regulations concerning cultural heritage and verifiable provenance. Key aspects include the materials used (tesserae of stone, glass, ceramic), the artistic style, historical context, and overall condition, all of which contribute significantly to their market value and cultural importance.
- Covers
- Roman floor mosaics
- Byzantine wall mosaics
- Ancient Greek pebble mosaics
- Medieval church mosaics
- 19th-century decorative mosaics
- Examples
- A fragment of a Roman villa floor mosaic
- a Byzantine icon mosaic
- a Victorian era micro-mosaic panel
- an ancient Pompeian wall mosaic
- a 19th-century Venetian glass mosaic
Codes often confused with 9701.22
Common mistake. Can be confused with modern mosaics (970192) or architectural elements (6802) if still integrated into a structure, but 970122 is for standalone, antique, hand-executed art pieces.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 970122, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 970122 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 49% 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 $1.6M 37% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $1.1M 26% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $625K 14% of world exports
World total: $4.4M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.9M 49% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $1.1M 29% of world imports
- 3 Italy $175K 4.5% of world imports
World total: $3.9M 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.
Brazil NCM code for 9701.22
Brazil does not split HS 9701.22: its NCM code is 9701.22.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 97.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 9701.22
What is HS code 970122?
HS code 970122 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Mosaics; executed entirely by hand, other than drawings of heading no. 4906, of an age exceeding 100 years. This HS code specifically targets antique, hand-executed mosaics that are over 100 years old, excluding technical drawings. These are unique and often fragile cultural artifacts, traded within a highly specialized segment of the art and antiquities market. Importers are typically museums, private collectors with a focus on ancient art, or institutions dedicated to historical preservation. Exporters might be archaeological foundations, estates, or galleries specializing in ancient and classical art. The trade involves complex logistics due to their inherent fragility, potential large size, and significant weight, alongside stringent regulations concerning cultural heritage and verifiable provenance. Key aspects include the materials used (tesserae of stone, glass, ceramic), the artistic style, historical context, and overall condition, all of which contribute significantly to their market value and cultural importance.
What products fall under HS code 970122?
Roman floor mosaics, Byzantine wall mosaics, ancient Greek pebble mosaics, medieval church mosaics, 19th-century decorative mosaics
What are common misclassifications for HS code 970122?
Can be confused with modern mosaics (970192) or architectural elements (6802) if still integrated into a structure, but 970122 is for standalone, antique, hand-executed art pieces.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 970122?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 970122 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.6M, 37% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($1.1M) and Belgium ($625K). World exports came to about $4.4M, 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 970122?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 970122 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.9M, 49% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($1.1M) and Italy ($175K). World imports came to about $3.9M, 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 970122 structured?
HS code 970122 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (97) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (22) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 970122?
In Brazil, HS code 970122 is NCM 9701.22.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.