HS Code 97.02 – Engravings, prints and lithographs; original

HS code 9702 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Engravings, prints and lithographs; original. Heading 9702 specifically covers 'Engravings, prints and lithographs; original,' delineating a crucial category within the international art trade. This heading is dedicated to original graphic works of art produced through various printmaking techniques, where the artist has directly created the printing surface (e.g., plate, block, stone) and supervised or executed the printing. The term 'original' is paramount here, distinguishing these works from mere reproductions or mass-produced posters. The scope includes traditional methods like etchings, woodcuts, lithographs, screenprints (serigraphs), and aquatints, often produced in limited, numbered editions and signed by the artist. This classification excludes commercially printed matter (e.g., books, magazines, decorative prints of heading 4911) and hand-painted works (which fall under 9701). For trade compliance, 9702 is vital because original prints, like other works of art, frequently receive special tariff treatment, often zero or reduced duties, reflecting their cultural and artistic significance. Valuation can be complex, relying on factors like artist's renown, edition size, and condition. As a component of Chapter 97, 'Works of art, collectors' pieces and antiques,' it emphasizes the unique, non-commercial nature of these items and their contribution to global cultural heritage.

Original limited edition etchings, signed woodcut prints, artist's proof screen prints (serigraphs), original stone lithographs, aquatint prints, mezzotint engravings, drypoint prints, linocut prints, collagraphs, chine collé prints, carborundum prints, photogravures (artist-made), monotypes (unique prints), intaglio prints, relief prints, planographic prints, digital prints (if artist-created and limited edition), artist-signed giclée prints (if considered original by customs), contemporary art prints, classical engravings, Japanese woodblock prints (original), abstract lithographs, figurative etchings, landscape screen prints.

A common misclassification for articles under heading 9702 is confusing 'original prints' with mere reproductions. Traders often mistakenly classify mass-produced posters, art reproductions, or commercially printed decorative images under 9702; these belong in 4911 (Other printed matter). Another error involves classifying hand-painted artwork, which, despite being original, falls under 9701 (Paintings, drawings and pastels). The key distinction for 9702 is that the work must be an 'original' print, meaning the artist created the matrix (e.g., plate, block, screen) and supervised or executed the printing process, often in a limited and signed edition. Reproductions lack this direct artistic involvement in the printmaking process and are not considered original works of art in this context.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 9702 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($293M, 41% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($195M) and France ($40M). World exports came to about $715M, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 9702 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($219M, 36% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($124M) and Switzerland ($39M). World imports came to about $603M, 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.

HS code 9702 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 97 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (97) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.