Product classification

HS code for Antique artwork: 9701.29

Artwork, other than paintings, drawings, pastels mosaics, executed entirely by hand, other than drawings of heading no. 4906, of an age exceeding 100 years.

Classification of antique artwork under HS 9701.29

HS code 970129 is designated for original works of art, specifically those that are not paintings, drawings, pastels, or mosaics, and which possess an age exceeding 100 years. This classification is crucial for distinguishing a diverse range of antique artistic creations from more common forms of art or modern pieces. The "other" category within the description allows for the inclusion of various hand-executed artworks that meet the stringent age requirement, emphasizing their historical and cultural significance rather than their medium. This code ensures that unique, aged artistic artifacts are properly categorized for customs and trade purposes.

Covers
  • Antique sculptures (not made of precious metals)
  • Hand-woven antique tapestries and wall hangings
  • Antique collages and assemblages
  • Original antique artistic installations
  • Hand-crafted antique decorative art pieces (e.g., carved wooden panels, antique ceramic art)
Also under 9701.29
  • Roman marble busts (over 100 years old)
  • Dürer woodcuts
  • Goya etchings
  • antique Japanese woodblock prints
  • pre-20th century bronze statues

Codes often confused with 9701.29

Common mistake. Common misclassification can occur with HS code 970121, which covers antique paintings, drawings, and pastels executed entirely by hand and exceeding 100 years in age. The distinction lies in the specific artistic medium. Another frequent error is classifying antique artwork under HS code 970190, which is for other works of art that do not meet the 100-year age criterion, or under 970300 for original sculptures and statuary without an age restriction. For an item to fall under 970129, it must be an original, hand-executed artwork (excluding paintings, drawings, pastels, mosaics) and demonstrably older than 100 years. Sculptures over 100 years old, for instance, would typically be classified under 970129 rather than 970300 due to the specific age criterion.

9701.21Paintings, drawings and pastels; executed entirely by hand, other than drawings of heading no. 4906, of an age exceeding 100 years

Top exporters and importers of HS 970129 (the code used for antique artwork), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 970129 (the code used for antique artwork) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 38% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 970129, not only antique artwork.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $39M
  2. 2 Australia $3.3M
  3. 3 Norway $3.1M

World total: $60M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $14M
  2. 2 Spain $3.9M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $2.7M

World total: $36M 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 antique artwork

Brazil classifies antique artwork under NCM 9701.29.00: HS 9701.29 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about antique artwork

What is the HS code for Antique artwork?

The HS code for Antique artwork is 970129 (Artwork; other than paintings, drawings, pastels mosaics, executed entirely by hand, other than drawings of heading no. 4906, of an age exceeding 100 years). The HS code for antique artwork, specifically original works other than paintings, drawings, pastels, or mosaics, that are over 100 years old, is 970129.

How do I classify Antique artwork for customs?

Antique artwork is classified under HS code 970129 — Artwork; other than paintings, drawings, pastels mosaics, executed entirely by hand, other than drawings of heading no. 4906, of an age exceeding 100 years. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the age requirement for artwork to be considered "antique" under this code?

For artwork to be classified under HS 970129, it must be of an age exceeding 100 years. This age criterion is a fundamental aspect of its classification, distinguishing it from more contemporary works of art.

Which countries are the top exporters of antique artwork (HS 970129)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 970129 (the code used for antique artwork) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($39M, 65% of world exports), Australia ($3.3M) and Norway ($3.1M). World exports came to about $60M, 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 antique artwork (HS 970129)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 970129 (the code used for antique artwork) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($14M, 38% of world imports), Spain ($3.9M) and the United Kingdom ($2.7M). World imports came to about $36M, 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.

Is the HS code for Antique artwork the same in all countries?

The base HS code 970129 for Antique artwork is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.

What is the NCM code for antique artwork in Brazil?

In Brazil, antique artwork (HS 970129) is classified under NCM 9701.29.00.