Product classification
HS code for Antiquities: 9705.10
Collections and collectors' pieces, of archaeological, ethnographic or historical interest.
Classification of antiquities under HS 9705.10
Antiquities of archaeological, ethnographic, or historical interest are classified under HS code 9705.10. This code is part of Chapter 97, which is dedicated to works of art, collectors' pieces, and antiques. The classification 9705.10 was specifically refined in recent HS updates to distinguish items of significant cultural or historical value from general old items. To qualify for this code, an object must be part of a collection or a collector's piece that provides insight into a specific period, civilization, or historical event. This includes items recovered from archaeological excavations or those representing the traditional culture of a community (ethnographic). The classification relies on the item's provenance and its value to the fields of science, history, or culture rather than just its physical age.
- Covers
- Ancient pottery and tools from excavations
- Historical manuscripts and documents
- Ethnographic masks and traditional ritual objects
- Mummies or skeletal remains of historical interest
- Artifacts from famous historical battles or events
- Also under 9705.10
- Ancient Greek amphorae
- Viking age jewelry
- Civil War era memorabilia
- Egyptian sarcophagus fragments
- Native American arrowheads
Codes often confused with 9705.10
Common mistake. Antiquities are often confused with HS code 9706.00, which covers "Antiques of an age exceeding 100 years." While many items in 9705.10 are over 100 years old, the "historical or archaeological interest" takes precedence over mere age. Another common error is using 9701 for paintings or 9703 for sculptures; if these items are specifically archaeological or ethnographic in nature, 9705.10 is the more appropriate classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 970510 (the code used for antiquities), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 970510 (the code used for antiquities) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 24% 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 970510, not only antiquities.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $642M 45% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $168M 12% of world exports
- 3 United States $142M 9.9% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $387M 24% of world imports
- 2 France $258M 16% of world imports
- 3 Germany $240M 15% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 antiquities
Brazil classifies antiquities under NCM 9705.10.00: HS 9705.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about antiquities
What is the HS code for Antiquities?
The HS code for Antiquities is 970510 (Collections and collectors' pieces; of archaeological, ethnographic or historical interest). Antiquities of archaeological, ethnographic, or historical interest are classified under HS code 9705.10.
How do I classify Antiquities for customs?
Antiquities is classified under HS code 970510 — Collections and collectors' pieces; of archaeological, ethnographic or historical interest. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between HS 9705 and 9706?
HS 9705 is for items with specific scientific, historical, or archaeological significance, whereas 9706 is a general category for any item older than 100 years that does not fit into the specific categories of 9701 through 9705.
Which countries are the top exporters of antiquities (HS 970510)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 970510 (the code used for antiquities) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($642M, 45% of world exports), the Netherlands ($168M) and the United States ($142M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 antiquities (HS 970510)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 970510 (the code used for antiquities) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($387M, 24% of world imports), France ($258M) and Germany ($240M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 Antiquities the same in all countries?
The base HS code 970510 for Antiquities 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 antiquities in Brazil?
In Brazil, antiquities (HS 970510) is classified under NCM 9705.10.00.