Product classification
HS code for Archaeological artifacts: 9705.10
Collections and collectors' pieces, of archaeological, ethnographic or historical interest.
Classification of archaeological artifacts under HS 9705.10
Archaeological artifacts are classified under HS code 970510, which specifically covers "Collections and collectors' pieces; of archaeological, ethnographic or historical interest." This classification is applied to items whose primary value lies in their historical, cultural, or scientific significance, often recovered through systematic excavation or discovery. The code distinguishes these items from general antiques or works of art by emphasizing their role in collections that contribute to the understanding of past human societies and cultures. The classification reflects the unique nature of these objects as primary sources of historical information, rather than merely decorative or aged items.
- Covers
- Ancient pottery fragments
- Prehistoric tools and implements
- Human or animal remains from archaeological contexts
- Architectural elements from ancient structures
- Historical coins and currency
- Ancient manuscripts and inscriptions
- Ethnographic objects representing cultural practices
- 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. A common misclassification occurs with HS 970600, which covers "Antiques of an age exceeding one hundred years." While many archaeological artifacts are indeed over a hundred years old, the key distinction for 970510 is their specific archaeological, ethnographic, or historical interest as part of a collection, often with documented provenance from scientific recovery. Antiques under 970600 are generally valued for their age, aesthetic appeal, or craftsmanship, without necessarily possessing the same scientific or historical research value inherent in archaeological pieces. Another potential confusion is with HS 970300 for "Original sculptures and statuary," but 970510 encompasses a broader range of items, including non-artistic objects, whose value is primarily historical or scientific rather than purely artistic.
Top exporters and importers of HS 970510 (the code used for archaeological artifacts), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 970510 (the code used for archaeological artifacts) 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 archaeological artifacts.
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 archaeological artifacts
Brazil classifies archaeological artifacts 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 archaeological artifacts
What is the HS code for Archaeological artifacts?
The HS code for Archaeological artifacts is 970510 (Collections and collectors' pieces; of archaeological, ethnographic or historical interest). The HS code for archaeological artifacts is 970510, designated for collections and collectors' pieces of archaeological, ethnographic, or historical interest.
How do I classify Archaeological artifacts for customs?
Archaeological artifacts is classified under HS code 970510 — Collections and collectors' pieces; of archaeological, ethnographic or historical interest. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How are archaeological artifacts distinguished from antiques?
Archaeological artifacts (970510) are primarily valued for their scientific, historical, or ethnographic research potential and context, often recovered from controlled excavations. Antiques (970600), while also old (exceeding 100 years), are generally defined by their age and aesthetic or decorative value, without necessarily carrying the same level of scientific or historical documentation and research significance.
Which countries are the top exporters of archaeological artifacts (HS 970510)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 970510 (the code used for archaeological artifacts) 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 archaeological artifacts (HS 970510)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 970510 (the code used for archaeological artifacts) 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 Archaeological artifacts the same in all countries?
The base HS code 970510 for Archaeological artifacts 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 archaeological artifacts in Brazil?
In Brazil, archaeological artifacts (HS 970510) is classified under NCM 9705.10.00.