HS code for Engravings: 9702.90

Classification of engravings under HS 9702.90

Classification under HS code 9702.90 is determined by the nature of the production process and the age of the item. This code specifically applies to original engravings, prints, and lithographs produced by the artist directly from plates, stones, or other surfaces, regardless of the process used, provided the work is not more than 100 years old. The distinction between an original work of art and a mass-produced commercial print is critical. For an item to qualify under 9702.90, it must be an original execution where the artist has personally supervised or executed the creation of the master plate. This excludes mechanical or photomechanical reproductions, even if signed by the artist. The age threshold of 100 years is the dividing line between this code and Chapter 9706, which covers antiques. Customs authorities look for evidence of the printing technique, such as plate marks or the specific texture of lithographic ink, to verify that the item is not a modern digital reproduction. Furthermore, the classification follows General Interpretative Rule 1, which prioritizes the terms of the headings. Since 9702 specifically mentions "Original engravings, prints and lithographs," any item meeting the criteria of being an original work of art produced by hand-processed plates must be placed here. The "not exceeding 100 years" criteria is a secondary filter applied at the subheading level. If the item were a mass-produced poster, it would fall under Chapter 49, even if it featured the same image. The value and rarity of the item often trigger closer inspection by customs to ensure the "original" status is legitimate and not a high-quality commercial facsimile.

Covers

• Original copperplate engravings
• Hand-pulled woodcut prints
• Original lithographs on stone
• Etchings produced by the artist
• Drypoint prints not exceeding 100 years of age
• Original linocuts

Also under 9702.90

• Andy Warhol screenprints
• Banksy limited edition prints
• David Hockney etchings
• Roy Lichtenstein lithographs

Codes often confused with 9702.90

Common mistake. Engravings are frequently misclassified under HS code 4911.91, which covers pictures, designs, and photographs. However, 4911 is for commercial or mass-produced printed matter, whereas 9702 is reserved for original works of art. Another common error is using HS code 9706.00 for engravings that are actually less than 100 years old; 9706.00 is strictly for antiques exceeding the centenary mark. Additionally, modern digital giclée prints are often incorrectly placed in 9702.90, but because they lack a hand-prepared master plate, they generally belong in 4911.

Brazil NCM code for engravings

Brazil classifies engravings under NCM 9702.90.00: HS 9702.90 with 00 added.

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

Questions about engravings