Product classification
HS code for Historical items: 9705.10
Collections and collectors' pieces, of archaeological, ethnographic or historical interest.
Classification of historical items under HS 9705.10
Historical items of archaeological or ethnographic interest are classified under HS code 9705.10. This code falls under heading 9705, which covers collections and collectors' pieces of various scientific, historical, and cultural interests. Unlike heading 9706, which classifies items based solely on their age (antiques), heading 9705 focuses on the "interest" or significance of the item to a specific field of study. Subheading 9705.10 specifically targets items related to archaeology, ethnography, or history. This includes artifacts recovered from land or underwater excavations, items belonging to significant historical figures, or objects that illustrate the traditions, social structures, and lifestyles of specific ethnic groups. The classification is determined by the item's value as a piece of a collection rather than its utility or constituent material. For example, an old wooden mask used in a traditional ceremony is classified here rather than as a wooden article in Chapter 44. The 2022 HS update significantly restructured heading 9705 to provide clearer definitions for archaeological and ethnographic pieces. This change helps customs agencies enforce international treaties like the 1970 UNESCO Convention. When shipping these items, detailed descriptions and documentation of the item's origin and historical significance are required to ensure they are not seized as illicitly traded heritage.
- Covers
- Excavated archaeological artifacts (pottery shards, tools)
- Ethnographic masks and ritual objects
- Items from famous historical events or figures
- Numismatic collections (coins) of historical interest
- 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. Historical items are often misclassified under 9706.10 or 9706.90 if they are also old. However, if the item's value is derived from its historical context or archaeological origin rather than just its age, 9705.10 is preferred. It is also often confused with 9703.10 for sculptures.
Top exporters and importers of HS 970510 (the code used for historical items), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 970510 (the code used for historical items) 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 historical items.
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 historical items
Brazil classifies historical items 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 historical items
What is the HS code for Historical items?
The HS code for Historical items is 970510 (Collections and collectors' pieces; of archaeological, ethnographic or historical interest). The HS code for items of archaeological, ethnographic, or historical interest is 9705.10.
How do I classify Historical items for customs?
Historical items 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 9705 and 9706?
Heading 9706 is for antiques based strictly on age (100+ years), while 9705 is for items that are part of a collection of scientific or historical interest, regardless of age.
Which countries are the top exporters of historical items (HS 970510)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 970510 (the code used for historical items) 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 historical items (HS 970510)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 970510 (the code used for historical items) 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 Historical items the same in all countries?
The base HS code 970510 for Historical items 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 historical items in Brazil?
In Brazil, historical items (HS 970510) is classified under NCM 9705.10.00.