Product classification
HS code for Lithographs: 9702.90
Engravings, prints and lithographs, original of an age not exceeding 100 years.
Classification of lithographs under HS 9702.90
Lithographs are classified under HS code 9702.90, which covers original engravings, prints, and lithographs. To qualify for this classification, the lithograph must be an original work produced directly from a stone, plate, or other surface entirely executed by hand by the artist. Furthermore, this specific subheading is for works that are not more than 100 years old. The classification emphasizes the artistic nature and the method of production over the material substrate (usually paper). According to the Chapter 97 notes, the number of copies produced does not necessarily disqualify them from being "originals," provided they are part of a limited edition and the master surface was hand-executed. This code is part of the chapter for works of art, collectors' pieces, and antiques, which provides for duty-free or reduced-duty entry in many jurisdictions.
- Covers
- Limited edition hand-pulled lithographs
- Artist proofs (A/P)
- Original lithographic prints signed by the artist
- Hand-signed lithographic art
- Original stone lithographs
- 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. A frequent error is 4911.91, which is for printed pictures, designs, and photographs produced by mechanical or photomechanical processes. Mass-produced posters or decorative prints that are not "originals" belong in Chapter 49. Additionally, if the lithograph is over 100 years old, it must be classified under 9706.00 as an antique, which takes precedence over 9702.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 970290 (the code used for lithographs), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 970290 (the code used for lithographs) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 35% 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 970290, not only lithographs.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $265M 45% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $161M 27% of world exports
- 3 France $26M 4.5% of world exports
World total: $588M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $174M 35% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $108M 22% of world imports
- 3 France $30M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $495M 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 lithographs
Brazil classifies lithographs 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 lithographs
What is the HS code for Lithographs?
The HS code for Lithographs is 970290 (Engravings, prints and lithographs; original of an age not exceeding 100 years). The HS code for original lithographs less than 100 years old is 9702.90.
How do I classify Lithographs for customs?
Lithographs is classified under HS code 970290 — Engravings, prints and lithographs; original of an age not exceeding 100 years. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the lithograph is a mass-produced reproduction?
It should be classified under 4911.91 as "printed pictures" rather than original art, as it lacks the hand-executed master surface required for Chapter 97.
Which countries are the top exporters of lithographs (HS 970290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 970290 (the code used for lithographs) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($265M, 45% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($161M) and France ($26M). World exports came to about $588M, 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 lithographs (HS 970290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 970290 (the code used for lithographs) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($174M, 35% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($108M) and France ($30M). World imports came to about $495M, 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 Lithographs the same in all countries?
The base HS code 970290 for Lithographs 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 lithographs in Brazil?
In Brazil, lithographs (HS 970290) is classified under NCM 9702.90.00.