HS Code 9702Engravings, prints and lithographs; original

What HS code 9702 covers

You may also see it written as HSN code 9702. The number is the same. The Harmonized System is the shared tariff classification that customs offices use to name goods.

The word original matters. An original print is the artist's own work. A mass-made copy of a picture does not belong here. Fine art prints at customs are judged on this point first, before anything else.

The heading sits in Chapter 97 works of art, next to paintings, sculptures, stamps, collections and antiques. All of these are art or collector goods, but each has its own heading.

HS 9702 subheadings: 970210 vs 970290

Only one thing separates the two subheadings: the age of the print. The line is drawn at 100 years.

The table below sets out each code in plain words.

• A print exactly 100 years old is not over 100 years, so it goes to 970290.
• A modern limited-edition lithograph by a living artist goes to 970290.

How to pick the right code for an original print

Work through the questions in order. First, ask if the item is an engraving, print or lithograph. Next, ask if it is original. Last, ask how old it is. If it is older than 100 years, use 970210. If it is not, use 970290.

If you are unsure, try the HS code classifier. It helps you test a product description against the headings.

Borderline cases usually come from the neighbouring headings. A picture painted, drawn or pastelled entirely by hand belongs to 9701, not 9702. A sculpture or statue belongs to 9703. Items kept as a collection for historical, zoological or similar interest go to 9705. Antiques that are not prints, and are over one hundred years old, go to 9706.

So what HS code applies to antique prints over 100 years old? If the item is an original print, it is 970210. The general antiques heading is for other old objects.

Who imports original engravings and lithographs?

This is a niche product group, and buyers are hard to find by guesswork. Customs records show who actually ships goods under a code. Searching by HS code is the quickest way to reach them.

EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources. Coverage: 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries. Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets. Most markets refresh weekly and some refresh daily.

You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product, and book a free demo. Start with 9702, or look at 970210 and 970290 on their own to separate old prints from newer ones.