HS 970129 Other
Quick Answer: Paintings, drawings, and pastels imported under HS 970129 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at Free. This classification applies to original works of art that do not fall under more specific subheadings within Chapter 97, which covers works of art, collectors' pieces, and antiques. It is crucial for importers and customs brokers to ensure that the goods genuinely qualify as original artistic creations and are not reproductions or manufactured items. According to CustomTariffs data, these rates are consistently duty-free across major markets, simplifying clearance for qualifying items.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9701290000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9701290010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9701290090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9701290000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9701290010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9701290090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9701290000 | Free | — | ["No."] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 970129 cover?
This subheading covers "other" works of art, collectors' pieces, and antiques not specified in preceding subheadings of heading 9701. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes original artistic creations like paintings, drawings, pastels, collages, and mosaics, as well as original sculptures and statuary, when they are not covered by more specific descriptions within heading 9701. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and EU TARIC definitions generally align with this, focusing on unique, original artistic expressions not otherwise classified.
What falls outside HS 970129?
The following products are excluded from HS 970129: original paintings, drawings, and pastels executed entirely by hand (9701.10), original sculptures and statuary (9701.10), and any items that are mass-produced, reproductions, or decorative items not considered original works of art. For instance, commercially printed posters, decorative ceramic plates, or mass-produced figurines, even if artistically designed, would typically be classified under different headings based on their material and function, such as Chapter 49 for printed matter or Chapter 69 for ceramic products.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 970129?
A common error is misclassifying mass-produced decorative items or reproductions as original works of art under HS 970129. This often arises from a misunderstanding of the "originality" requirement stipulated by General Interpretative Rule 1 and Rule 5 of the Harmonized System, which emphasize unique creation by the artist. Importers may also mistakenly classify items that are clearly functional or manufactured goods, even if they possess artistic merit, failing to consider their primary use and material composition as per Section VI of the HTS.
How should importers classify products under HS 970129?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 970129 involves a thorough assessment of the item's origin, artistic nature, and uniqueness. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the item is an original work of art, not a reproduction or mass-produced item. Reviewing the artist's declaration, provenance, and the item's creation process is crucial. If the item meets the criteria for an original artistic creation and is not specifically covered by other subheadings of 9701, then 9701.29 is the appropriate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 970129?
A unique, hand-painted abstract canvas, weighing 5 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $15,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $0.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 0% ad valorem published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 9701.29. Therefore, the duty amount is 0% × $15,000 = $0.00. This reflects the duty-free status often afforded to original works of art in many jurisdictions.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 970129?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 970129, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada and Mexico. The European Union's Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may also offer preferential rates for goods from certain developing countries, potentially Free. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a EUR.1 movement certificate for EU preferences, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 970129?
HS code 970129, which covers 'Other' paintings, drawings and pastels, is generally subject to duty-free treatment under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff. For example, in the United States, the MFN rate is 0.00%. Similarly, the United Kingdom's tariff also lists 'Free' for this classification. It is crucial to verify the specific tariff schedule of the importing country at the time of import, as rates can change.
How is the value of goods classified under HS 970129 determined for duty calculation purposes?
For goods classified under HS 970129, the duty is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it is a percentage of the value of the goods. The value is usually the 'customs value,' which includes the price paid or payable for the goods, plus any costs incurred in bringing the goods to the port of importation, such as freight and insurance. If the duty rate were, for instance, 3.5% ad valorem (hypothetically, as 970129 is often free), and the customs value of a painting was $1,000, the duty would be calculated as $1,000 (customs value) × 0.035 (duty rate) = $35. However, since the rate is typically 0.00%, the duty amount would be $0.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods under HS code 970129?
When importing items classified under HS 970129, standard import documentation is usually required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the description, quantity, and value of the artwork; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the specific artwork and the importing country's regulations, additional documentation might be necessary. This could include a certificate of authenticity from the artist or gallery, proof of ownership, and potentially an import license or permit if the artwork is deemed culturally significant or subject to specific import controls. Always consult the customs authority of the destination country for precise requirements.
Are there any preferential duty rates or trade agreements that commonly affect HS code 970129?
While HS code 970129 often carries a 0.00% MFN duty rate, making preferential rates less impactful for duty savings, it's still important to consider trade agreements. Many free trade agreements (FTAs) offer duty-free treatment for goods, including works of art, between member countries. For instance, if an artwork is imported from a country that has an FTA with the importing country, and the artwork meets the rules of origin under that FTA, it would likely remain duty-free. Importers should always check if their specific trade relationship with the destination country offers any additional benefits or specific origin requirements for duty-free entry.
What are the classification criteria for items falling under HS 970129, 'Other' works of art?
HS code 970129 is a residual category for original paintings, drawings, and pastels that do not fit into more specific subheadings within Chapter 97 of the Harmonized System. The primary criterion is that the item must be an original work of art created entirely by hand by the artist. This excludes prints, lithographs, or mechanically reproduced items. The classification hinges on the unique, non-reproducible nature of the artwork. For customs purposes, clear descriptions and potentially supporting documentation from the artist or a recognized art dealer are essential to substantiate that the item is indeed an original hand-executed piece and not a reproduction.