HS 970510 Collections and collectors’ pieces of archaeological, ethnographic or historical interest

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What products does HS 970510 cover?

This subheading covers collections and collectors' pieces of archaeological, ethnographic, or historical interest, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature. According to the US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), this includes items that are at least 100 years old and have been excavated from the soil or the bed of the sea, or are of ethnographic significance, or possess historical value, such as ancient artifacts, tribal art, and historical documents, provided they are presented in a manner suitable for a museum or collection.

What falls outside HS 970510?

The following products are excluded from HS 970510: items that do not meet the age requirement of at least 100 years, modern reproductions or replicas not possessing genuine historical or ethnographic significance, and items primarily intended for commercial sale or use rather than for collection or display. For instance, contemporary art pieces, mass-produced souvenirs, or items of personal adornment that are less than 100 years old and lack specific historical provenance would typically be classified under different headings, such as Chapter 9701 for paintings or Chapter 71 for jewelry.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 970510?

A common error is misinterpreting the "100 years old" criterion or failing to adequately document the historical or ethnographic significance of an item. General Interpretative Rule 1 (GIR 1) of the Harmonized System mandates classification based on the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may incorrectly classify items that are merely old but lack the specific archaeological, ethnographic, or historical interest required by the heading, or fail to distinguish between genuine artifacts and later reproductions, leading to misclassification under headings like 9703 for sculptures or 9704 for postage stamps.

How should importers classify products under HS 970510?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 970510 involves a thorough assessment of the item's age, origin, and significance. Importers and customs brokers must gather detailed documentation, including provenance, expert appraisals, and historical context, to substantiate the item's classification. Consulting official tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC database, and adhering to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI) are crucial steps to ensure accurate classification and avoid potential penalties.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 970510?

A Roman-era mosaic fragment, weighing 5 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $10,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $1,000.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for items under 9705.10. The calculation is: 10% of $10,000 USD = $1,000.00. This rate applies to items meeting the criteria of archaeological interest and presented as collectors' pieces.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 970510?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 970510, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can lead to Free entry for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer preferential rates for eligible goods from developing countries, often resulting in Free entry. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement is typically required for USMCA, while a GSP Form A or equivalent is usually needed for GSP benefits, depending on the importing country's specific requirements.

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