What Are HS Codes?
The Harmonized System (HS) is a standardized international system for classifying traded products. Maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO), it's used by customs authorities in over 200 countries to determine tariff rates and enforce trade regulations.
For art shipments, getting the HS code right is critical. An incorrect classification can result in customs delays, unexpected duties, or even seizure of the artwork at the border.
Chapter 97: Works of Art
Most fine art falls under Chapter 97 of the Harmonized System. Here are the key subheadings:
9701 — Paintings and Drawings
- 9701.10 — Paintings, drawings and pastels, executed entirely by hand
- 9701.90 — Other (collages, decorative plaques)
This covers oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, pen and ink drawings, and mixed media works executed by hand.
9702 — Original Engravings and Prints
- 9702.00 — Original engravings, prints and lithographs
This includes etchings, woodcuts, lithographs, serigraphs, and other printmaking techniques. The key qualifier is "original" — reproductions fall under Chapter 49.
9703 — Original Sculptures
- 9703.00 — Original sculptures and statuary, in any material
Bronze, marble, wood, ceramic, glass, and other sculptural works. The work must be original — mass-produced replicas are classified differently.
Other Common Classifications
Not all art fits neatly into Chapter 97:
| Medium | HS Code | Chapter |
| Art photographs (limited edition) | 4911.91 | 49 |
| Commercial prints / posters | 4911.99 | 49 |
| Ceramics (artistic) | 6913.10 | 69 |
| Art glass | 7013.99 | 70 |
| Tapestries (hand-woven) | 5805.00 | 58 |
| Antiques (100+ years) | 9706.00 | 97 |
Common Mistakes
1. Classifying prints as paintings. A giclée reproduction of a painting is NOT 9701.10. It's 4911.91 or 4911.99 depending on whether it's a limited edition signed by the artist. 2. Forgetting the "original" qualifier. Chapter 97 codes are reserved for original works. A bronze cast from an existing mold may qualify if it's part of a limited edition by the original sculptor, but mass-produced decorative items do not. 3. Ignoring country-specific extensions. The first 6 digits of HS codes are internationally standardized, but countries add 2-4 additional digits for their own classification. Always verify the full code for your destination country.How Gilded Artworks Helps
Gilded Artworks automatically suggests the correct HS code based on the artwork medium you enter. Our classifier covers 100+ mediums mapped to their correct WCO classifications, including edge cases like mixed media, digital prints, and textile art.
When you generate customs documentation, the HS code is embedded directly in the technical sheet — formatted for UPS, FedEx, and DHL carrier requirements.