Mosaics

Hand-executed mosaics and similar decorative plaques

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 9701 22 00 (Mosaics) carries a Free import policy under the ITC (HS) schedule administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), with no licence or permit required at the Indian bill-of-entry stage. However, importers must comply with the export-control laws and rules of the country of origin governing the outward movement of such works before shipment.

What this is

HSN code

9701 22 00

Chapter

97 · Works of art, collectors' pieces and antiques

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) Free import policy, Chapter 97

Customs documentation

Origin export-compliance declaration from exporter
Commercial invoice from exporter

Compliance steps

1
Verify that the exporting country's export-control laws and rules governing the outward movement of mosaics and decorative art have been observed before shipment. The ITC (HS) policy condition for this tariff line places the compliance burden on the importer to ensure the item was lawfully exported from the country of origin.
ITC (HS) Import Policy, Chapter 97 — Free policy condition requiring compliance with origin-country export laws
2
File the bill of entry with standard customs documentation including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading. Confirm the article is a hand-executed mosaic within the scope of heading 9701; machine-made or industrially produced decorative tiles are classifiable elsewhere and attract different duty treatment.
ITC (HS) Import Policy, Chapter 97; Customs Act, 1962

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is treating the Free import policy as the entirety of compliance and overlooking the origin-country export-restriction requirement embedded in the policy condition. Several exporting countries — particularly those with cultural-heritage protection legislation — impose export permits or certificates of free circulation for mosaics and decorative art; importing without those documents exposes the Indian importer to confiscation and criminal liability under the destination country's mutual-assistance and anti-trafficking frameworks.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 9701 22 00 require BIS certification?

No, hand-executed mosaics are not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed solely by the ITC (HS) Free import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, subject to compliance with the export laws of the country of origin.

What documentation from the exporting country is required to satisfy the origin export-law condition?

The specific documentation depends on the origin country's cultural-heritage or export-control legislation; at minimum, an exporter's declaration confirming lawful exportability and, where the origin country mandates it, an export permit or certificate of free circulation should accompany the consignment.

Does the Free import policy mean there are no restrictions at all on importing mosaics under this HSN?

Free policy means no Indian import licence is required, but the ITC (HS) condition explicitly binds the importer to the origin country's export laws — non-compliance with those laws can result in consignment detention or confiscation at Indian customs and potential criminal liability.

Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-16. Source: DGFT / Indian Customs CUSDATA.