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Of an age exceeding 100 years

Antique original engravings, prints and lithographs over 100 years

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 9702 10 00 (original engravings, prints and lithographs of an age exceeding 100 years) is governed by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the ITC (HS) import policy, which classifies this tariff line as Free. However, the importer must comply with the export laws and rules of the country of origin applicable to antique cultural property before shipment.

What this is
HSN code
9702 10 00
Chapter
97 · Works of art, collectors' pieces and antiques
Primary regulator
DGFT · ITC (HS) Free import policy, Chapter 97 (origin-country export-law compliance required)
Customs documentation
  • Export compliance declaration from exporter
  • ITC (HS) policy declaration from DGFT
Compliance steps
  1. 1
    Verify that the export of the antique engravings, prints or lithographs is lawful under the export-control laws and rules of the country of origin before placing the purchase order. This is an ITC (HS) policy condition on what is otherwise a Free import line; non-compliance with origin-country export law exposes the consignment to confiscation at Indian customs under the Customs Act, 1962.
    ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 97 — Free import subject to compliance with origin-country export laws
  2. 2
    At the bill of entry, file a declaration confirming that the origin country's export laws and rules governing cultural property have been satisfied. Retain the export permit, certificate of free circulation, or equivalent origin-country documentation to present to the proper officer on demand.
    ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 97 — importer obligation to abide by origin-country laws/rules
A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is treating the Free import status as unconditional and shipping without obtaining the origin country's export clearance. Many countries — including UNESCO Convention signatories — prohibit export of antiques over 100 years without a permit; Indian customs is empowered to detain and confiscate a consignment where the importer cannot demonstrate origin-country export-law compliance, even when the Indian ITC (HS) status is Free.

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Frequently asked
Does HSN 9702 10 00 require BIS certification?
No, antique original engravings, prints and lithographs are not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under the ITC (HS) Free import policy, subject to the importer's obligation to comply with origin-country export laws.
What documentation should an importer retain to satisfy the origin-country export-law condition at the bill of entry?
The importer should hold the origin country's export permit, certificate of free circulation, or equivalent cultural-property clearance issued by the exporting country's competent authority, and upload or present it to the proper officer before out-of-charge.
Does the Free import status under ITC (HS) mean no restrictions apply?
No. The ITC (HS) policy explicitly conditions Free import on compliance with the export laws and rules of the country of origin; failure to satisfy that condition renders the consignment liable to detention or confiscation regardless of the Free tariff classification.
Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-16. Source: DGFT / Indian Customs CUSDATA.
Related
ChapterChapter 97 · Works of art, collectors' pieces and antiquesHSNORIGINAL ENGRAVINGS, PRINTS AND LITHOGRAPHSHSN9702 90 00 · Original engravings, prints and lithographs (other)