Of metal

Original metal sculpture and statuary over 100 years old

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 9703 10 10 (original metal sculpture and statuary of an age exceeding 100 years) carries a Free import policy under the ITC (HS) Schedule administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Import is permitted without a licence, but the importer must comply with the export laws and rules of the country of origin governing the outward movement of antiques and cultural property.

What this is

HSN code

9703 10 10

Chapter

97 · Works of art, collectors' pieces and antiques

Primary regulator

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

Customs documentation

ITC (HS) compliance declaration from DGFT
Export clearance documentation from country of origin

Compliance steps

1
File the bill of entry under the Free ITC (HS) policy for this tariff line. No DGFT import licence is required, but document that the consignment complies with the export laws and rules of the country of origin applicable to antiques and cultural property over 100 years old.
ITC (HS) Import Policy, Chapter 97 · DGFT policy condition for CTI 9703 10 10
2
Obtain and retain export-clearance documentation issued by the competent authority of the country of origin confirming lawful export of the antique metalwork. Customs officers may call for this evidence at the bill-of-entry stage; absence of such documentation can result in consignment detention pending verification.
ITC (HS) Import Policy condition — importer must abide by export laws/rules of country of export, CTI 9703 10 10

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is treating the Free import status as unconditional. The ITC (HS) policy explicitly binds the importer to the export laws of the country of origin; an antique exported without the requisite cultural-property clearance from that country renders the Indian import unlawful regardless of the Free policy status, exposing the importer to seizure of the goods and potential criminal liability under applicable Indian customs law.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 9703 10 10 require BIS certification?

No, original sculpture and statuary are entirely outside 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.

Is an import licence from DGFT required for this tariff line?

No import licence is required; the ITC (HS) policy classifies this CTI as Free. However, the importer must retain documentary evidence that the export of the antique metalwork was lawfully authorised under the country-of-origin laws.

What happens if the country of origin prohibits export of antiques over 100 years old?

If the exporting country's laws prohibit or restrict the outward movement of such cultural property, import into India under this tariff line is not permitted, and goods imported in breach are liable to seizure and confiscation under the Customs Act, 1962.

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