Of stone

Antique stone sculpture and statuary over 100 years old

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 9703 10 20 (original stone 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). However, the importer must comply with all laws and rules governing the export of such items in the country of origin before clearance is granted in India.

What this is

HSN code

9703 10 20

Chapter

97 · Works of art, collectors' pieces and antiques

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) Free import policy with origin-country export-law compliance, Chapter 97

Customs documentation

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

Compliance steps

1
Verify that the export of the antique stone sculpture from the country of origin is lawful under that country's heritage, antiquities, or cultural-property export laws before placing the purchase order. Absence of valid export authorisation from the origin country renders the import in breach of the ITC (HS) policy condition applicable to this tariff line.
ITC (HS) Import Policy — Free, with origin-country export-law compliance condition, Chapter 97
2
Produce documentary evidence of origin-country export authorisation — such as an export permit or clearance certificate issued by the relevant heritage or cultural-property authority of the exporting country — at the bill-of-entry stage. This documentation must be available for customs verification before out-of-charge is granted.
ITC (HS) Import Policy — Free, with origin-country export-law compliance condition, Chapter 97

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 compliance with origin-country export laws; a consignment cleared domestically on the strength of Free status alone — without verifiable origin-country export authorisation — exposes the importer to confiscation under the Customs Act, 1962 and potential criminal liability under applicable cultural-property protection statutes.

Need a regulatory steer on this product?

Speak to a regulatory counsel about your specific HSN, IS, and supplier situation.

Speak to an Expert

Frequently asked

Does HSN 9703 10 20 require BIS certification?

No, original antique stone sculpture is not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed 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 evidences origin-country export compliance at the bill of entry?

An export permit, cultural-property clearance certificate, or equivalent authorisation issued by the competent heritage or antiquities authority of the exporting country satisfies the condition; the specific form depends on the exporting country's domestic legislation.

Does the Free import policy mean no restrictions apply to antique stone sculptures?

No. Free status governs the Indian import-policy classification only; the importer remains independently bound by the export laws of the country of origin, and failure to comply with those laws constitutes a breach of the ITC (HS) policy condition at the Indian bill-of-entry stage.

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