Other

Collectors' pieces of zoological, botanical, mineralogical or paleontological interest

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 9705 29 00 (Other collectors' pieces) is subject to the ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), with import permitted only under Saving Clause 3(1) of the Foreign Trade (Exemption from Application of Rules in Certain Cases) Order, 1993, read with Customs Notification 157 dated 28 March 1990.

What this is

HSN code

9705 29 00

Chapter

97 · Works of art, collectors' pieces and antiques

Primary regulator

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

Customs documentation

Saving Clause declaration from DGFT
Customs clearance under Notification 157/1990

Compliance steps

1
Confirm that the import falls within Saving Clause 3(1) of the Foreign Trade (Exemption from Application of Rules in Certain Cases) Order, 1993. Imports that do not qualify under this saving clause are Restricted and may not be brought in without a separate DGFT licence or authorisation.
Saving Clause 3(1) of the Foreign Trade (Exemption from Application of Rules in Certain Cases) Order, 1993 · ITC (HS) Restricted import policy, Chapter 97
2
Ensure compliance with Customs Notification 157 dated 28 March 1990, which is read conjunctively with the saving clause. File the bill of entry with documentary evidence establishing the exemption basis before customs out-of-charge.
Customs Notification 157 dated 28-03-1990

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming that the physical nature of the item — a zoological specimen, mineralogical sample, or paleontological piece — automatically satisfies the saving clause. The Restricted status remains operative unless the specific eligibility conditions of Saving Clause 3(1) of the 1993 Order are met and evidenced at the bill-of-entry stage; absent that documentary basis, the consignment is liable to detention and Restricted-import enforcement under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 9705 29 00 require BIS certification?

No, collectors' pieces falling under this tariff line are not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, with entry permitted only under Saving Clause 3(1) of the Foreign Trade (Exemption from Application of Rules in Certain Cases) Order, 1993.

What does the saving clause under the 1993 Order actually permit?

Saving Clause 3(1) of the Foreign Trade (Exemption from Application of Rules in Certain Cases) Order, 1993, read with Customs Notification 157 dated 28 March 1990, provides the operative basis for import of Restricted collectors' pieces; the exact eligibility conditions must be verified against the Order before filing.

What is the consequence if the saving clause eligibility cannot be established at the port?

If the importer cannot demonstrate eligibility under Saving Clause 3(1), the consignment is treated as an unlicensed Restricted import, liable to detention, re-export, or confiscation under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act.

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