Other

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

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 9705 39 00 (Other collectors' pieces) is subject to a Restricted import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the ITC (HS) schedule. Import is permitted 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 39 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
Import compliance from CBIC

Compliance steps

1
Confirm that the import qualifies under Saving Clause 3(1) of the Foreign Trade (Exemption from Application of Rules in Certain Cases) Order, 1993, before filing the bill of entry. A consignment not meeting the saving-clause conditions is treated as a Restricted import without authorisation and is liable to detention and confiscation.
Saving Clause 3(1), Foreign Trade (Exemption from Application of Rules in Certain Cases) Order, 1993 · Customs Notification 157 dated 28-03-1990
2
Ensure the bill of entry explicitly references Customs Notification 157 dated 28 March 1990 and the applicable saving-clause provision. Customs officers at the port of entry will verify the policy-condition basis before granting out-of-charge.
Customs Notification 157 dated 28-03-1990 · ITC (HS) Restricted import policy, Chapter 97

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming that the saving-clause exemption is self-executing and omitting a clear policy-basis declaration on the bill of entry. The Restricted-import status remains operative unless the specific saving-clause condition is positively established on the face of the documentation; a consignment cleared without that declaration may be recalled for reassessment, attracting demurrage and ground rent pending regularisation.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 9705 39 00 require BIS certification?

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

Is an import licence from DGFT required, or is the saving-clause declaration sufficient?

The saving clause under the Foreign Trade (Exemption from Application of Rules in Certain Cases) Order, 1993 read with Customs Notification 157 dated 28 March 1990 provides the basis for import without a separate DGFT import licence, provided the qualifying conditions of Saving Clause 3(1) are demonstrably satisfied.

What happens if the saving-clause conditions are not met at the time of import?

If Saving Clause 3(1) conditions are not met, the consignment reverts to its Restricted-import status under the ITC (HS) policy, exposing it to detention, confiscation, and monetary penalty under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992.

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