Works of Art, Collectors' Pieces & Antiques

CBP applies a strict interpretation: an original painting (9701) must be entirely hand-executed by the artist, with no mechanical or photographic reproduction. Prints produced in limited editions from an artist's original plate may qualify under 9702, but mass-reproduced prints do not. For sculptures, 9703 requires that the work be original and not a cast reproduction beyond a limited artist's edition. Documentation of the artist's process and provenance is important at entry.

CBP requires documentary evidence of age — such as provenance records, auction records, appraisals from recognized experts, or country-of-export certification — to support a claim under 9706. The burden of proof rests with the importer. Articles that cannot be authenticated as over one hundred years old will be classified under the heading appropriate to their material or function, often at a dutiable rate.