Chapter 97 covers works of art, collectors' pieces and antiques, including paintings, sculptures, stamps, specimens, antiques, etc. Goods in this chapter typically possess cultural, historical or scientific value, distinguishing them from ordinary traded goods. In HS classification, Chapter 97 is the last major category, specifically dealing with special items, and its subheading breakdown focuses on the nature, age and collectible value of items rather than material or use. Import and export of goods in this chapter often involves regulations on cultural relics control and endangered species protection. Heading 9705 covers collections and collector's pieces of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical, historical, archaeological, palaeontological, ethnographic or numismatic interest. This includes animal and plant specimens, mineral specimens, anatomical models, historical relics, archaeological finds, palaeontological fossils, ethnographic items and numismatic collections, etc. However, note that this heading does not include ordinary jewellery, works of art or antique furniture, which are classified under other headings. First 2 digits 97: indicates Chapter 97, i.e. works of art, collectors' pieces and antiques. Digits 3-4, 05: indicates heading 9705, i.e. collections and collector's pieces of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical, historical, archaeological, palaeontological, ethnographic or numismatic interest. Digits 5-6, 00: subheading level; there is no further subdivision under 9705, and all collector's pieces meeting the heading description are classified under 970500. Therefore, 970500 is the complete 6-digit subheading used for unified global classification. This product is classified under 970500 because it is a collector's piece of scientific, historical or cultural significance rather than an ordinary commodity. Adjacent codes such as 9701 (paintings) cover artistic creations, and 9706 (antiques) covers items over 100 years old, whereas 970500 specifically refers to scientific or historical collector's pieces such as animal and plant specimens, fossils, etc., and therefore is not classified under other headings.
Chapter
Chapter 97 covers works of art, collectors' pieces and antiques, including paintings, sculptures, stamps, specimens, antiques, etc. Goods in this chapter typically possess cultural, historical or scientific value, distinguishing them from ordinary traded goods. In HS classification, Chapter 97 is the last major category, specifically dealing with special items, and its subheading breakdown focuses on the nature, age and collectible value of items rather than material or use. Import and export of goods in this chapter often involves regulations on cultural relics control and endangered species protection.
Heading
Heading 9705 covers collections and collector's pieces of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical, historical, archaeological, palaeontological, ethnographic or numismatic interest. This includes animal and plant specimens, mineral specimens, anatomical models, historical relics, archaeological finds, palaeontological fossils, ethnographic items and numismatic collections, etc. However, note that this heading does not include ordinary jewellery, works of art or antique furniture, which are classified under other headings.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 97: indicates Chapter 97, i.e. works of art, collectors' pieces and antiques. Digits 3-4, 05: indicates heading 9705, i.e. collections and collector's pieces of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical, historical, archaeological, palaeontological, ethnographic or numismatic interest. Digits 5-6, 00: subheading level; there is no further subdivision under 9705, and all collector's pieces meeting the heading description are classified under 970500. Therefore, 970500 is the complete 6-digit subheading used for unified global classification.
Classification Basis
This product is classified under 970500 because it is a collector's piece of scientific, historical or cultural significance rather than an ordinary commodity. Adjacent codes such as 9701 (paintings) cover artistic creations, and 9706 (antiques) covers items over 100 years old, whereas 970500 specifically refers to scientific or historical collector's pieces such as animal and plant specimens, fossils, etc., and therefore is not classified under other headings.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "animal specimen", "plant specimen", "mineral specimen", etc., which must be consistent with the actual item. Category: Specify the scientific category of the collector's piece, such as zoology, botany, mineralogy, palaeontology, etc. Use: Declare the use of the collector's piece, such as museum exhibition, scientific research, private collection, etc. Condition: Describe the condition of the item, such as intact, damaged, restored, etc., which affects value and classification. Source: Explain the source of the collector's piece, such as collection site, purchase channel, inheritance, etc. Age: If historical or archaeological items are involved, declare the approximate age or period. Material: Main material, such as bone, feather, ore, paper, etc., to assist in determining classification. Whether endangered species: When animal or plant specimens are involved, declare whether they belong to endangered species, such as ivory, tortoiseshell, etc. Customs declaration form completion example:
Product name: Animal specimen (butterfly specimen)
Category: Zoological collector's piece
Use: Museum exhibition
Condition: Intact
Source: Legally collected, with collection certificate attached
Age: Modern
Material: Butterfly wings, paper
Whether endangered species: No
Remarks: Attach CITES non-endangered certificate (if applicable) Mistakenly declaring modern handicrafts as collector's pieces, when they should actually be classified under other headings. Failing to provide endangered species certificates, resulting in cargo detention or fines. Classifying ordinary antiques (such as furniture) under 970500, when they should actually be classified under 9706.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "animal specimen", "plant specimen", "mineral specimen", etc., which must be consistent with the actual item.
⚠️ Writing only "collector's piece", which is too general and leads to classification disputes.
Category
Specify the scientific category of the collector's piece, such as zoology, botany, mineralogy, palaeontology, etc.
⚠️ Confusing "zoology" with "anatomy", or failing to indicate the specific discipline.
Use
Declare the use of the collector's piece, such as museum exhibition, scientific research, private collection, etc.
⚠️ Misreporting commercial use as collection use, triggering regulatory risks.
Condition
Describe the condition of the item, such as intact, damaged, restored, etc., which affects value and classification.
⚠️ Failing to truthfully declare restoration status, which may be deemed false declaration.
Source
Explain the source of the collector's piece, such as collection site, purchase channel, inheritance, etc.
⚠️ Unknown source or inability to provide legal proof, resulting in customs detention.
Age
If historical or archaeological items are involved, declare the approximate age or period.
⚠️ Declaring modern reproductions as antiques, constituting smuggling.
Material
Main material, such as bone, feather, ore, paper, etc., to assist in determining classification.
⚠️ Ignoring material, leading to misclassification under other chapters.
Whether endangered species
When animal or plant specimens are involved, declare whether they belong to endangered species, such as ivory, tortoiseshell, etc.
⚠️ Failing to declare endangered species, violating the CITES Convention.
Example： Customs declaration form completion example:
Product name: Animal specimen (butterfly specimen)
Category: Zoological collector's piece
Use: Museum exhibition
Condition: Intact
Source: Legally collected, with collection certificate attached
Age: Modern
Material: Butterfly wings, paper
Whether endangered species: No
Remarks: Attach CITES non-endangered certificate (if applicable)
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly declaring modern handicrafts as collector's pieces, when they should actually be classified under other headings.
Failing to provide endangered species certificates, resulting in cargo detention or fines.
Classifying ordinary antiques (such as furniture) under 970500, when they should actually be classified under 9706.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is whether the commodity has zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical, historical, archaeological, palaeontological, ethnographic or numismatic interest. It must meet the definition of a "collector's piece", i.e. not mass-produced and possessing scientific or historical value. At the same time, other headings of Chapter 97 (such as 9701 paintings, 9706 antiques) and Chapter 71 jewellery, etc. must be excluded. If the commodity is a product of an endangered species, it must also comply with regulations such as CITES. 9701 Paintings, drawings, etc.: 9701 covers artistic creations, such as oil paintings and watercolours; 970500 covers scientific or historical collector's pieces, such as specimens. The core difference lies in artistic value vs scientific value. 9706 Antiques: 9706 covers items over 100 years old, such as antique furniture and decorative items; 970500 is not limited by age but must have specific disciplinary significance. If a specimen is over 100 years old, it is still classified under 970500 because its scientific significance takes priority. 9703 Sculptures and statuary: 9703 covers sculptural works of art; even if the material is animal-derived (such as ivory), if it is an artistic creation it is classified under 9703; if it is a scientific specimen, it is classified under 970500. 9704 Stamps, revenue stamps, etc.: 9704 covers philatelic items; 970500 covers numismatic collector's pieces, such as ancient coins. Both are collector's pieces, but the themes differ. 0505 Feathers, down, etc.: 0505 covers unprocessed feathers and down used for filling, etc.; if feathers are made into specimens, they are classified under 970500. Does it have scientific or historical significance? Is it not mass-produced? Does it involve endangered species? Is it over 100 years old? If so, consider 9706. Is it an artistic creation? If so, consider 9701 or 9703.
Basis
The core basis for classification is whether the commodity has zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical, historical, archaeological, palaeontological, ethnographic or numismatic interest. It must meet the definition of a "collector's piece", i.e. not mass-produced and possessing scientific or historical value. At the same time, other headings of Chapter 97 (such as 9701 paintings, 9706 antiques) and Chapter 71 jewellery, etc. must be excluded. If the commodity is a product of an endangered species, it must also comply with regulations such as CITES.
Confused Codes：
9701 - Paintings, drawings, etc.
9701 covers artistic creations, such as oil paintings and watercolours; 970500 covers scientific or historical collector's pieces, such as specimens. The core difference lies in artistic value vs scientific value.
9706 - Antiques
9706 covers items over 100 years old, such as antique furniture and decorative items; 970500 is not limited by age but must have specific disciplinary significance. If a specimen is over 100 years old, it is still classified under 970500 because its scientific significance takes priority.
9703 - Sculptures and statuary
9703 covers sculptural works of art; even if the material is animal-derived (such as ivory), if it is an artistic creation it is classified under 9703; if it is a scientific specimen, it is classified under 970500.
9704 - Stamps, revenue stamps, etc.
9704 covers philatelic items; 970500 covers numismatic collector's pieces, such as ancient coins. Both are collector's pieces, but the themes differ.
0505 - Feathers, down, etc.
0505 covers unprocessed feathers and down used for filling, etc.; if feathers are made into specimens, they are classified under 970500.
Self-Check：
✓ Does it have scientific or historical significance?
✓ Is it not mass-produced?
✓ Does it involve endangered species?
✓ Is it over 100 years old? If so, consider 9706.
✓ Is it an artistic creation? If so, consider 9701 or 9703.
❓ FAQ
Can ordinary shell collector's pieces be classified under 970500? If shells are merely decorative and have not undergone scientific classification or possess scientific significance, they are generally not classified under 970500 and may be classified under 0508 or 9601, etc. However, if the shells are scientific specimens with collection data attached, used for research or museums, they may be classified under 970500. What additional documents are required to import dinosaur fossils? Dinosaur fossils are palaeontological collector's pieces and are classified under 970500. For import, a legal source certificate issued by the exporting country, a CITES certificate (if endangered species are involved), and approval from the cultural relics department (if recognized as cultural relics) are required. It is recommended to consult customs in advance. How to distinguish between 970500 and 970600? 970600 covers antiques over 100 years old, while 970500 covers collector's pieces of scientific or historical significance, without age limitation. If an item is over 100 years old and has scientific significance, it is still classified under 970500. If it is antique furniture, it is classified under 970600. Are imports and exports of animal specimens subject to CITES control? Yes, if the specimens involve CITES-listed species, such as ivory, rhinoceros horn, etc., a CITES import/export permit must be obtained. Even if classified under 970500, endangered species regulations must be complied with. Are numismatic collector's pieces classified under 970500 or 970400? Numismatic collector's pieces are classified under 970500 because they have numismatic significance. 970400 covers stamps, revenue stamps, etc. Ancient coins over 100 years old are still classified under 970500 because their scientific significance takes priority over age. How should privately collected mineral specimens be declared? When declaring, indicate "mineralogical collector's piece" and provide the mineral name, source and use (collection). If they are ordinary ores, they may be classified under Chapter 25. The key is whether they have scientific collectible value. How to check the tariff rate for 970500? Tariff rates vary by country and may change. It is recommended to check the importing country's customs official website or use an HS code query tool, entering 970500 to obtain the latest rate. Also pay attention to preferential rates under free trade agreements. What procedures are required to export cultural-relic-grade collector's pieces? If the collector's piece is recognized as a cultural relic, an export permit must be applied for from the cultural relics department, and customs review may also be required. Export without a permit may constitute smuggling. It is recommended to obtain the relevant certificates in advance.
Q: Can ordinary shell collector's pieces be classified under 970500?
A: If shells are merely decorative and have not undergone scientific classification or possess scientific significance, they are generally not classified under 970500 and may be classified under 0508 or 9601, etc. However, if the shells are scientific specimens with collection data attached, used for research or museums, they may be classified under 970500.
Q: What additional documents are required to import dinosaur fossils?
A: Dinosaur fossils are palaeontological collector's pieces and are classified under 970500. For import, a legal source certificate issued by the exporting country, a CITES certificate (if endangered species are involved), and approval from the cultural relics department (if recognized as cultural relics) are required. It is recommended to consult customs in advance.
Q: How to distinguish between 970500 and 970600?
A: 970600 covers antiques over 100 years old, while 970500 covers collector's pieces of scientific or historical significance, without age limitation. If an item is over 100 years old and has scientific significance, it is still classified under 970500. If it is antique furniture, it is classified under 970600.
Q: Are imports and exports of animal specimens subject to CITES control?
A: Yes, if the specimens involve CITES-listed species, such as ivory, rhinoceros horn, etc., a CITES import/export permit must be obtained. Even if classified under 970500, endangered species regulations must be complied with.
Q: Are numismatic collector's pieces classified under 970500 or 970400?
A: Numismatic collector's pieces are classified under 970500 because they have numismatic significance. 970400 covers stamps, revenue stamps, etc. Ancient coins over 100 years old are still classified under 970500 because their scientific significance takes priority over age.
Q: How should privately collected mineral specimens be declared?
A: When declaring, indicate "mineralogical collector's piece" and provide the mineral name, source and use (collection). If they are ordinary ores, they may be classified under Chapter 25. The key is whether they have scientific collectible value.
Q: How to check the tariff rate for 970500?
A: Tariff rates vary by country and may change. It is recommended to check the importing country's customs official website or use an HS code query tool, entering 970500 to obtain the latest rate. Also pay attention to preferential rates under free trade agreements.
Q: What procedures are required to export cultural-relic-grade collector's pieces?
A: If the collector's piece is recognized as a cultural relic, an export permit must be applied for from the cultural relics department, and customs review may also be required. Export without a permit may constitute smuggling. It is recommended to obtain the relevant certificates in advance.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.