Sculptures and statuary; original, in any material

HS v2022 Code: 9703

About sculptures and statuary; original, in any material

HS code 9703 covers the trade of original sculptures and statuary, regardless of the material used in their creation. This industry plays a significant role in the global art and cultural economy, providing a platform for artists to showcase their creative talents and for collectors to acquire unique, one-of-a-kind works. The production and trade of these artistic pieces contribute to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, while also generating economic activity through the exchange of these highly valued goods.

Production process

The production of sculptures and statuary under HS code 9703 involves a variety of techniques, depending on the medium used by the artist. Common methods include carving, modeling, casting, and assemblage. Carving, often in materials like stone, wood, or ice, requires the skilled removal of material to reveal the desired form. Modeling, typically in clay or wax, allows artists to build up the desired shape through additive processes. Casting, using techniques like bronze or plaster casting, enables the reproduction of sculptural forms. Assemblage involves the creative combination of found or repurposed materials to construct unique sculptural pieces.

Production inputs

The primary inputs for the production of sculptures and statuary under HS code 9703 include raw materials such as stone, wood, metal, clay, and various other media used by artists. Specialized tools and equipment, such as chisels, hammers, sculpting stands, and casting molds, are also essential for the creation of these artistic works. Additionally, the industry relies on the skills and creative talents of sculptors, who transform these raw materials into unique and expressive pieces of art.

Production outputs

The primary output of the industry covered by HS code 9703 is the production of original sculptures and statuary, which are then traded and consumed by art collectors, galleries, museums, and other cultural institutions. These artistic works may be further classified under other HS codes, such as 9701 Paintings, drawings and pastels, executed entirely by hand, 9702 Original engravings, prints and lithographs, or 9704 (Postage or revenue stamps, stamp-postmarks, first-day covers, postal stationery (stamped paper), and the like, used or unused, other than those of heading 4907), depending on the specific nature and characteristics of the sculptural piece.

Family tree for sculptures and statuary; original, in any material

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/97'>97: Works of art; collectors' pieces and antiques</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/9703'>9703: Sculptures and statuary; original, in any material</a>"]

    A --> C["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/9701'>9701: Paintings, drawings and pastels, executed entirely by hand; not drawings of heading no. 4906 and not hand-painted, hand-decorated manufactured articles; collages, mosaics and similar decorative plaques</a>"]
A --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/9702'>9702: Engravings, prints and lithographs; original</a>"]
A --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/9704'>9704: Stamps, postage or revenue; stamp-postmarks, first-day covers, postal stationery (stamped paper) and like, used or unused, other than those of heading 4907</a>"]
A --> F["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/9705'>9705: Collections and collectors' pieces; of archaeological, ethnographic, historical, zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical, palaeontological or numismatic interest</a>"]
A --> G["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/9706'>9706: Antiques; of an age exceeding one hundred years</a>"]

    B --> H["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/970310'>970310: Sculptures and statuary; original, in any material, of an age exceeding 100 years</a>"]
B --> I["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/970390'>970390: Sculptures and statuary; original, in any material, of an age not exceeding 100 years</a>"]


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    classDef level6 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef highlight color:#000,fill:#fff,stroke:#000,stroke-width:5px



  %% Apply classes
  class A level2
class B level4
class C level4
class D level4
class E level4
class F level4
class G level4
class H level6
class I level6

  class B highlight

  %% class A level1
  %% class B,C level2
  %% class D,E,F,G,H,I level2
  %% class J,K,L,M,N,O,P level3
  %% class B highlight