Religious itemsIHS Code

Religious items harmonized system code

Product Overview Religious Items under HS Code 9703 are defined as original sculptures and statuary, in any material, that are uniquely designed and crafted for religious ceremonies, rituals, or as spiritual symbols. These items encompass a broad range of physical attributes, from intricate miniature statuettes to life-sized statues, made from various materials such as wood, stone, metal, and ceramics. The processing level of these items varies significantly, from simple, hand-carved items to complex designs crafted using advanced technology. They are primarily utilized in places of worship, religious institutions, and households for spiritual practices. Furthermore, these items play a crucial role in the retail sector, specifically within religious, spiritual, or gift shops. The value proposition of these religious items stems from their unique craftsmanship, religious significance, and aesthetic appeal, providing a competitive advantage in markets catering to religious and cultural commodities. HS Code Classification & Trade Specifications The HS Code 9703 is structured under Chapter 97 (Works of Art, Collectors' Pieces and Antiques), Heading 03 (Original sculptures and statuary, in any material). The rationale for classifying religious items under this specific code lies in their originality and their crafted nature, which aligns with the product description of HS Code 9703. When it comes to trade considerations, these items are often individually packaged and cushioned to prevent damage during transit. They are preserved in climate-controlled environments to maintain their material integrity. Shipping requirements typically involve secure, padded packaging and careful handling due to the delicate nature of these items. Quality standards for religious items under HS Code 9703 are stringent, focusing on the originality of design, material quality, and craftsmanship. This product description is compliant with WTO and customs documentation standards, employing precise technical terminology and measurable attributes relevant to international trade.

Religious items Chapter Note

1.- This Chapter does not cover : (a) Unused postage or revenue stamps, postal stationery (stamped paper) or the like, of heading 49.07; (b) Theatrical scenery, studio back-cloths or the like, of painted canvas (heading 59.07) except if they may be classified in heading 97.06; or (c) Pearls, natural or cultured, or precious or semi-precious stones (headings 71.01 to 71.03). 2.- Heading 97.01 does not apply to mosaics that are mass-produced reproductions, casts or works of conventional craftsmanship of a commercial character, even if these articles are designed or created by artists. 3.- For the purposes of heading 97.02, the expression “original engravings, prints and lithographs” means impressions produced directly, in black and white or in colour, of one or of several plates wholly executed by hand by the artist, irrespective of the process or of the material employed by him, but not including any mechanical or photomechanical process. 4.- Heading 97.03 does not apply to mass-produced reproductions or works of conventional craftsmanship of a commercial character, even if these articles are designed or created by artists. 5.- (A) Subject to Notes 1 to 4 above, articles of this Chapter are to be classified in this Chapter and not in any other Chapter of the Nomenclature. (B) Heading 97.06 does not apply to articles of the preceding headings of this Chapter. 6.- Frames around paintings, drawings, pastels, collages or similar decorative plaques, engravings, prints or lithographs are to be classified with those articles, provided they are of a kind and of a value normal to those articles. Frames which are not of a kind or of a value normal to the articles referred to in this Note are to be classified separately.