HS Code:
The category 'Of an age equal to or exceeding 250 years' typically falls under HS Code 9706, which includes antiques of an age exceeding 100 years, but specifically focuses on items over 250 years old. These items often encompass historical artifacts, artworks, furniture, manuscripts, and other collectibles of significant cultural and historical value. Due to their rarity and cultural importance, trade in these goods is highly regulated, often requiring special permits and adherence to international agreements like the UNESCO 1970 Convention on cultural property. This category represents a niche but high-value segment of global trade, often driven by auction houses, museums, and private collectors.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & International Trade Centre (ITC)
USD 350 million
29.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 300 million
25.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 200 million
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 150 million
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 100 million
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.8% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries to protect cultural heritage)
Lowest Rate
0% (in countries with free trade agreements or cultural exchange programs)
Growing demand for digital provenance and blockchain certification
Increases transparency and reduces risk of fraud in the trade of antiques, boosting buyer confidence
2021-2023
Rising interest from emerging markets like China and India
Drives up prices and competition for high-value antiques as new collectors enter the market
2020-2022
Stricter regulations on cultural property trade
Slows down legal trade while increasing black market activity; requires more robust international cooperation
2019-2023
The European Union implemented stricter regulations on the import of cultural goods, requiring detailed provenance documentation for items over 250 years old to combat illicit trafficking.
January 2023
Increased compliance costs for traders but enhanced protection of cultural heritage
A prominent auction house in London sold a collection of 18th-century European artifacts, setting record prices and highlighting renewed interest in antiques of this age category.
November 2022
Boosted market visibility and prices for similar items globally
Several countries signed an agreement under UNESCO to facilitate the repatriation of cultural artifacts over 250 years old that were illegally exported.
March 2022
Reduced legal trade volume temporarily but strengthened international cultural property laws