HS Code:
The category 'Works of the free fine arts, engravings, photographic pictures, and philosophical and scientific apparatus brought into the United States by professional artists, lecturers, or scientists arriving from abroad for use by them for exhibition and in illustration, promotion, and encouragement of art, science, or industry in the United States' falls under specific provisions of the Harmonized System (HS) Code, often classified under Chapter 97 for works of art and Chapter 90 for scientific apparatus. This category includes items such as original paintings, sculptures, engravings, photographic works, and specialized scientific equipment. These goods are typically imported temporarily or permanently under special tariff provisions (e.g., duty-free status under certain conditions) to support cultural, educational, and scientific exchange. The U.S. allows such imports under specific regulations to encourage international collaboration and advancement in these fields, often requiring documentation proving the professional status of the importer and the intended use of the items.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) DataWeb and United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
Duty-free under specific conditions (0% for qualifying imports)
Highest Rate
6.5% (for non-qualifying works of art or apparatus under general provisions)
Lowest Rate
0% (duty-free for items meeting criteria under U.S. tariff provisions)
Increased demand for cultural exchange exhibitions
Rising imports of fine arts and photographic works for museum exhibitions and academic collaborations, driven by globalization of art and science communities.
2021-2022
Digital integration in scientific apparatus
Growing importation of advanced philosophical and scientific tools with digital capabilities, supporting innovation in U.S. research institutions.
2020-2022
Policy support for duty-free imports
U.S. policies encouraging duty-free imports under educational and cultural provisions have boosted trade volumes in this category.
2019-2022
U.S. Customs and Border Protection revised temporary importation guidelines for scientific apparatus, easing bond requirements for academic institutions.
March 2023
Facilitates smoother imports for short-term exhibitions and research projects, likely increasing trade volume.
The U.S. signed a bilateral agreement with France to streamline duty-free imports of fine arts for exhibitions, enhancing cultural collaboration.
July 2022
Expected to boost imports from France, reinforcing its position as the top exporter in this category.
New regulations require stricter documentation to prevent illicit trafficking of cultural artifacts under the guise of duty-free imports.
January 2023
May slow down import processes for works of art but ensures protection of global cultural heritage.