HS 970191: Paintings, drawings and pastels — South Africa Import, Export & Duty Guide

HS code: 970191 · Chapter: 97 · Heading: 9701 · Latest reporting year: 2025 · Group: Art & Antiques

JLog is the official logistics carrier for the Investec Cape Town Art Fair and runs specialist art shipping & SARS clearance for galleries, collectors, and auction houses.

At a glance

• South Africa exported $55.75M worth of Paintings, drawings and pastels under HS 970191 in 2025.
• South Africa imported $278.46M worth of the same goods in 2025.
• The 2025 trade balance is a $222.71M deficit.
• Top export destinations: USA, United Kingdom, Germany.
• Top import origins: Germany, Australia, United Kingdom.

What HS 970191 covers

HS 970191 is the six-digit Harmonised System code for Paintings, drawings and pastels; executed entirely by hand, other than drawings of heading no. 4906, of an age not exceeding 100 years. It sits within Chapter 97 (heading 9701) of the World Customs Organisation tariff structure that South Africa applies through SARS as the SACU common external tariff. The HS6 level is the most granular code shared internationally — your country may add two or four further digits for its national tariff (in South Africa, the full eight-digit code is the SARS tariff line).

Importers and exporters use this code on every customs declaration: Bill of Entry SAD500, commercial invoice, and packing list. Getting the HS code right is the single biggest determinant of the duty rate you pay, the permits you need, and whether your shipment clears Customs at the first attempt.

South Africa trade flows under HS 970191

The table below shows annual South African trade values reported to UN Comtrade for HS 970191. All figures are in USD, sourced directly from the UN Comtrade API (reporterCode=710, partnerCode=0 — World aggregate).

In 2025, reported net weight on exports was 744.4K kg and imports 538.4K kg — useful context when sizing containers and air uplift.

Where the trade goes

Top 10 export destinations — 2025

Top 10 import origins — 2025

Customs and compliance specifics

• South African tariff lookup: Search the SARS Schedule 1 Part 1 tariff book for the eight-digit line that starts with 970191. The duty rate, VAT (15%), and any rebates or surcharges live on the eight-digit line, not the six-digit HS code.
• Bill of Entry SAD500: This code is what your clearing agent enters into the Customs Procedure Code (CPC), Tariff Heading, and Statistical fields. The HS6 must match what you put on the commercial invoice.
• Origin documents: If you are exporting under AGOA, SADC, SACU-EFTA, EU EPA, UK EPA, or Mercosur preferences, the certificate of origin and supplier declaration reference the HS code. A wrong code voids the preference.
• Permits: Some HS codes in this range may require ITAC import permits, SAPS firearms control board sign-off, DALRRD agriculture permits, or CITES wildlife trade certificates. Check the SARS Prohibited and Restricted Imports list before shipping.
• Antiques and cultural property: Items over 100 years old or with cultural-heritage value need SAHRA export permits and may trigger CITES checks for ivory, tortoiseshell, coral, rosewood, or other restricted materials.

How JLog helps with HS 970191

White-glove fine-art handling, climate-controlled crating, museum-grade insurance, and CITES checks for antique materials. JLog is the official carrier for the Investec Cape Town Art Fair and handles consignments for galleries across South Africa.

Freight modes we use for this lane: Climate-controlled air freight, bonded warehousing.

JLog is a specialist South African 3PL based in Cape Town, with direct accounts with FedEx, DHL Express, MDS Collivery, Bob Go, and 11 domestic couriers. We are the official carrier for the Investec Cape Town Art Fair and handle inbound and outbound flows for e-commerce merchants, manufacturers, galleries, and freight forwarders across Southern Africa.

To get a quote for HS 970191 shipments — including duty-line modelling, container consolidation, and customs entry — contact us at [email protected] or +27 21 300 6099.

Frequently asked questions

What is HS code 970191?

HS 970191 is the six-digit Harmonised System tariff code for Paintings, drawings and pastels; executed entirely by hand, other than drawings of heading no. 4906, of an age not exceeding 100 years. It is the internationally standardised code used on customs declarations, certificates of origin, and shipping documentation worldwide.

How much duty do I pay on HS 970191 in South Africa?

The duty rate is set on the eight-digit SARS tariff line that starts with 970191. South Africa applies the SACU common external tariff plus 15% VAT on the customs value. Preferential rates may apply under SADC, EU EPA, UK EPA, EFTA, AGOA, or Mercosur agreements. Contact JLog for a duty estimate on your specific cargo.

Which countries does South Africa trade HS 970191 with?

South Africa’s top export destinations for HS 970191 include USA, United Kingdom, Germany. Top import origins include Germany, Australia, United Kingdom.

Do I need a permit to import or export under HS 970191?

Some HS codes in this range require ITAC import permits, SAPS clearance, DALRRD agriculture certificates, or CITES wildlife trade permits. JLog’s customs desk will check the SARS Prohibited and Restricted Imports list and the ITAC permit register before quoting the shipment.

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