9701 - Painting, drawings and pastels, executed entirely by hand, other than drawings of heading 4906 and other than hand-painted or hand-decorated manufacture articles; collages, mosaics and similar decorative plaques:

This HTS category, 9701, encompasses original artistic creations executed entirely by hand. It specifically includes paintings, drawings, and pastels, provided they are not commercial lithographs, prints, or mass-produced decorated articles. Collages, mosaics, and similar decorative plaques that are hand-assembled or created also fall under this heading, emphasizing the unique artistic merit and manual execution.

It is crucial to distinguish this category from similar headings that might involve artistic elements but lack the defining characteristic of entirely manual creation. For instance, while reproductions or industrially manufactured decorative items might bear artistic designs, they would not qualify for 9701. Similarly, items covered by heading 4906, such as technical drawings or plans, are explicitly excluded even if hand-drawn, to maintain the focus on fine art.

Subcategories within 9701 exist to further refine the classification based on specific attributes or age. These subdivisions allow for a more granular approach to cataloging and potentially applying different duty rates or reporting requirements. Understanding these distinctions is vital for accurate customs declarations and to ensure compliance with international trade regulations pertaining to works of art.