Authentic Maori Carved Wooden Waka Paddle from China

This hand-carved wooden paddle from Maori culture in New Zealand represents traditional navigation tools used in ceremonies and daily life. It falls under HTS 9705.10.00.20 as an ethnographic piece embodying cultural heritage and craftsmanship described in the chapter's statistical note for collectors' items.

Duty Rate — China → United States

17.5%

Rate breakdown

9903.03.0110%Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
9903.88.157.5%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.39, 9903.88.42, 9903.88.44, 9903.88.47, 9903.88.49, 9903.88.51, 9903.88.53, 9903.88.55, 9903.88.57, 9903.88.65, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(r) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(s)

Import Tips

Obtain provenance documentation and certificates of authenticity from recognized cultural experts to verify ethnographic origin

Declare as collectors' pieces with detailed descriptions avoiding commercial reproduction claims to prevent reclassification

Comply with CITES if wood species are protected; common pitfall is undervaluation leading to audits