International Shipment Tips
By Andrea Steinbauer
Today’s digital age makes it easier for artists to sell their artwork worldwide and participate in exhibitions around the globe. There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure safe international shipping and avoid problems such as damage, loss or delay in transit or difficulties with customs clearance.
During a PSoA European member Zoom meeting, there was a lively discussion and exchange of experiences around shipping fine art internationally. From this meeting as well as conversations with many other artists, it is clear that there is often inexperience and uncertainty around this topic.
I have been working as a professional artist for 30 years. During this time, I have shipped more than 1500 drawings and paintings to clients and galleries across Europe and overseas. I would like to share my experience with international shipping, as consideration of certain recommendations can prevent problems.
Packaging
To ensure safe shipment and avoid damages, the use of appropriate packaging material to protect your artwork is essential. Acid free paper, foam core, bubble wrap, corner protectors, cardboard, commercial art boxes and shipping containers are commonly used materials.
Artists should be aware that the shipment process is highly automated. Other bulky parcels may impact the package, and climate conditions can change drastically during transit. According to DHL, parcels may be exposed to temperatures ranging from -10°C to +60°C (14°F to 140°F) for several hours, and heavier parcels (weighing up to 31,5kg / about 69.4lb) may be placed on top of lighter items.
Robust external packaging is important to protect artwork. The internal packaging and padding offers further protection, fills empty space and keeps the artwork in place during transportation. Because normal packaging material is not usually acid-free, it should not be in direct contact with the artwork. I wrap my drawings and paintings in acid-free paper, purchased from an art supply store, as the first layer, before I add any other material.
When shipping internationally, parcels may be opened during customs clearance. To make certain that this can be done quickly and easily without damaging the contents, this aspect should be taken into account during packaging.
Insurance coverage
For financial protection, insurance coverage is recommended in the event artwork is lost or damaged. It is a good idea to carefully look over the terms of the contract to make certain the insurance includes all expected risks and covers the value of the artwork as well as any additional costs.
Handling customs
When shipping artwork internationally, using the correct declaration code for the artwork is essential to avoid problems with customs clearance. Artists should verify whether an export license is required in advance.
Artists will need to research customs regulations of the destination country, because duties and taxes are an important factor to consider with international shipping. Since January of 2021, Brexit customs regulations have affected shipping between EU member states and the UK. In cases of temporary shipping for exhibitions with duration of less than a year, the use of an ATA-Carnet can simplify border clearance and offer duty-free and tax-free temporary import.
Artists can benefit from the expanded opportunities that digitalization offers us today. Avoiding difficulties with international shipping is possible with a little preparation, providing artists new opportunities to increase clientele and exhibit artwork. Individuals who prefer not to deal with the effort of international shipping can commission companies specialized in shipping fine art. However, using their services and expertise usually comes at a price.
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