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Key Takeaways:
I’m going to go over the main hurdles to importing art, including what actually qualifies and how to get certain items into the U.S. duty-free.
There are a few important pieces of information worth noting before trying to bring any new (or very old) masterpieces to the United States. Knowing this information will help you avoid potential problems.
Some of the required details include:
No matter how complex your art shipment is, a customs broker can assist you with understand all the necessary guidelines.
In most situations, original works of art are exempt from import fees or duties. Chapter 97 of the HTSUS defines original artwork as art that the original artist created. This can include paintings, engravings, sculptures, and many other forms of artistic expression.
In order to qualify for this exemption, the artwork must be made exclusively by hand and without any mechanical process. Therefore, mass-produced reproductions are not eligible.
There are some items that could arguably be described as art, but don’t fall under Chapter 97, including:
Another possible exception involves the artwork’s frame. If the frame that accompanies a work of art is not typical for that type of art, it should be classified separately according to the HTS, as it may be dutiable.
Basically, you can’t buy a cheap piece of art in a solid gold frame and expect it to be duty-free on arrival. Nice try, though.
Since older pieces of art can also be considered antiques, the two commodities often come together in terms of import classification. For that reason, it’s a good idea to review the unique rules and regulations governing the definition of ‘antique’ and how it impacts the import process.
Some antiques are judged by a different standard based on their age and origin. This standard is applied to items that qualify as cultural property.
Artifacts from a number of countries are covered by this act, which is designed to prevent unauthorized importation of these culturally significant artworks. To clarify, this act applies to items that predate the arrival of European influence via the efforts of Christopher Columbus beginning in 1492.
Qualifying items include products of the pre-Columbian Indigenous cultures in any of these countries:
If you plan to import an antique artwork that qualifies under this act, you will need a government-issued certificate from the country of origin stating that no laws were violated in exporting the object. You can also present evidence that the item was exported from its country of origin prior to June 1, 1973.
With this information in mind, we can look at the general steps to importing art.
Finding the right supplier is vital to any successful import transaction. There are thousands of suppliers to choose from, but we can narrow the playing field a little. In the following table, I’ve listed the five countries from which U.S. importers most frequently purchase artwork and antiques.
Source: oec.world
These sales reflect the current demand for artwork from European countries.
It’s also important to make sure you’re working with a reputable business or individual. Buyers need to be aware of potential scams when buying art. Purchasing from an established and notable gallery or museum is usually a safe transaction. However, when purchasing from a private individual, I recommend taking a few extra precautions to ensure they’re legitimate.
Research and consider the following when working with a private artist or art dealer:
When you bring art into the U.S. from a foreign country, it helps to have peace of mind knowing that you are working with a qualified and professional individual.
Since artwork comes in many shapes, sizes, and textures, there isn’t one particular packing and shipping method that works for all situations. For example, you wouldn’t use the same process to pack and ship an eight-foot watercolor painting that you would for a twenty-foot tall wooden sculpture.
When importing multiple pieces of artwork, you may have to decide between a full container load (FCL) or less than container load (LCL).
If you have art pieces that are extremely sensitive or valuable, you can still choose FCL options for the added security and speed.
Art importers should also be aware of any temperature controls their goods may require. Works of art, particularly antique paintings, can suffer damage outside specific temperature and humidity levels. If you’re making your own shipping arrangements, see to it that your carrier is qualified to accommodate these needs.
When shipping art from Canada to the U.S., importers need to complete CBP Form 434 and CBSA Form B232. These forms allow for goods traveling from Canada to the U.S. to be exempt from import and export duties in most cases.
This is largely due to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The USMCA dictates that most goods exchanged between Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. are exempt from import duties.
Thanks to this arrangement, shipping goods (including artwork) from Canada to the U.S. typically requires less paperwork and is cheaper when compared to other countries, making our neighbor to the north an attractive option.
If the total value of your art shipment exceeds $2,500, a customs bond will be required. Having this bond will ensure that all duties and fees are paid, reducing the likelihood that your shipment will face delays at the border.
Customs bonds can be purchased individually, or your broker may recommend using their bond when importing your shipments. Brokers can also assist you with a number of other services that simplify the import process.
Related: How to Get a Customs Bond
There are many important details to consider when importing art. Processing all of this information can be time-consuming and stressful. For this reason, many art importers work with a customs broker.
At USA Customs Clearance, our experienced brokers have worked with thousands of importers just like you to simplify the importing process.
Our services include:
When combined, these services work to make sure that your shipment arrives on time and avoid any issues at the border. Give us a call at (855) 912-0406, or contact us online for picture-perfect assistance with importing artwork.
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Hi, I’m an artist from New York. I've recently sent over a few drawings to Singapore. They were subsequently framed there and shown at an exhibition. The works are all valued at over $2500. I now need to ship them back to the US - may I ask if there will be any duties or taxes? Thank you in advance.
Hello! I'm based here in Ireland & I've been commissioned to create a series of drawings for an art firm in the US, to decorate a health clinic also in the US. The value of the artwork will exceed $2,500, but as the drawings are not actually for resale, does that mean they will be duty free?
I am a ceramic artist in Canada. I am putting together a quote for a client in New York for ceramic tiles I will be making. Don’t know if I need to include duty or other import fees. Value of about 5000 usd.
Hi, My wife inherted about 50 paintings from her late father's estate that are origional art painting he created. They are in the UK (oil on canvas and water colour of various sizes). She is visiting the UK and plannes to bring several of the small ones back home to the US in her luggage to place in our home for personal use. What is the US Customs process for (forms/declariations, etc.) when she lands in the US.
Thank you
I will be purchasing a hand painted life size fiberglass cow from France and having it shipped to the US (for personal use, not for resale). Is there any action required to do so or should the shipping companies handle everything door to door?
I bought a wildlife print from a private seller in Canada. I would like to bring it back to the US by car. It was $3500 Canadian dollars. Do I need to do anything special for it? Planning on picking it up ASAP
Hello
I have just moved to Italy from the USA and I am a painter. I have three commercial galleries that I work with in USA and would like to send paintings to the galleries. The value of the paintings range from 500 to 5000 USD. What do I have to do in order to clear customs and get the work to the galleries.
I want to import 2 pop art paintings from Spain to the USA. The frames are made of wood (I don't know what type of wood). The paintings were originally made in Cyprus and I had them shipped from Cyprus to Spain a few years ago. The paintings have been wrapped up ready for shipping for the last few months. Because the frames are made of wood, will the paintings need to be fumigated ?
Hello, I have some original paintings (3)I would like to bring to the USA from Spain. They are family paintings I would like to have in my home. Their value is around $1,000 or less each. I don't have any documentation of purchase since they were purchased by my parents many years ago. Do I need any kind of documentation to prove I am the owner? Thanks
Hello,
we are looking to import an original art installation (string art technique) to the US from Poland. The installation is getting produced for a private museum in the US. It will be prepared in Poland, packaged and built up again in the museum in US.
I would like to learn about the costs/paperwork etc.
The installation price is over 10000$
Kind Regards,
Michal
Hi, I’m Canadian, hoping to bring some original paintings from Canada to the USA and gift them to a friend. What would I need to declare for this? Thank you!
Hi,
I wish to bring a recently acquired Batik painting from Indonesia to the US by plane. The value of the Batik is about $5500. I’m not sure if Batik is considered art work as defined by the US customs and how to handle the import of that painting. Can I actually bring it with me along in the plane or does it need to be shipped?
Regards
I am planning to bring about 12 pieces of my original artwork (sculpture) from Canada into the US to be exhibited in an accredited museum in Maryland for 5-6 months. After that these pieces will be returned to Canada. Considering that will these required any different documentation enter the US?
Hi,
I have an art gallery in London, United Kingdom. I have client interested in buying a limited edition, signed print by Damien Hirst. The value is £ 9,500. What would the import fees be for my US-based client?
Many thanks
Hello - I want to bring a piece of art to the USA for my children. It is about 80 years old - all hand made of stone.
Is there any duty to be paid on such an item?
Thank you for your Kind answer.
I intend to import about $10000 worth of original paintings into the US from Israel to sell at synagogue events and trade fairs.
Please advise the procedure for import.
Sincerely, Bernard Zagdanski
Hi Bernard,
We can definitely go over all of the procedures you'll need to follow. Because your import is for resale and valued at over $2,500, you'll need to secure your shipment with a customs bond. We'll be happy to provide you with a customs bond and also consult with you to review all of the import requirements you'll need to comply with. One of our import experts will reach out to you shortly to provide further assistance. We look forward to helping you!
Hello
I would like to send two oil paintings to the USA for sale by auction. They were originally painted in Arizona in the mid 1950s and so would be returning there. They are less likely to sell in UK as their subject matter is USA desert scenery. Please advise if there is any customs to pay on this. Their value would be up to $7000,00.
Hi Maureen,
Original artwork is classified as duty-free. You will need to provide documentation proving that the artwork is original and not a mass reproduction.
Hello. I’m an artist working in the US, selling my work in a gallery here. I’m considering spending some time in South America, and would be making art there. I would need to ship the work I make back into the US to sell through my gallery, would this require any additional payments or paperwork to get it shipped back?
Hi Jaimon,
One of our customs experts will reach out to you shortly to assist you with your inquiry. We look forward to helping you!
Hello - Would an original painting from the UK have duties applied to it when shipping to the USA? The value is 2450GBP. Also some vintage (not antique) chairs from Portugal, value $2200USD Thanks!
Hi Boyd,
Original artwork is duty-free as long as documentation is provided that proves the art is not a reprint or mass production. If these products are being imported for a business, we'll be happy to help you!
Hello. I would like to know if I can bring by plane 6 works of art of my property for a value of 300 usd each.(1900 usd total estimate)
All of them are without their frame.
Hi Sergio,
You can certainly bring these with you to the U.S. The procedure that you'll need to follow will depend on whether these are being imported for personal use or commcercial resale. One of our customs experts will reach out to you shortly to obtain some additional information so that we can help you. We look forward to assisting you.
I am purchasing an original oil painting (not for commercial use) from Germany, whose value is 2600 USD. No plans to resell or give away. Will be packed and shipped by 3rd-party shippers.
What do I need to do, if anything?
Hi Benjamin,
Because your import is for personal use, we suggest following our guide at the link below. Please let us know if you have any other questions!
Importing Personal Goods
Hello,
We commissioned a Japanese artist to make a painting, which she is sending to us in a crate from Japan via FedEx. It will be for personal use to be displayed in our home. Do we need to pay an import tax? If yes, how do we do that? It seems from the article, a tax is only paid if we were going to sell it.
Hi Lawrence,
You won't need to pay an import duty on this shipment as long as sufficient evidence is given to prove that the artwork is original. A certified statement from the artist is typically sufficient.
Hi Randy.
I sold my original painting /above $3000/ from UK to USA via known gallery, that deducted VAT from me, using hyperwallet system which is a nightmare. Im an individual, not vat registered neither in USA nor UK. They claim its based on law. I have provided certificate about the work that is original. Should I been charge vat by them?
HI. I am trying to import a work of art from a family relative who lives in Sicily. The approximate value for his work is $700 USD. It is not clear to me from reading your site what I must do to safely and legally get this painting here to the US. Could you please offer some suggestions or a path I need to follow to get more help?
Thank you.
Hi Michael,
One of our import exports will reach out to you shortly to provide assistance. We look forward to helping you!
I want to import some pieces from Japan, one is a series-issues lithograph (1/50 pcs) the other is an original canvas work. Can they both come in duty free?
Is the sales tax charged if imported to California, or is it better to send to another state?
The gallery can arrange shipping but are you capable to work directly with the gallery and arrange instead. My concern is they won’t know the proper way to declare on the import forms.
Thank you
Hi Eric,
You asked some great questions! We advise consulting with our Licensed Customs Brokers. They'll be able to answer all of your questions and make sure your art is imported properly. You can purchase a consulting session at the link below.
Import Export Consulting Services
I will be travelling to US from India and want to bring 50-70 pieces of original art work (small size paintings without frames) to sell. The original cost of all the art work would be ~2000 USD.
Most of the paintings will be sold through NGOs or religious/cultural trusts. How should I declare and is any custom duty required?
Hi Nimish,
Because the paintings are original artwork, there should be no duty applied to them at the time of import. However, since they're being imported for commerical use (resale), you need to secure a customs bond for your shipment. We offer continuous customs bonds for just $245. We look forward to assisting you further!
Hello i'm looking at importing resin based wall clocks, art pieces and wood based products from India. Would look at reselling them here in the US. Would there be in import duty or fees on the shipment if the total cost of the entire shipment is less than $2500?
Also what documents would I need to prove that it is original art work?
Hi Khyati,
You won't need to pay any import duty if the shipment value is less than $2,500. A written declaration signed by the original creator of the art should be provided at the time of import. One of our import experts will reach out to you provide additional information on this declaration.
I wish to import 12 pieces of original wall art work made with Fiberglass size will be 6.5 x 4.5 almost and its also called FRP from India to Reno Nevada USA
My intention resell them here as retailer online . Each has an original cost of about US$700 per pieces.Total 12 pieces
I have a plan this shipment in August or Sept 2020 and if all going well I have plan to import regular basis , could you please let me know what is the import duty in USA and what is HST code
Please response Aooreciate
Thanks much,
Harry
Hi Harvinder,
Generally, original artwork is duty-free. In order to qualify for the duty-free status though, you'll need to ensure you have the proper documentation in place. Our Licensed Customs Brokers can assist you with this. They can also assist in identifying your artwork with the proper HS Code. You can reach out to our team at (855)912-0406 or schedule an import consulting session with our Licensed Customs Brokers. We look forward to helping you.
I am driving from Canada back to the USA on June 25 (Peace Bridge), Mom wants to give me a statue. Looks to me like Sysiphus (guy pushing a rock) by Ganu Gantcheff. idk what it is worth. They got it at an estate auction 30 years ago for ~ $350. No receipt. Is there duty on this? Pls contact me me regarding if I need to have a broker or export/import paperwork.
Hi Frank,
As long as you're not planning to resell or give this statue to someone else, a self-declaration at the border should be sufficient and duty-free.
Good afternoon.
I'd like to know how I can import art into the U.S. from Africa?
Should I talk to a company in the port of Togo (the country I'm in) to move the art to the USA?
How do I rent a container and a ship to transport the goods?
Thank you for your help.
Hi Gabriel,
We can help you with all of this!
Reach out to our team at (855)912-0406 or schedule a customs consulting session with our team of customs experts.
Hello my name is Jonathan Heiland, I am one of the Customs Specialists with USA Customs Clearance. We will gladly assist you with your import but we will need more information about your shipment. For immediate attention please reach out to consulting@afcinternationalllc.com. We look forward to working with you!
Hello my name is Jonathan Heiland, I am one of the Customs Specialists with USA Customs Clearance. We will gladly assist you with your import but we will need more information about your shipment. For immediate attention please reach out to consulting@afcinternationalllc.com. We look forward to working with you!
Hello my name is Jonathan Heiland, I am one of the Customs Specialists with USA Customs Clearance. We will gladly assist you with your import but we will need more information about your shipment. For immediate attention please reach out to consulting@afcinternationalllc.com. We look forward to working with you!
Hello my name is Jonathan Heiland, I am one of the Customs Specialists with USA Customs Clearance. We will gladly assist you with your import but we will need more information about your shipment. For immediate attention please reach out to consulting@afcinternationalllc.com. We look forward to working with you!
Hello my name is Jonathan Heiland, I am one of the Customs Specialists with USA Customs Clearance. We will gladly assist you with your import but we will need more information about your shipment. For immediate attention please reach out to consulting@afcinternationalllc.com. We look forward to working with you!
Hello my name is Jonathan Heiland, I am one of the Customs Specialists with USA Customs Clearance. We will gladly assist you with your import but we will need more information about your shipment. For immediate attention please reach out to consulting@afcinternationalllc.com. We look forward to working with you!
Hello, I have reached out to you via email. We look forward to working with you!
I’m considering shipping a bronze statue from Oaxaca Mexico. I remember my parents shipped a wooden statue 25 years ago and US customs broke the statue to look for drugs. Do I need to be concerned about this possibility today? Please email me.
Good Morning David! Very good question! I have forwandered your question onto our Mexico Experts. They will reach out to you via email to assist!
My father has some antique arts that has more than 100 years, but as he got them from my grand father he doesn’t have any documents about it.
They are vases like gallet and lalique.
How to import to Usa for future sale or bid?
Tks
A
Good Morning! Sound like you have some beautiful family antique arts! We would definitely want to make sure that you had all the required paperwork! We suggest our import consulting service for such a situation! We look forward to hearing from you soon!
I wish to import 2 dozen pieces of original art work from Montreal to Florida.
My intention is to open sell them here. Each has an original cost of about 4000 CAD.
I have a shipment of personal goods already coming down with a friend in a trailer on 2019-12-15.
There is sufficient room for the art work. If things go well I would like to do it again through 2020 as well.
I do not want him to have any problem at the border.
Hello - we replied to your inquiry by email. Please let us know if you have other questions.
Need info on duties for a bronze handmade statue coming from China to USA . Value is $17000 will likely ship FCL in a 20’ container.
What will fees and duties be on this end and insurance if you handle that. Thanks.
Hello- We replied to your inquiry by email. Please let us know if you have other questions.