Shipping Artwork & Paintings Internationally
Original artwork requires accurate customs declarations, careful packing and specialist insurance — never use standard carrier liability.
Shipping artwork internationally — paintings, prints, sculptures, photographs and ceramics — involves three critical areas: physical protection against impact and environmental damage, accurate customs declaration with correct HS codes for original vs reproduction art, and insurance at the correct declared value. Standard carrier liability (€20/kg) is wholly inadequate for art — a 2kg canvas worth €5,000 would receive a maximum payout of €40 under basic carrier terms. Art-specific packing (mirror-box technique for canvases, custom crating for sculptures) and declared value insurance are non-optional for valuable pieces. Portugal has cultural export regulations for significant works — pieces by recognised artists or over certain values may require an export licence.
Carrier Acceptance
| Carrier | Accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | Yes | Accepts artwork and paintings. Must be properly packed. Declared value available for insurance up to carrier limits. Express Worldwide recommended for valuable pieces. |
| FedEx | Yes | Accepts artwork with proper packaging. FedEx Declared Value Coverage available. For very high-value art (>€10,000), consider specialist art shippers with FedEx Custom Critical. |
| UPS | Yes | Accepts art with appropriate packaging. UPS Declared Value available. For sculptures, ensure packaging meets carrier's fragile item requirements. |
| DPD | Yes | Accepts artwork within EU via road service. Suitable for prints, reproductions and lower-value originals. Less suitable for very high-value or extremely fragile originals. |
| GLS | Conditions apply | GLS accepts prints and reproductions. Original high-value artwork should use express carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) with declared value cover for better claim handling. |
How to Pack Artwork & Paintings for Shipping
Protect the surface first
For framed paintings and prints: apply glassine paper (acid-free, smooth) directly against the canvas or print surface. Never use bubble wrap directly against a painted or printed surface — the plastic texture can transfer to the artwork in heat or pressure. Glassine is available from art supply shops.
Use the mirror-box technique for canvases
Build a 'mirror box': cut four strips of corrugated cardboard slightly wider than the painting depth, and create a box edge around the painting perimeter. This transfers impact away from the canvas surface to the frame/stretcher edges. Then place the protected painting between two sheets of rigid foam board cut slightly larger than the painting.
Add corner protection to frames
Foam corner protectors are essential for all framed artwork. Corners are the most vulnerable part of a frame — even padded packages drop on corners. Use L-shaped foam corners securely taped in place on all four corners.
Outer box with significant clearance
The final cardboard box should have at least 7cm of foam or bubble wrap (in addition to the glassine/foam board layers) on all sides. The artwork should not move inside the outer box. Use double-wall corrugated for outer boxes. Mark 'FRAGILE — ARTWORK — DO NOT BEND' clearly on all sides.
Document everything before shipping
Photograph the artwork from all angles (front, back, any existing damage) and the packing process. Retain the certificate of authenticity, artist details, provenance documents and purchase receipt. These are needed for customs, insurance claims, and cultural export compliance.
Customs & Declarations
Art HS codes: original paintings, drawings and pastels by hand 9701, original engravings, prints and lithographs 9702, original sculptures and statuary 9703, postage or revenue stamps 9704, antique collections/objects over 100 years old 9705, reproductions/prints 4911. Critical distinction: original art (9701–9703) typically has 0% EU import duty. Reproductions (4911) may be treated as printed matter or decorative items with different duty rates. Portugal cultural export rules: works by artists of recognised national significance, or items over 50 years old valued above €150,000, may require an export licence from the Portuguese Directorate-General of Cultural Heritage (DGPC) — allow 2–4 weeks. UK post-Brexit: 0% import duty on original art under UK-EU TCA. USA: 0% import duty on original art (US HTS 9701). Brazil: 0% import duty on original art but clearance paperwork is extensive. Temporary export (sending for exhibition and return): use ATA Carnet to avoid customs duties entirely — contact the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce.
Pro Tips
Never use standard carrier liability for original artwork — always purchase declared value insurance at the full replacement or market value of the piece.
For pieces by known artists: include a certificate of authenticity and/or gallery documentation with the shipment. This supports customs valuation and insurance claims.
The ATA Carnet is essential for temporary exports (exhibitions, art fairs, loans). It allows duty-free temporary import in 87 countries without paying and reclaiming duties.
Check CITES compliance for sculptures or artwork incorporating protected animal materials (ivory, coral, certain woods) — these require CITES permits even for artistic pieces.
For stretched canvases: if the canvas is large (over 150cm), consider de-stretching for shipping and re-stretching at destination — this dramatically reduces the packaging dimensions and risk of damage to a strained canvas.
Use a specialist art courier (Hasenkamp, Arterria, Masterpiece) for pieces over €10,000 — they carry specialist insurance, use climate-controlled vehicles and have art-handling-trained staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship a painting internationally by courier?
Yes. DHL Express, FedEx and UPS all accept paintings with proper packing. Use glassine paper against the canvas surface, corner foam protectors on frames, foam board on both sides, and a double-wall outer box with 7cm+ foam padding on all sides. Purchase declared value insurance for the full value — never rely on standard carrier liability (€20/kg) for any piece of value.
What is the customs value for artwork?
Customs value for artwork should be declared at fair market value — what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller. For original art by a living artist: the sale price or artist's price list. For secondary market pieces: auction estimates, gallery certificates or independent appraisal. Under-declaring art value is a common cause of customs hold. Original artwork (HS 9701–9703) often has 0% import duty in EU, UK and USA — so there is no financial advantage to under-declaring.
Do I need an export licence to ship art from Portugal?
Possibly. The Portuguese Cultural Heritage Law requires an export licence for: original works by artists of recognised national significance, works over 50 years old valued above €150,000, and certain categories regardless of value (e.g. archaeological objects). Apply through the DGPC (Direção-Geral do Património Cultural) well in advance — processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Failure to obtain a required licence can result in confiscation at the border.
How should I pack a large canvas for international shipping?
For canvases over 120cm: (1) apply glassine paper to the surface, (2) build a corner-and-edge cardboard frame around the painting, (3) sandwich between two sheets of rigid foam board larger than the painting, (4) bubble wrap the whole assembly (avoiding plastic on the painting surface), (5) box with 7cm+ foam clearance on all sides in a double-wall outer box. For very large canvases (over 180cm), consider de-stretching and rolling around an acid-free tube — smaller rolled dimensions mean lower shipping costs and less damage risk.
How much does it cost to ship a painting internationally?
A medium framed painting (80×60cm, approx. 5kg with packaging) typically costs €30–€60 to EU countries by DHL Express, €50–€90 to the UK, and €80–€150 to the USA. Declared value insurance adds approximately 1–3% of the declared value. Large canvases (over 150cm in any dimension) cost significantly more due to volumetric weight. Compare rates on Cargosender with the exact packed dimensions.
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