London's art market makes it a common destination for Portuguese artists and galleries. Shipping original art to the UK post-Brexit involves customs paperwork, but the duty treatment is favourable.
DHL Express has the strongest customs clearance track record for UK-bound art shipments and is generally the preferred choice for anything above modest value, given the additional post-Brexit paperwork.
Use a rigid, purpose-built art crate or a corner-protected flat case for paintings and works on paper, with acid-free tissue against the surface and foam padding on all edges. For sculpture, custom foam-lined crating is worth the cost for anything of real value.
Original art (HS 9701–9703) has 0% import duty under the UK-EU TCA. If the work is by an artist of recognised national significance or is over 50 years old and valued above €150,000, a Portuguese export licence from the DGPC may be required — allow 2–4 weeks for that separately.
No — original paintings, engravings and sculptures (HS 9701–9703) have 0% import duty entering the UK under the UK-EU TCA. Reproductions and prints (HS 4911) may be treated differently, so check which category your piece falls under.
Only in specific cases — 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 if this applies to you.
Use a rigid, purpose-built art crate or a corner-protected flat case, with acid-free tissue against the painted surface and foam padding on all edges. For temporary shipments like exhibitions, an ATA Carnet can avoid customs duties entirely on the round trip.
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