Real Stories: Successful International Art Shipping with ARTDOM

how to send a painting abroad from ukraine

At ARTDOM, we solve international art shipping tasks every day: antique paintings, modern sculptures, and collectible objects are safely sent to all corners of the world by our team. Over the years, we have built a reputation as a trusted partner for galleries, artists, and private collectors.
In this article, we’ll share real-life stories showing how to send a painting abroad from Ukraine, what challenges may arise along the way, and why an experienced, professional approach is key to a worry-free and successful shipment.

The Importance of Successful International Art Shipping

Every artwork shipped internationally with ARTDOM is the result of more than just logistics. We handle the entire process: obtaining permission to export a painting from Ukraine, professional packaging, insurance, arranging an artwork export expert opinion, preparing all required documents, and monitoring the shipment until it’s delivered to the recipient.
For us, success means not only prompt delivery, but also complete preservation of the piece, perfect paperwork, and the sincere gratitude of our client.

Why Experience and Professionalism Matter

We understand what can happen when shipping art: damage, delays, customs issues, or lost documents. That’s why the ARTDOM team controls every step — from the initial consultation to the final handover.
Our experts in art, logistics, packing, and international law guarantee total responsibility and a comprehensive escort for your artwork, regardless of destination.

Challenges and Risks of International Art Shipping

What Can Go Wrong: Damage, Delays, Customs Issues

Art shipping is a high-risk zone. Even a minor packaging error, incorrectly completed documents, or the wrong choice of courier can result in:

• Damage to the canvas, frame, or glass due to vibration or poor packing.
• Delays or lost cargo due to document mistakes.
• Customs questions: missing permission to export a painting from Ukraine, an incomplete sample expert conclusion for export of paintings and artworks, or lack of insurance.
• Environmental factors: improper temperature, humidity, or labeling.
  
  

How Proper Organization Prevents Problems

At ARTDOM, we act proactively: we obtain permission for art export in advance, arrange an expert conclusion for paintings, art, and artworks, choose packaging with regard to climate, and provide full documentation and insurance.

Center for packing valuable and fragile items in Ukraine – https://packingcentre.com.ua/en

Case Study #1: Shipping an Antique Painting from Ukraine to France

Client: Private collector, Kyiv–Paris
Task: Shipping a 19th-century antique painting with a unique frame and glass, high insurance value.

• Our experts prepared an artwork export expert opinion, detailed condition report, and secured permission to export the painting from Ukraine.
• For the client, we provided a sample expert conclusion for art export in both languages.
• Packaging: acid-free paper, a custom wooden crate with shock absorption, temperature and humidity sensors.
• Climate control and personal manager for the shipment at every stage.
• Continuous GPS monitoring and photo documentation.
• Result — the painting arrived in Paris in perfect condition; the client personally thanked ARTDOM for premium-level service.
  
  

Case Study #2: Shipping a Modern Sculpture to the USA

Client: Gallery, New York
Task: Shipping a large, uniquely-shaped modern sculpture, custom crate and fixation system required.

• ARTDOM engineers worked with the artist to design fixtures that perfectly secured the sculpture in the container.
• Every element was protected with foam and polystyrene; impact sensors monitored the journey.
• Full photo and video documentation for insurance purposes.
• All permissions, insurance, and permission for art export for modern artworks were processed.
• Result — the sculpture arrived in New York with zero damage and was quickly integrated into the gallery’s exhibition.
  
  

Case Study #3: Group Shipment of a Painting Collection to an Exhibition in Italy

Client: Exhibition curator, Italy
Task: Shipping 14 paintings by contemporary Ukrainian artists for an international show.

• Logistics coordination: collecting paintings at ARTDOM’s warehouse, individual packaging for each piece.
• Each painting received an expert opinion and art export permission. Collective invoices, certificates, and translated documents were prepared.
• Packaging: strong group crate with dividers, temperature control, temporary storage at ARTDOM’s facility.
• The shipment passed all customs procedures without delay.
• Result — the exhibition was a success, and all works were returned to the artists in perfect condition. The curator highlighted ARTDOM’s speed and professionalism.
  
  

Special Cases: Unusual Situations and Solutions

Shipping to Countries with Special Customs Regimes
ARTDOM has organized shipments to destinations with strict customs requirements (Middle East, Asia, USA).
We consult with local experts in advance, prepare all documents according to international standards, and obtain an artwork export expert opinion as required by the destination country.

Emergency Shipping Due to Force Majeure
In cases of sudden exhibition cancellations or schedule changes, we quickly prepare documents and route urgent deliveries with guaranteed safety for the artwork.

Repacking Damaged Items En Route
If packaging is damaged during transit, our specialist personally repacks the object at the transit point, documents the process, and keeps the client informed—thus preventing any losses.

The Role of the ARTDOM Professional Team

Why Specialist Experience Is Crucial

Every ARTDOM case is the result of a well-coordinated team effort: art experts, logisticians, packers, and lawyers.
We don’t just know how to send a painting abroad from Ukraine — we take care of every step: securing permission to export paintings, preparing expert conclusions for paintings, art, and artworks, providing sample expert conclusions for export of paintings and artworks, and escorting the shipment through every stage.

Collaboration with Artists, Curators, Galleries

ARTDOM works closely with artists, curators, museums, and private collectors. Each client receives full process transparency — online reports, photos, and video materials at every step.

Guarantees and Responsibility

• Official contracts, insurance, and control at every stage are our standard.
• ARTDOM is responsible for the safety of your artwork from pickup to handover.
  
  

Brief ARTDOM Tips for Shipping Art Internationally

• Choose a company with a proven track record in international art shipping.
• Make sure your carrier can process all documents: permission to export a painting, artwork export expert opinion, invoices, insurance.
• Use packaging that meets international standards: custom crates, protection against vibration, humidity, and temperature changes.
• Document the artwork’s condition with photos and videos.
• If needed, request a sample expert conclusion for art export and personalized logistics advice from ARTDOM.
• Remember: properly prepared paperwork is the key to fast, hassle-free customs clearance.
  
  

Conclusion

ARTDOM’s experience proves that a professional team, attention to detail, and responsibility at every step are key to successful international art shipping.
If you want complete peace of mind when shipping your painting, sculpture, or collection, trust ARTDOM experts.

Planning to ship a painting, sculpture, or collection abroad? Contact ARTDOM — we know how to protect your artwork, prepare all documents, and guarantee safe, legal, and timely delivery to any country!

Call us and we will advise you +380632478102.

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