What documents are required for sending and shipping paintings abroad?

hiti22December 16, 2024

Sending works of art abroad has its own specifics. In this article, we reveal important aspects to help you ship and transport artworks outside of Ukraine easily and conveniently.

Reading time: 4-5 minutes.

No matter how the painting crosses the border—by mail, personal transport, or through delivery drivers—you must have 3 mandatory documents.


permit for exporting paintings abroad, conclusion, expert evaluation, cultural value

Permit for Exporting Paintings Abroad


This document is often referred to as an expert evaluation, permit, certificate, or reference. Legally, it is an expert’s conclusion stating that a piece of art does not represent cultural value on a national scale.

To ship paintings, graphics, sculptures, or icons, a permit from the Ministry of Culture, its departments, or authorized state museums is required. A full list of applicable items is specified in the Order of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine No. 400 dated 25.07.2023. This order approves the List of state institutions, cultural establishments, and other organizations authorized to conduct state expertise of cultural values.

The legislator’s position is to preserve cultural values so that they remain in Ukraine and serve as part of the national heritage. The Law of Ukraine "On Export, Import, and Return of Cultural Values" No. 1068-XIV defines what constitutes cultural value:

- Objects of material and spiritual culture that have artistic, historical, ethnographic, or scientific significance and must be preserved, reproduced, and protected under Ukrainian law, specifically:

-- Original artistic works of painting, graphics, and sculpture, artistic compositions and installations made from any materials, works of decorative-applied and traditional folk art; 

-- Items related to historical events, the development of society and the state, the history of science and culture, as well as those concerning the lives and activities of prominent figures in politics, social and religious organizations, science, culture, and art;

-- Museum-worthy objects discovered during archaeological excavations, etc.


paintings allowed for export outside Ukraine
On the left – a modern painting that can be exported abroad. On the right – an antique painting from the 19th century, which cannot be exported.


Simply put, if an artwork was created after 1950, it can be exported outside of Ukraine. If a painting or sculpture was created before 1950, it is considered an antique or an old artifact and, as such, cannot be taken abroad.

The conclusion of a state expert certifies that your piece of art is not of national cultural significance. This document confirms that your painting:

- Does not have significant cultural value for Ukraine;

- Is not included in the list of national cultural heritage;

- Is not listed among artworks lost by Ukrainian museums.

Additionally, the permit includes a photo of the painting and its appraised value.


It is also prohibited to export artworks created after 1950 if the author is a prominent cultural figure of Ukraine. These include:
 - Mykola Petrovych Hlushchenko – People’s Artist of the Ukrainian SSR;
 - Serhii Fedorovych Shyshko – People’s Artist of the Ukrainian SSR;
 - Tetiana Nylivna Yablonska – Professor of Arts, People’s Artist of the Ukrainian SSR;
 - Maria Avksentiyivna Prymachenko – People’s Artist of the Ukrainian SSR; 
 - Kateryna Vasylivna Bilokur – People’s Artist of the Ukrainian SSR.
These artists painted works after 1950, so it may seem that their paintings can be exported. However, in reality, obtaining an export permit for these artists’ works is impossible because they are considered essential parts of Ukraine’s cultural heritage.


➦ Received an export permit for a painting? Our experts can process it remotely in just 1-2 days. Once ready, we send the documents via Nova Poshta.


Call us at +38 063 247 8102

Or message us via Telegram, Viber, or WhatsApp


Short video about the documents required for exporting paintings abroad ↓



Interesting Offers:

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Free permit for exporting paintings

Order "turnkey" delivery, and we will take care of everything for you. We will:
- Arrange an expert conclusion;
- Prepare export documents;
- Send via mail or carrier;
- Provide a tracking number within 2-4 days.
box for shipping paintings abroad, packaging for international art shipping

15% Discount on boxes for shipping paintings

When ordering an export permit, receive a 15% discount on packaging (box, crate) for international shipping. We have developed a durable design that protects valuable and fragile artwork throughout the delivery process.



exporting cultural values, works of art, antiques
Maria Prymachenko’s works exhibited at the Ukrainian House

How to Export Works of Art Created Before 1950?


If a painting, sculpture, or icon was created before 1950, it is considered an antique. If a work of art was created by a highly prominent Ukrainian artist after 1950, it is classified as a cultural treasure of national significance. Such items are prohibited from being exported from Ukraine.

However, Ukrainian legislation provides for a temporary export procedure for such items, for example, for exhibitions. The procedure for obtaining the necessary documents for a temporary export permit is outlined in the Instruction on the Procedure for Granting the Right to Export, Temporarily Export Cultural Values, and Control Over Their Movement Across the State Border of Ukraine, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Culture and Arts of Ukraine No. 258 dated 22.04.2002.

To obtain a certificate for temporary export, the following documents are required:

- An application (petition) from the owner requesting the permit;

- An expert conclusion confirming cultural value and granting permission for transportation;

- A valid insurance contract for the cargo;

- A deposit payment and a guarantee letter confirming the owner’s intention to return the artwork to Ukraine within the specified period.


example of filling out a customs declaration for mailing a painting
Example of a completed CN-23 customs declaration for shipping a painting internationally

Customs Declaration for Border Crossing

export documents


The second required document for exporting or mailing artworks is a correctly completed customs declaration. 

When sending via postal operators (Ukrposhta, DHL, Meest), you must fill out the CN23 declaration form. If a painting is transported across the border by land, an MD-2 declaration must be completed.

This step is not overly complicated—just ensure that all data is entered correctly:

- Sender’s details: full name, address, phone number, email;

- Recipient’s details: full name, address, phone number, email;

- Description of contents (quantity of items, estimated value, weight);

- Type of shipment (documents, gift, commercial sample, product return, or other).

The declaration must also specify the item code according to the TN VED (Ukrainian Classification of Goods for Foreign Trade). In our previous article, we provided a list of commonly used codes for goods and items.

If you are shipping more than 10 items, you will need assistance from a customs broker. A large quantity of goods is typically classified as a commercial shipment by customs authorities, requiring a different process that includes customs clearance and additional documentation.


Need consultation? We can help +38 063 247 8102

Write to us via Telegram, Viber, or WhatsApp


Required Documents for Sending Paintings Abroad: Full List

To successfully send paintings abroad or transport them personally, you will need a basic document package that includes:

  • Export permit (expert conclusion) – confirms that the artwork is not part of the national cultural heritage and is not banned for export;
  • Customs declaration – regardless of the shipping method, you must correctly fill out form CN23 or MD-2;
  • Export documents confirming the value (invoice, bill of sale, or receipt);
  • Insurance (optional) – especially recommended for valuable works; a policy covering damage or loss may be beneficial;
  • Supporting documents – certificates of authenticity or authorship verification can help expedite customs clearance.

Proper art documentation for export helps avoid complications at customs. If you are unsure of the specific requirements for your destination country, consult a customs broker or gallery specialist. The exact list often depends on the artwork’s value, edition size, and legal requirements of the destination country.

certificate of authenticity for painting export
Certificate of authenticity in English for international painting export

Invoice, Receipt, or Other Document Confirming Painting Value

If you are shipping or transporting up to 10 artworks with a small estimated value, an invoice or receipt is not always mandatory. However, it is recommended to avoid customs delays. If the artwork is highly valuable or you are shipping more than 10 pieces, a document confirming its value is mandatory. 

Such documents include:

- Sales receipt, fiscal receipt, bill of sale;

- Invoice (Invoice), certificate of authenticity.

The key requirement is that this document specifies the market or estimated value of the artwork. Customs officials in Ukraine and other countries will use this value to determine whether import duties apply. If the shipment includes up to 10 items and has an estimated value under €50, the sender is typically exempt from customs clearance procedures. Since customs policies vary across 240+ countries, it’s best to clarify these issues before shipping or traveling abroad.

Order a certificate of authenticity from ArtDom Gallery to receive a document in English specifying the estimated value. This will greatly assist with customs clearance, ensuring that customs fees are calculated based on this document.

ArtDom Gallery is happy to assist you with all necessary documents.

We issue an export permit within 1 day, cost 500 UAH.

Remote document processing is available. You do not need to bring paintings to our office; completed documents will be sent via Nova Poshta.

Reliable packaging for valuable and fragile artworks. Production time: 1-3 days, cost from 300 UAH.

"Turnkey" delivery within 2-4 days. You provide the paintings, we handle everything and provide a tracking number.

Questions? We are happy to assist +38 063 247 8102

Or write to us via Telegram, Viber, or WhatsApp


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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a permit required if the painting is modern and created after 1950?

Yes, even for modern works created after 1950, an expert conclusion is usually required to confirm that the painting is not a cultural value. This verifies that the artwork does not belong to a category restricted from being exported outside Ukraine.

Can a painting be sent by mail without filling out a customs declaration?

No, without a completed customs declaration (CN23 or another relevant form), postal services will not accept the shipment for international delivery. The declaration is required for official processing and to avoid customs delays.

What should I do if the painting was created before 1950?

Works of art created before 1950 are generally classified as antiques, and their export is prohibited. However, temporary export is possible for exhibition purposes. To do this, a certificate must be obtained, along with a guarantee letter and an insurance contract ensuring the painting’s return to Ukraine within the specified timeframe.

Is it mandatory to have an invoice or receipt?

For shipping paintings of low estimated value (up to 10 pieces), an invoice or receipt is not always required. However, having such a document listing the artwork’s price reduces the chances of additional customs questions. If the artwork is highly valuable or exceeds 10 pieces, an invoice is mandatory.

How quickly can an export permit be obtained?

If you contact specialists, the permit can be processed remotely and issued within 1-2 days. This saves time and helps avoid document errors during the procedure.

Is it necessary to insure a painting during shipment?

Insurance is not a mandatory requirement, but it is highly recommended, especially for valuable or unique artworks. It protects you from financial losses in case of damage or loss of the painting during transit.


Sources:

- Order of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine "On the Approval of the List of State Institutions, Cultural Establishments, and Other Organizations Authorized to Conduct State Expertise of Cultural Values" No. 400 dated 25.07.2023;

- Law of Ukraine "On the Export, Import, and Return of Cultural Values" No. 1068-XIV dated 21.09.1999;

- Order of the Ministry of Culture and Arts of Ukraine "Instruction on the Procedure for Granting the Right to Export, Temporarily Export Cultural Values, and Control Over Their Movement Across the State Border of Ukraine" No. 258 dated 22.04.2002

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