If you are an artist, collector, or simply a lover of visual art, and you need to send a painting abroad, you need to know the basic rules and recommendations that will help you avoid problems and risks during transportation.

We will look at different options for delivering paintings abroad, rules and requirements for transporting paintings by plane, ways to send paintings by mail abroad, customs procedures and documents when transporting paintings across the border, as well as possibilities and limitations when sending paintings without a certificate abroad. In addition, we will provide experienced advice and recommendations on delivering paintings abroad and tell you about the most convenient and affordable ways to transport paintings from Ukraine abroad.

This is a fairly common question for an artist or art gallery - sending and transporting paintings, graphics, sculptures, and icons abroad. We will cover this in more detail.

How to Send a Painting Abroad

Before sending a painting abroad, you need to choose a company that handles the delivery of paintings. There are many transport companies that offer such services, and the choice can be challenging.

4 Key Factors for Choosing a Transport Company

Company Reputation
The reputation of a transport company plays a key role in the selection process. Find information about the company online, pay attention to customer reviews on independent platforms, and look at the overall rating. Pay attention to the company's experience in transporting art objects, as this requires special skills and equipment. It is also worth checking the availability of licenses and certificates confirming the company's reliability to ensure your painting arrives at its destination in perfect condition.
Delivery Cost
The cost of delivering paintings abroad can vary significantly depending on the chosen company, the destination country, and the delivery method. The transportation of valuable art objects often requires insurance, which can increase overall costs. When calculating the cost, consider factors such as the size and weight of the painting, the need for special packaging, possible taxes, and fees when crossing borders. Clarify all details with the transport company in advance to avoid unexpected expenses during the process.
Delivery Speed
Delivery speed is an important factor, especially if the painting must arrive by a certain date, such as for an exhibition or private event. Some transport companies offer expedited delivery, which can be useful for tight deadlines, although this may cost more. Find out how well the company meets deadlines and whether it can provide real-time shipment tracking. This will help you always know the location of the painting and be confident it will arrive on time.
Packing Services
Quality packing of paintings is a necessary step in delivery, as art objects are extremely sensitive to changes in humidity, vibration, and impact. Some companies offer professional packing services, including the use of materials such as protective films, foam, specialized containers, and wooden crates. Find out if the transport company offers such services and ask how they protect the painting at each stage of transport. Proper packing can play a crucial role in preserving the painting during long-distance transportation.

International Delivery of Art Objects (Paintings, Graphics, Sculptures, and Icons)

The stage of obtaining an expert permit for exporting an art object has already been completed, the work has already been properly packed, and now only the delivery to the destination remains.

World-renowned companies - such as Fedex, Dhl, Meest - sometimes quote rather high rates and packaging requirements. For example, Meest, like Nova Poshta, does not transport bronze items; Nova Poshta does not deliver paintings and bronze items abroad at all. Fedex and Dhl will require a wooden frame and crate for transporting paintings, which will significantly increase the weight and cost of delivery. Moreover, the delivery cost of these carriers starts from $450/item.

Of course, each case is individually calculated, but to transport an art object or several such objects profitably and efficiently, an experienced approach is required. Our managers provide professional assistance in delivering (shipping) art objects outside Ukraine:

  • finding a reliable carrier for door-to-door delivery worldwide and insuring the parcel;
  • providing a tracking number and website for parcel tracking;
  • fast and careful delivery (for example, 12-21 days to the USA).
packing paintings, sculptures, international delivery of art objects abroad, transport
packing paintings, sculptures


We also have a direct contract with "Ukrposhta," which offers several advantages:

- Ukrposhta is the only Ukrainian service that has certification, licenses, and permits for delivering almost all cargo from Ukraine (Nova Poshta does not have the right and does not transport paintings, sculptures from Ukraine);

- we ship promptly, pass customs control within 3 days;

- we deliver even large-format paintings (over 150 x 150 cm);

- we label the cargo as "fragile" and indicate the edge side as the main one (to ensure the painting is not laid down and nothing is placed on top of it);

- direct relationships also allow us to offer you an affordable delivery cost.

Art Transport Cases

Our Video Portfolio

Recently, we moved an artist's workshop from Kyiv to Paris and delivered over 100 paintings:


We transported a fragile porcelain sculpture 120 cm high:


Delivery of Art Objects (Paintings, Sculptures, Icons) in Kyiv and Ukraine

We carefully pack paintings and sculptures, securely fasten the cargo in the luggage compartment, and deliver it to addresses in Kyiv and throughout Ukraine (within 1-3 days). Call us, and we will consult on the cost and delivery time.

delivery of paintings, sculptures in Kyiv and Ukraine
delivery of paintings, sculptures in Kyiv and Ukraine


Exporting Paintings and Sculptures Across the Border: Customs Procedures and Documents

Transporting paintings across the border can be a complicated and confusing procedure, especially if you do not know the customs rules and requirements. In this article, we will explain how to transport a painting across the border and what customs procedures and documents you need to comply with.

Customs Rules and Requirements

Before sending a painting abroad, you need to make sure that you comply with all customs rules and requirements. These rules may vary in each country, so it is better to study all the nuances in advance.

As a rule, a customs declaration must be filled out to transport paintings abroad. The declaration should indicate the description and value of the paintings, as well as the main purpose of transportation. The declaration can be filled out independently or through the transport company handling the transportation.

Transporting Paintings

A painting can be transported in various ways: by plane, car, mail, etc. It is important to choose the optimal transportation method, taking into account the size and value of the paintings, as well as the distance to the destination.



Frequently Asked Questions

What types of art objects does your organization deliver?

We deliver paintings, sculptures, and icons throughout Ukraine and abroad.

How is art delivery carried out?

We carefully pack art objects, securely fasten the cargo in the luggage compartment, and deliver them in the shortest possible time.

How can I find out the cost and delivery time?

You can contact us by phone, write to us on Telegram, Viber, or email, and we will consult you on the cost and delivery time.

What customs procedures and documents are required for transporting paintings abroad?

A customs declaration must be filled out for transporting paintings abroad, indicating the description and value of the paintings, as well as the main purpose of transportation.

How can a painting be transported abroad?

A painting can be transported in various ways: by plane, car, mail, etc. It is necessary to choose the optimal transportation method, taking into account the size and value of the paintings, as well as the distance to the destination.

What are the requirements for sending paintings abroad by mail?

To send paintings abroad by mail, customs rules and requirements must be followed, and a customs declaration must be filled out indicating the description and value of the paintings. The appropriate transportation method must also be selected. Depending on the destination country, there may be additional requirements, so it is better to study all the nuances in advance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, transporting paintings abroad is a responsible and labor-intensive process that requires knowledge of customs rules and procedures, selecting the optimal delivery method, and preparing the necessary documents from the sender.

However, by following all the rules and recommendations, you can ensure the safe and successful delivery of a painting to any point in the world. It is important not to save on the quality of packaging and insurance to avoid losses and damage during transportation. It is also essential to remember the artistic value of paintings and their history, which can increase their value and attract the attention of collectors and museums.


To calculate the cost of delivery, transportation of cargo (art objects - paintings, sculptures) - call or write to us. We work daily from 10:00 to 20:00.