Whether you are an artist, a gallery owner, or a collector, shipping artworks across borders requires careful attention to legal and logistical requirements. Exporting art abroad may seem complex, but with proper preparation and the necessary information, you can plan your transport without worries.

In this article, you will discover the documents needed to export art to or from France, how transport outside the EU works, and the essential points to watch for to ship your artworks safely and in compliance with regulations.

 

How Art Export Works: An Overview

Within the European Union (EU), art transport is simplified in terms of customs, as there are no customs duties or import taxes. The free movement of goods applies, allowing you to ship your artworks without special formalities. However, for shipments to countries outside the EU, such as Switzerland, the United States, or Japan, strict customs rules apply.

The transport of an artwork to a non-EU country generally follows this procedure:

1. Document Preparation: Gather all necessary documents and data regarding the artwork you wish to transport. This includes proof of your artwork’s value and your EORI number.
2. Export Customs Clearance: Customs authorities in France require a pro forma invoice to verify the shipment and complete customs formalities. This contains all relevant information about your shipment. If you book your transport via Moviiu, we prepare the pro forma invoice for you based on the information you provide.
3. Packaging and Logistics: Pack the artwork securely and choose an appropriate transport mode. With Moviiu’s all-in-one shipping solution, packaging and the carrier are already organized for you, and all necessary documents for a seamless export and import process are provided.
4. Clearance: The shipment is inspected by customs and officially authorized for export. You will then receive an export note issued by the carrier, which you should keep for your records.
5. Shipping to the Destination Country: After customs authorization, the artwork begins its journey. In the destination country, customs duties, taxes, and other import fees may apply and must be paid by the recipient. For this, our transport partners FedEx and DHL Express contact the recipient directly. The shipment is delivered after payment of import duties.

Customs Declaration in France

French customs authorities do not require a specific document for exporting art abroad. The pro forma invoice we prepare, containing all necessary information, is sufficient. It also serves as a transport document used by carriers and logistics companies to identify the content, value, and purpose of the shipment. It is also crucial for the authorities in the importing country (non-EU).

The pro forma invoice also mentions the HS Code (Harmonized System). This is an international commodity code used to uniquely classify goods, facilitating the calculation of duties and taxes.

Our system needs specific information to create the correct HS code, including the year of creation (more or less than 100 years old), country of origin, material, net weight, and category (Painting, Sculpture, Jewelry, Books, etc.).

Practical Tips for Art Transport

• Packaging: Artworks must be packed with care. Our packaging, specially designed for art, is custom-made to offer optimal protection.
• Insurance: Transport insurance provides extra security. With Moviiu, you can add optional Ad Valorem insurance (1% of the value or minimum €25) covering artworks up to €100,000.
• The Right Carrier: Moviiu handles the search for the best transport service. We work with a reliable network of couriers and art transport specialists.

Conclusion: Preparation is Key

Exporting art abroad requires meticulous planning. With Moviiu as your partner, we handle the complicated steps so you can focus on what matters most. Have questions? Our experts are here to help!