Whether you are an artist, gallery or collector – anyone who sends art across borders has to deal with the legal and logistical requirements. Exporting artworks abroad sounds complex, but with good preparation and the necessary information, you can plan your transport with peace of mind.

In this article, you will find out which documents you need to export art from Germany abroad, how transport outside the EU works and what you need to consider in order to send your art abroad safely and in accordance with the regulations.

This is how the export of artworks works: An overview

Art transport within the European Union (EU) is relatively simple, as no customs or import duties are incurred. However, strict customs regulations apply when shipping to countries outside the EU, such as Switzerland, the USA or Japan.

Transporting a work of art abroad usually follows this procedure:

1. preparing the documents: collect all the necessary documents and data relating to the artwork you wish to transport. This includes proof of the value of your artwork and your EORI number. (We explain exactly what this is and how to obtain it here (link to paragraph)
2. customs declaration: Works of art must be declared to customs. This is done with the help of the export accompanying document (ABD), which is created at the time of export. This contains all relevant information about your shipment. If you book your transport via Moviiu, we will take care of the application for you based on a few details you provide about your artwork.
3. packaging and logistics: Pack the artwork securely and choose a suitable method of transport. With Moviiu’s all-in-one shipping solution, the packaging and transport provider are already organised for you and we help you with the individual steps of customs clearance and prepare the export document for you.
4. customs clearance: The shipment is checked by German customs using the ABD and officially released for export. You will then receive the official customs exit note from us for your records.
5. dispatch to the destination country: After customs clearance, the artwork starts its journey abroad. Customs duties, taxes and other import duties may be incurred in the destination country and must be paid by the recipient. Our transport partners Fedex and UPS will contact the recipient directly. Once the import duties have been paid, the consignment is then delivered.

This overview allows you to keep an eye on the process and prepare for the individual steps.

Nothing works without it: the EORI number and how to apply for it

The EORI number (Economic Operators’ Registration and Identification number) is an identification number for cross-border trade. Companies and self-employed persons who regularly export goods need this number.

How to obtain an EORI number:

1. make an application: The EORI number can be applied for easily online at German customs.
2. processing time: It usually takes a few days for the number to be issued.
3. validity: The EORI number is valid throughout the EU and remains valid permanently.

It is not possible to declare goods to customs without this number.

The Export Accompanying Document (EAD): your most important companion for the customs declaration

The ABD is a central document for exports to countries outside the EU. It contains all the necessary information about the goods, their value and the recipient. After inspection by German customs, the ABD is provided with a digital stamp, the exit endorsement. This serves as proof that the goods have left the EU – a must for tax purposes, such as proof of VAT exemption.

To enable us to apply for the export accompanying document ABD for the customs declaration, it is sufficient to send us your EORI number (or the confirmation of the EORI receipt from German customs and the application itself as a PDF). We can then create the ABD and do not have to wait for the application to be processed.

The HS code (Harmonised System) is also part of the customs declaration. This is an international commodity code that uniquely classifies goods. The HS code makes it easier to calculate customs duties and taxes and to comply with import regulations.

Our system requires a few precise details in order to create the correct HS code for customs clearance. This includes the year of origin of the artwork (older or younger than 100 years), the country of origin, material, net weight and the category it falls into. Our categories are:

• Painting / Painting / Drawing
• Sculpture / Sculpture
• Decorative object / small furniture
• Clocks / Watches
• Jewellery
• Book / Book
• Photography / Picture
• Etching / Lithography / Print
• Antiques

To facilitate export and import, you will also need a pro forma invoice.

Good news: Moviiu takes care of the pro forma invoice for you!

If you book the transport via Moviiu, you don’t need to worry about creating the pro forma invoice. Our system generates it automatically for you – with all the necessary information about your artwork and the shipment. This saves you time and ensures that all customs requirements are met.

The contents of the pro forma invoice include:

• Sender and recipient details
• Description of the artwork (title, artist, material, dimensions, etc.)
• Estimated value of the artwork
• HS Code

This service from Moviiu makes exporting even easier and ensures smooth processing.

Practical tips for transporting art

• Packaging: Artworks should be carefully packed to prevent damage during transport. Our specially developed packaging for artworks is customised to your object or artwork and protects it from any kind of transport damage.
• Insurance: Transport insurance provides additional security to protect your artwork from loss or damage. When shipping art with Moviiu, you can book transport insurance as an option (for 1% of the value of the goods or at least EUR 25). Our Ad Valorem insurance covers artworks up to a value of EUR 100,000.
• The right transport company: Moviiu takes care of the tedious search for the best transport company for you. We work with a reliable network of courier services and art transport companies. Our smart online tool determines the most favourable offer for your needs in just a few minutes

 

Conclusion: Good preparation is the key

Exporting artworks abroad requires careful planning and compliance with numerous regulations. With the right documents – such as the export accompanying document, the EORI number and a pro forma invoice – as well as well thought-out packaging and a trustworthy freight forwarder, nothing stands in the way of a smooth art export.
With Moviiu, you have a reliable partner at your side: our service takes care of the complicated steps so that you can concentrate on the essentials. Do you have any questions or need support? Our experts will be happy to help you!