Staff at Flight Logistics-ShipArtTM know that for some, shipping artwork can be stressful especially if they’re relatively new to it. However, the more you know about shipping art, the more at ease you’ll be. So, we’ve put together a short list of seven essential facts to help.

Find a suitable supplier

Obvious enough, but it’s vital that you find a company that offers specialist art handling services as they have appropriate fragile solutions, UK & global partners and knowledge of related customs requirements.

CLICK HERE to read about Flight Logistics-ShipArtTM art handling services

Appropriate Packing
There’s more to packing art than just keeping the contents safe. Customs officials will look at the packaging and assess if its rigid enough for the journey and if it’s got all the right markings on it from hazardous, to heat treated wood for certain countries. Also, insurance providers will rescind their coverage if the packaging is considered inadequate.

The safest ways to comply with the above are to either follow the methods outlined in our self-packing guide or involve Flight Logistics-ShipArt™ and have your art professionally packed. It’s not as expensive as you might think.

Customs/Paperwork
Be sure to prepare all the necessary declarations specific for the country that your art is destined for. If you’re not sure, check with your shipping company, don’t wait until it’s held up in customs to find out you’re missing something vital or you’ve filled something out incorrectly.

Paperwork can include transport documents, commercial invoices, pro-forma invoices, documentary proof of origin, customs value declarations etc.

EORI
If you’re an artist who sells and ships artwork internationally, and you’re based inside the EU, you need an EORI number to ship your artwork to countries outside the EU. If you’re based outside the EU you need an EORI number to trade with countries inside the EU.

Temporary exports (Carnets)
A Carnet is an international customs document that permits you to temporarily export, import and return your artwork and accessories for fairs, exhibitions, displays or loans. The document simplifies the process which is especially useful if the goods are entering multiple countries. Not using a Carnet will mean going through lengthy customs procedures per country which could waste both time and money.

If your artwork is coming back it needs to travel under carnet to avoid paying Import Duty and Tax (such as VAT or GST) on return and protect your shipment from delays at borders.

CLICK HERE for more information

Insurance
Accidents can and do happen so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Depending on the artwork’s value, we highly recommend that you arrange insurance to cover your goods. Flight can help through their insurance partner.

Communications and customer support
Make sure that the company shipping your art has a dedicated customer support team. Every Flight Logistics-ShipArtTM consignment is managed and tracked by our staff from initial enquiry through packing to final delivery. Both shipper and consignee are updated at each stage of the movement to completion.