Shipping a delicate painting across an ocean is fundamentally different from sending a regular parcel to a neighboring city. One minor error or lapse in judgment can ruin precious art. Interested in how to ship fine art internationally without damage? Here’s what you should know and do to prevent most kinds of risks.

Tips on How to Ship Fine Art Internationally Without Damage

Proper Crating

The golden rule of international art shipping is to reserve sufficient distance between the artwork’s surface and the crate’s outer shell for solid protection. The mandatory minimum is 2-3 inches of cushioning material on every side. Art handlers usually achieve this degree of cushioning by layering acid-free glassine paper and polyethylene foam. This precaution is vital because the crate’s wooden walls flex and absorb shocks and vibration in transit. That’s why an art object placed against bare wood will also sustain all stress endured by the crate. If the crate is manufactured professionally, the air gap filled with foam will operate as a great shock absorber.

Humidity Control

It’s typical to place temperature control first in art shipping, but professionals know that humidity matters no less than heat and cold swings. In fact, humidity is by far more destructive for the majority of art media than temperature. That’s why valuable art packaged for cross-border shipping is often sealed with a vapor to sustain a stable internal microclimate. 

Carrier Liability vs. Fine Art Insurance

Financial damage also counts in cross-border shipping. A precaution that can save you money is a clear distinction between the carrier’s liability and the insurance policy for your art object. Standard carrier liability is calculated at a flat rate per pound, which is a meager sum compared to your artwork’s market value. That’s why counting on the carrier’s coverage is very unwise, especially when it comes to shipping a rare, expensive piece. Make sure you obtain a comprehensive insurance policy that covers shipping to guarantee full coverage of your financial interests in cases of loss, theft, or damage.

Proper Paperwork

Now that you know how to ship fine art internationally without damage, it’s time to think about the smooth journey in bureaucratic terms. International shipments are subject to customs regulations, CITES permits, and cultural property laws that vary by country. It may be challenging to arrange a shipment without a knowledgeable consultant or legal assistance. Customs clearance is one of the unavoidable bottlenecks of cross-border shipping. The safest strategy that can save you time, money, and nerves is preparing the full package of correctly organized documentation. These may include:

• Commercial invoices
• Air waybills
• Certificates of origin
• Proof of value, etc.

Create all documents in formats consistent with the destination country’s requirements and check all applicable import duties and value thresholds in advance.