Shipping original art internationally: packing, customs and insurance

Selling to a buyer in another country is very achievable, but it rewards preparation. Packing - Wrap the surface first in glassine or acid-free paper, never bubble wrap directly against paint. - Protect corners with card or foam corner protectors, then wrap in bubble wrap and pack in a sturdy box with at least 5 cm of padding on every side. For valuable or large works, use a double box or a wooden crate. - Works on paper can travel flat between rigid boards, or rolled in a strong tube if the medium allows it. Thick paint should never be rolled. - Glass breaks. Ship unframed, use acrylic glazing, or tape the glass so that if it breaks it cannot cut the work. Customs - Prepare a commercial invoice that describes the work plainly, for example "Original painting, acrylic on canvas, signed by the artist, 2026", with its value. - Original paintings and drawings executed entirely by hand are usually classed under customs heading 9701. Prints and photographs are classed differently. - Agree in advance who pays import taxes and duties. In many countries the buyer pays them on delivery unless you ship with duties prepaid, and an unexpected bill at the door spoils a sale. - Works that contain materials such as ivory, some tropical woods, shells or feathers may need permits under CITES. Insurance and tracking - Many standard couriers cap or exclude liability for fine art. Read the terms, declare the real value, and consider a specialist art shipper or separate insurance for anything you could not afford to lose. - Always use tracking, and a signature on delivery. If you have shipped art abroad, what would you tell someone doing it for the first time?