The 2026 Compliance Landscape
International art shipping has become more regulated. The EU's Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD6) and updated US customs requirements mean more documentation is needed for every cross-border shipment.
This checklist covers what you need for the three major carriers (UPS, FedEx, DHL) and the most common destination regions.
Universal Requirements
Every international art shipment needs:
1. Commercial Invoice
- Description of each artwork
- Declared value in the currency of the destination country
- HS (Harmonized System) tariff code
- Country of origin
- Buyer and seller information
2. Packing List
- Number of packages
- Dimensions and weight of each package
- Description of contents and packing materials
3. Certificate of Authenticity
- Proves the work is genuine
- Required by many customs authorities for Chapter 97 goods
4. ATA Carnet (Temporary Imports)
- Required for exhibitions, art fairs, and works on loan
- Allows temporary import without paying duties
- Must be obtained from your local chamber of commerce before shipping
Carrier-Specific Requirements
UPS Art / UPS Express
- UPS Technical Artwork Sheet (specific format)
- Declared value on airway bill MUST match commercial invoice
- Insurance documentation if declared value exceeds $5,000
FedEx International Priority
- FedEx International Air Waybill
- Commercial invoice in triplicate
- Proforma invoice acceptable for non-sale shipments
DHL Express Worldwide
- DHL Waybill
- Electronic commercial invoice via DHL portal
- DHL requires HS codes at 10-digit level for EU destinations
Regional Considerations
European Union
- EORI number required for imports
- VAT deferment documentation for temporary imports
- AMLD6 declaration for works valued over €10,000
United Kingdom (Post-Brexit)
- Separate EORI for UK (starts with GB)
- Import VAT at 5% for original artworks (Chapter 97)
- UK customs declaration form C88
Asia-Pacific
- CITES permit required for works containing ivory, certain woods, or animal materials
- Japan requires detailed material declarations for all imports
- Australia requires BMSB (Brown Marmorated Stink Bug) seasonal treatment
How to Stay Compliant
The fastest way to generate compliant customs documentation is to use a purpose-built tool. Gilded Artworks creates carrier-formatted technical sheets with auto-classified HS codes, declared values, and all required fields — in under 60 seconds.