A guide to exporting antiques internationally

Sending antiques, whether nationally or internationally, have certain special requisites. Exporting antiques is much more complicated than sending them somewhere within the country. Let us explore the various regulations pertaining to antiques when you export them.

The first step is to select the category of goods or consignment. You need to opt for the category ‘Antiques’, ‘Works of Art’ or anything similar. The terminology or category does vary across the world.

You can export antiques only when you have a buyer or a particular recipient in the destination country. Someone has to import that antique or receive it at the other end. Thus, there should be terms of payment as well as terms of delivery. These terms and conditions along with other relevant particulars must be mentioned on an invoice, agreement or any such official document that acts as the record of the transaction and the subsequent shipment. Change of ownership must be documented. You may also need to purchase orders or other request for proposals and letters of intent in some cases.

One party has to pay for the insurance of the antiques being exported. It could be the sender or the buyer. In any case, companies like courierpoint.com will require the copies or certificates of such insurance. Antiques are often insured separately because of their unique nature and value. Typical insurance for parcel delivery to Portugal or what couriers normally offer may not be appropriate or adequate.

It has to be declared how the antiques are being shipped. The route, the type of flight, the type of packaging and the eventual transit points after reaching the foreign shore; all such details must be declared at the outset. There cannot be any ambiguity. This is mandated by law because antiques will go through a stringent custom check and relevant permission will be needed in the sender’s country and in the recipient’s country. Also, there will be taxes levied, either in one or both countries.

Every country has a code for antiques that must be adhered to. These codes are quite exhaustive and they can vary substantially. Courier companies are aware of these codes and every specific case requires the relevant codes to be studied and then adhered to. From taxes to methods of shipment, paperwork or documents needed to declarations, the regulations are all detailed in the code and those are nonnegotiable. Not adhering to the codes will invite legal action.

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