How to Ship and Insure an Original Painting: A Buyer's Guide

One of the most common questions buyers have — especially when purchasing from an artist based abroad — is: how does the painting actually get to me, and what happens if something goes wrong?

It's a fair question. An original painting is irreplaceable. Here's what you need to know before buying.

How original paintings are shipped

Most artists shipping internationally use one of three methods:

Rolled canvas — for large unframed canvases, the painting is rolled (face out, on a tube) and shipped in a hard-sided tube. This is the most common method for large originals and is safe when done correctly.

Flat in a crate — framed or rigid works are packed flat in a custom wooden crate with foam padding. More expensive, but required for anything framed or on panel.

Flat in a box — for smaller works, a reinforced cardboard box with corner protection and glassine wrapping. Appropriate for pieces under approximately 60cm on the longest side.

At Flow Fine Art, paintings ship via SF Express, UPS, or DHL — all door-to-door with tracking from China to your address. Typical transit time is 5–10 business days to most destinations in the US and Europe.

Packaging standards to ask about

Before purchasing from any artist, ask specifically:

Is the canvas glassine-wrapped? Glassine (a silky, non-stick paper) protects the paint surface from contact damage. It should always be the first layer against the painting.

Is there rigid backing? Even rolled canvases benefit from being shipped in a hard tube rather than a soft mailing tube.

Is there documentation inside the package? A copy of the invoice and certificate of authenticity should travel with the painting, not just be emailed separately.

Customs and import duties

Original works of art — defined as paintings created entirely by hand — are classified under HS code 9701 in most countries. This classification typically means:

United States: Original artwork imported for personal use is generally duty-free under Chapter 97 of the US tariff schedule. There may be a small customs processing fee, but no import duty on the work itself.

European Union: Original artworks are subject to reduced VAT rates in most EU member states (5–10% rather than the standard 20–25%), and import duty is typically 0%.

United Kingdom: Original artworks are zero-rated for import duty. A 5% reduced VAT rate applies on import.

Rates change, and individual circumstances vary. Always confirm current rules with your local customs authority or the artist before purchasing.

Insurance: what's covered and what isn't

Courier insurance (included with most DHL and UPS shipments) covers loss and damage up to a declared value — but the declared value must be set correctly at time of shipping. Many artists under-declare to reduce fees; this leaves you unprotected.

Ask the artist explicitly: Is the full purchase price declared for insurance purposes?

For works above approximately €2,000, consider supplemental fine art transit insurance. Specialist insurers (e.g. Chubb, AXA Art) offer single-shipment policies for a small percentage of the work's value — typically 0.5–1.5%. This is worth it for significant purchases.

Once the work arrives, standard home insurance rarely covers fine art at full replacement value. A fine art rider or standalone collector's policy is worth considering if you're building a collection.

What to do if the painting arrives damaged

Document everything immediately — before opening the inner packaging. Photograph the outer box, then each layer of packaging, then the painting itself. Do not discard any packaging materials before filing a claim.

Contact the shipping carrier directly within 24 hours to initiate a damage claim, and notify the artist at the same time. A reputable artist will work with you to resolve the situation — whether that means a replacement, repair, or refund depending on the circumstances.

Shipping policy at Flow Fine Art

All paintings ship free to buyers in China. For international orders, shipping is included for purchases over €800. For smaller works below that threshold, a flat shipping fee of €50 applies.

Every painting ships with a certificate of authenticity and full documentation. If you have specific questions about the packaging or shipping process for a particular work, you're welcome to ask before purchasing.

Ready to ask about a specific painting? Browse the collection or enquire directly.