International Art Shipping
Global Fine Art Transport, Import & Export Services
Aiston Fine Art Services provides comprehensive international art shipping, handling, and logistics for galleries, collectors, institutions, and advisors. From custom packing and museum-quality crating to documentation, customs coordination, and global delivery, our team manages every step with precision and professionalism. Whether shipping a single artwork or coordinating a multi-piece collection, we ensure safe, compliant movement across borders with complete transparency and care.
INTERNATIONAL FINE ART
SERVICES
Why Choose Aiston for International Art Handling & Import/Export?
International art shipping requires expertise, regulatory knowledge, and trusted global support. Aiston leverages decades of experience, established partnerships, and a detailed understanding of international standards to provide seamless import and export services. Each shipment receives tailored planning based on object sensitivity, routing requirements, documentation needs, and destination handling.
GLOBAL AGENT NETWORK
Aiston maintains a long-standing network of vetted international agents, enabling coordinated service at major art hubs worldwide. These partnerships allow us to arrange unpacking and placement in Paris, crating in Hong Kong, condition checks in London, and installation assistance throughout Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Our collaborative approach ensures consistent standards, reliable scheduling, and unified communication across all stages of global transport.
Our import specialists manage every aspect of U.S. Customs coordination, including commercial invoice preparation, tariff classification, import licenses, and regulatory compliance. By minimizing time spent at cargo terminals and ensuring accurate submission of all documents, we reduce delays and exposure risks.
We maintain active, positive working relationships with U.S. Customs officials to facilitate clear communication, efficient inspections, and secure entry of artworks into the country.
SECURE ART IMPORT
Aiston arranges international shipments with careful routing, competitive airfreight coordination, and detailed export documentation. For high-value shipments, we can assign dedicated security personnel to monitor airline handling and witness the loading process.
Upon arrival overseas, our global agent partners manage customs clearance, secure transport, unpacking, and installation to ensure continuity and safety from origin to destination.
EXPERT ART EXPORT
SHIP YOUR ART WITH CONFIDENCE?
Whether coordinating a single artwork or an entire exhibition shipment, Aiston provides reliable, discrete, and compliant global logistics tailored to your project’s requirements.
FAQs
We ship globally—to Europe, Asia, Australia, Latin America, the Middle East, etc.
We advise clients on expected duties, taxes, and tariffs. We prepare correct documentation (commercial invoices, duty codes, export/import licenses). In many cases, destination duties depend on local regulations and whether the artwork is for personal use, exhibition, or sale.
Yes, depending on the material (for instance, items with ivory, endangered animal products, or culturally protected materials), you might need CITES permits. For temporary imports, an ATA Carnet might apply.
Transit times vary by route, mode, customs clearance, and handling. Air shipments may take days; sea shipments might take weeks; border crossings and customs may add additional time.
It depends on size, weight, fragility, destination, customs complexities, and required speed. But we work to optimize cost vs safety, the client can get quotes for air vs sea, with packaging options.
We can assist in securing transit insurance. Condition checks and photo documentation are standard parts of the process to support insurance.
We use reinforced crates, cushioning, foam-alternatives, climate control, shock sensors where needed, and coordinate with freight forwarders experienced in handling large or fragile works.
Yes. From pickup in New York / Manhattan / Hamptons to delivery overseas, unpacking and, if needed, installation or local delivery via trusted agents.