A close friend of mine gifted me two paintings a while back, which he currently stores in Sweden. One is what you would call 'normal size' (approx. 3ft x 2ft) the other large (approx. 5ft x 4ft). They are both from an artist of some repute (UK/E.U.) and jointly valued at approx. USD$50,000. My dilemma is that he wishes to send them to me - and the shipping company [Sweden] wishes to place a value & query importation duty etc. What's the score here? I would love to take receipt of the paintings, but not if I am going to be kicked in the nuts with import tax etc. Is it worth it? Are paintings/artwork something that is more likely to fly under the radar and be [relatively] straightforward to take delivery of - or am I opening up a whole can of worms and shouldn't bother? Any thoughts/insights would be greatly appreciated, thank you...
I did a Quick Search and came up with not a lot, but a friend that moved some inherited Furniture from the UK tells me that in reality, these would fall under Household Items so are not imports per say. However, because it is Art, there may be a Customs situation about proof of ownership. Art being one of the biggest Headaches for some Agencies His suggestion is emailing the PI Customs for guidance. As we know people send TV's and bike parts by BB box addressed to one's wife, maybe you could give this some thought JP
Something worth 50k I would be careful how to transport. Don't you have a friend who could hand carry them? Or, for a 50k value, why not do a roundtrip to Sweden on your own. If they stop you, you could simply say they are made by a friend, they would never be able to check. Buy one of those plastic tubes for transporting painting and roll them up in it. I did that the other way, when I brought paintings for my parents made down here.
Three magic words: "No Commercial Value" A friend had a bracelet sent to the US for repair and did not declare a value on it. It was sent back using DHL and they would not release his package until he paid duty (set by BOC). They told him if he had declared No Commercial Value, there would have been no customs tax due. You should clarify the above with BOC. I'd hate to be wrong on that...
Just a little info for you 5. WHAT ARTICLES ARE SUBJECT TO DUTY? There are two kinds of import entry, to wit: Formal and the Informal Entry. Informal Entry Articles of a commercial nature intended for sale, barter or hire, the dutiable value of which does not exceed P2,000.00 Personal and household effects or articles, not in commercial quantity, imported in passenger’s baggage, mail, or otherwise for personal use. Full customs page Chapter I. Importation | Department of Finance: Bureau of Customs Hope all this helps Andrew. JP
