INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY

Customs Duties & Import Taxes

Your PaintedPic artwork is a one-of-a-kind painting created entirely by hand—not a print or mechanically reproduced image. Qualifying hand-painted paintings are normally free of customs duty in many of our main delivery destinations. Local VAT, GST or carrier processing fees may still apply.

Hand-painted portrait prepared for international shipping

Customs duty is normally 0%

Qualifying paintings executed entirely by hand are generally classified under customs heading 9701.91. This classification currently carries a 0% customs duty rate in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union and Australia.

Import taxes and carrier fees are separate from customs duty.

At a Glance

Destination	Customs Duty	Other Possible Charges
United States	Normally 0%	Possible carrier or entry-processing fee
Canada	0%	GST/HST, applicable provincial taxes and carrier fees
United Kingdom	0%	Import VAT, normally at an effective rate of 5%, and carrier fees
European Union	0%	Import VAT according to the destination country and carrier fees
Australia	0%	10% GST and possible processing fees
Other destinations	Varies	Local taxes, duties or carrier fees may apply

United States

Customs duty: Normally 0%

Other possible charges: Possible carrier or entry-processing fee

Canada

Customs duty: 0%

Other possible charges: GST/HST, applicable provincial taxes and carrier fees

United Kingdom

Customs duty: 0%

Other possible charges: Import VAT, normally at an effective rate of 5%, and carrier fees

European Union

Customs duty: 0%

Other possible charges: Import VAT according to the destination country and carrier fees

Australia

Customs duty: 0%

Other possible charges: 10% GST and possible processing fees

Other destinations

Customs duty: Varies

Other possible charges: Local taxes, duties or carrier fees may apply

The final classification and assessment are always determined by the destination customs authority.

United States

Qualifying paintings executed entirely by hand are normally imported into the United States free of customs duty.

The United States does not charge federal import VAT. However, the delivery company may charge a customs-processing, disbursement or entry fee. Any applicable state sales or use tax is separate from customs duty.

What should I expect?

Customs dutyNormally 0%

Federal import VATNone

Possible additional costCarrier or entry-processing fee

Canada

Qualifying original paintings are normally imported into Canada free of customs duty.

Canadian GST/HST and, where applicable, provincial taxes may still be collected. The amount depends on the delivery province and the taxable value determined at importation. The carrier may also charge a brokerage, advancement or handling fee.

What should I expect?

Customs duty0%

Import taxGST/HST and applicable provincial taxes

Possible additional costCarrier brokerage or handling fee

United Kingdom

Qualifying hand-painted artworks are normally imported into the United Kingdom free of customs duty.

Original works of art that meet the applicable definition normally benefit from an effective import VAT rate of 5%. The carrier may also charge a customs-clearance or disbursement fee.

What should I expect?

Customs duty0%

Import VATNormally an effective rate of 5%

Possible additional costCarrier clearance or disbursement fee

European Union

Qualifying hand-painted paintings are normally imported into the European Union free of customs duty.

The way VAT is handled depends on where the artwork is dispatched from:

If the artwork is shipped from within the EU and is already in free circulation, the customer should not normally face an additional import charge at delivery.
If the artwork is shipped directly from outside the EU, import VAT may be collected when it enters the destination country.

Import VAT rates for artworks differ between EU member states. The carrier may also charge a customs-clearance or advancement fee.

What should I expect?

Customs duty0%

Import VATVaries by destination country

Possible additional costCarrier clearance or advancement fee

Australia

Qualifying hand-painted paintings are normally imported into Australia free of customs duty.

Australian GST is 10% and may be collected during checkout or as part of the import process, depending on the order and the applicable tax arrangement. Customs or carrier-processing charges may also apply.

What should I expect?

Customs duty0%

GST10%

Possible additional costCustoms or carrier-processing fee

Other Destinations

We deliver to customers in many countries. Customs and tax rules vary, and your destination may charge local VAT, GST, customs duty, brokerage fees or other import-related costs.

Please contact us before ordering if you would like information about the usual treatment for your destination.

Free Shipping and Import Charges

Free worldwide shipping covers the cost of transporting your painting to its destination. It does not automatically include local import VAT, GST or fees charged by customs authorities or delivery companies.

Unless your checkout or order confirmation expressly states that import taxes are included, these local charges are the responsibility of the recipient.

Amounts collected directly by customs authorities or the carrier are not retained by PaintedPic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are PaintedPic paintings duty-free?

Qualifying paintings executed entirely by hand are normally free of customs duty in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union and Australia. Import VAT, GST and carrier fees are separate and may still apply.

Why has the delivery company contacted me?

The carrier may need information for customs clearance or may need to collect local VAT, GST or a processing fee before delivering your painting.

How are import taxes calculated?

Customs authorities usually calculate import taxes from the declared transaction value. Depending on local rules, shipping and insurance costs may also be included.

Can PaintedPic declare a lower value or mark my order as a gift?

No. International shipments must show an accurate description, country of origin and transaction value. We cannot declare an artificially reduced value or mark a commercial order as a gift.

Does the frame change the customs treatment?

A normal stretcher or frame supplied and shipped together with the painting is generally classified with the artwork. Frames or accessories sold separately may be treated differently.

Can you estimate the charges for my country?

Yes. Email us at info@paintedpic.com with your delivery country and postcode. We can explain the usual treatment, although the final assessment is made by the customs authority and carrier.

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Questions about delivery? Email us at info@paintedpic.com.

Last reviewed: September 14, 2026. Customs and tax rules may change. This page provides general information and does not constitute tax or legal advice.