Who Pays Customs Duties?

Gauntlet Gallery ships from San Francisco, California (USA). All import duties, taxes (VAT, GST), and customs brokerage fees assessed by the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not able to predict, collect, or reimburse import charges — they are assessed by your country's customs authority at the time of delivery.

We do not under-declare item values on customs paperwork. This protects both parties legally and ensures your shipment insurance is valid for the full purchase amount.

Fine Art Often Receives Preferential Duty Treatment

Original fine art (paintings, prints, and sculptures) is classified under HS codes 9701–9703 in most countries and receives 0% import duty in the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many other major markets. This means you typically owe only VAT or GST on the declared value — not additional duty on top.

Customs classification decisions are made by the destination country's customs authority. The following is general guidance — confirm with your local customs office for your specific item.

What We Include with Every International Shipment

Every international shipment includes:

• Commercial invoice — itemized with accurate declared value, item description, HS code (9702 for prints, 9703 for original works), country of origin, and seller details.
• Certificate of Authenticity (COA) — documentation that may be required by customs to confirm the item is original art (not a reproduction) to qualify for preferential duty classification.
• Packing list — dimensions, weight, and packaging description.
• Blockchain COA reference — printout of the digital provenance record for high-value items.

For shipments over $10,000, we recommend engaging a licensed customs broker in your country. We'll provide any additional documentation needed — email info@gauntlet.gallery.

What Happens if Your Shipment Is Held?

• You will be contacted directly by UPS, FedEx, or your national postal authority with a request for documentation or payment of assessed duties.
• Respond promptly — packages held longer than 30 days are subject to abandonment in most countries.
• Email info@gauntlet.gallery and we will provide any additional paperwork needed (supplemental COA, additional invoice copies, proof of payment).
• Customs delays do not qualify for refunds or order cancellations.
• If inspection damage occurs (rare), photograph it immediately and contact us — we'll assist with the insurance claim.

How Different Items Are Classified

Not all Gauntlet Gallery items qualify as "fine art" under customs law:

• Original signed prints (Banksy, Fairey, KAWS, Death NYC): Generally classified as original art (HS 9702) — 0% duty in most markets.
• Designer figures (KAWS vinyl, BE@RBRICK): Typically classified as toys or decorative articles (HS 9503/3926) — standard rates apply, usually 0–6.5%.
• Signed music memorabilia (guitars, gold records): Classified as musical instruments or decorative items — varies by destination.
• Space memorabilia (patches, flown artifacts): Classified as collector's items (HS 9705) — 0% in most markets.

We indicate the appropriate HS code on all commercial invoices. Email us before purchasing if you need a classification confirmed for your country.