Shipping Antiques and Artwork Overseas

What is the one item in your home you couldn’t bear to lose? For many of our clients, it isn’t the furniture that can’t be replaced — it’s the 19th-century grandfather clock passed down through the generations, the curated collection of oil paintings or the grand piano that represents the soundtrack of their family life.

Moving these irreplaceable treasures requires more than your average moving company. Shipping antiques overseas requires a steward for your history, as the process is an art form in itself. At International Sea & Air Shipping, we have over 76 years of experience shipping fine art and antiques globally.

We provide the specialized white-glove care, museum-quality crating and logistical mastery needed to ensure your most precious possessions arrive at your new destination in the exact condition they left.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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 Denis Vostrikov 
 
 
 
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We recently completed an international move of our household goods from Moscow, Russia to Enumclaw, Washington with International Sea & Air Shipping.

Overall, we had a very good experience. Our shipment included a large sectional sofa and several boxes with personal and sentimental items. Everything arrived safely and in good condition, including the sofa, which was especially important to us.

International shipping is a long process and there were a few unexpected circumstances along the way, including a customs inspection in Lithuania, but Bryan kept us informed and was always helpful in answering our questions.

The final delivery went very smoothly. The crew arrived within the scheduled window, brought everything inside, assembled the sectional sofa, and removed all the packing materials.

Most importantly, everything we chose to ship made it safely from Moscow to our home in Washington. We are very happy to finally have these things back with us and are satisfied with the service provided by International Sea & Air Shipping. I would recommend them to anyone planning an international move.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 barbara dressler 
 
 
 
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We are so pleased that we selected International Sea and Air Shipping for our move from New Jersey to Bremen, Germany. It was a huge move as we had lived in the same home for 49 years!  We did research many reviews of moving companies and basically from the reviews we finally chose ISAS. From the administration to the packing crew in New Jersey to the unpacking crew in Bremen, everything was very organized and it all worked out great. Of course, with a big move like this there will always be little glitches but the company was very responsive and answered questions promptly.
Their moving crews were absolutely the best and went over and beyond their duties. Everything was wrapped very well and the unpacking crew in Germany were so helpful and also did even more than we expected. Putting some of our old furniture back together was a back breaking job and they did it without a complaint. As well, our house in Germany is very old and many stairs to the second floor. Not a complaint by their crew!
We can only highly recommend ISAS very highly.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Dan Negara 
 
 
 
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International Sea & Air Shipping made our move from the USA to Spain completely seamless.
The packing crew was extremely professional, and every single household item arrived in Spain in perfect condition with zero damage. Throughout the entire journey, communication was proactive, clear, and prompt, which made navigating international logistics stress-free.
I couldn't have asked for a better experience and highly recommend them to anyone planning an international move.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Jon Dobson 
 
 
 
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We used International Sea and Air Shipping to move our daughter from the US to the UK to start her PhD in London. All of her belongings arrived in excellent condition and she said that the crew who unloaded were very friendly, polite and professional.

The whole process was very smooth and they were excellent at communicating where we were at the various steps along the way. Everyone was very professional and friendly (especially Robert and Jeanine) and we really appreciate it!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Vinit Allen 
 
 
 
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The shipping process - both pick up and delivery - was excellent and efficient. I received a reminder about completing all of the required forms and authorization quite late in the process, which caused some stress, but it all worked out well.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Jessica Yarborough 
 
 
 
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Excellent communication throughout the process. My interactions with International Sea & Air Shipping were exceptional as well as with the international team for delivery. I would absolutely recommend them for an international move!

I did notice after the Atlanta team left that the downstairs bathroom had been missed as well as a few kitchen items. We had to just throw things away. Check after the packers to be sure they got everything, but that's no fault of International Se & Air Shipping.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Isak Levi 
 
 
 
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Excellent service and handling of my goods. I highly recommend it to all my fellow Serbians, who decided to move back home to Serbia.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Paul 
 
 
 
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The team at International movers was professional from the very beginning. They answered all my questions, walked us through the process step by step. The movers they contracted with on both the States side and overseas side were great! Friendly, fast and efficient!
Definitely give them a call for any of your international moves
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
    
 
 

Are Your Most Precious Belongings Safe in Transit?

Standard international moving procedures are designed for durability, but they’re often insufficient for the delicate nature of fine art and antiques. When moving fine art internationally, the standard approach — placing items in cardboard boxes or general-purpose containers — can expose your investments to devastating risks.

The Hidden Risks of Standard International Moving for Antiques and Artwork

Without a specialist partner, your valuable item faces threats that generic movers may not even recognize:

• Vibration and shock: The constant vibration of a ship’s engine or the turbulence of air freight can cause micro-fractures in porcelain or loosen the joints of antique joinery.
• Climate fluctuations: Drastic changes in humidity and temperature as a container moves across the equator can cause wood to warp, canvas to slacken, or veneers to crack.
• Improper stacking: In a consolidated container, heavier boxes can crush fragile items if not properly braced or separated.

While our physical protection is world-class, we also believe in preparing for the unforeseen. We strongly recommend securing comprehensive shipping insurance to provide total financial peace of mind for the full appraised value of your collection.

Specialized White Glove Services for Irreplaceable Items

You need a service that will preserve your items as well as move them. Our international art shipping services are modeled after the standards used by world-renowned museums and galleries. We offer a true white glove experience, meaning hands-on, specialist care from the moment we enter your home until the final placement in your new residence.

Museum-Quality Custom Crating

Off-the-shelf packaging is never enough for unique items. Our team designs and builds custom crating solutions tailored to the exact dimensions and fragility of your piece, including:

• Timber crates: We use crates built to ISPM-15 international standards for heat-treated wood.
• Bespoke bracing: Internal foam cushioning and bracing prevent any movement inside the crate.

Climate-Controlled Storage and Transport Solutions

To combat humidity and temperature spikes, we can offer specialized climate-controlled solutions in some of our warehouses. Whether you need temporary storage before transit or specific climate parameters during the voyage, we utilize secure container moving options designed to maintain a stable environment for your sensitive goods.

“Do Not Stack” and Dedicated Container Options 

For high-value collections or extremely fragile items, we always recommend our custom crating options to protect your goods. For smaller shipments, we implement strict “Do Not Stack” protocols when packing fragile items for international moves using physical separation barriers to maintain integrity.s and place it in the room of your choice on the ground floor.

Navigating Global Customs for Cultural Goods

Moving antiques isn’t just about weight and volume — it’s about history and law. International regulations regarding cultural property are strict to prevent illicit trafficking.

Understanding the 100-Year Duty Rule (CBP and Global Standards)

One of the most common questions we receive is about import taxes. Generally, for imports into the United States and many other nations, items that are over 100 years old are classified as antiques and may be entered duty-free. Proper documentation may be required, such as appraisals, provenance records, or expert verification. 

The import rules and regulations vary by destination country. We can help navigate this complex process to get your artwork or antiques through customs smoothly.

• The rule: According to 19 CFR 10.53 and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guidelines, you must prove the age of the item to qualify for this exemption.
• Our role: We help you navigate complex customs requirements by assisting with the necessary declaration and proof-of-age documentation to avoid unnecessary taxes.

It’s important to note that importing antiques may be subject to local state tax, processing fees, or cultural property regulations. commend checking the CITES website or the guide on ivory import and export rules.

CITES and Restricted Materials

Many antiques contain materials that are now protected under international law, such as ivory piano keys, tortoiseshell inlays or Brazilian rosewood. Shipping these without a CITES permit can lead to immediate seizure. We are familiar with the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act restrictions and will guide you on what can and cannot be legally shipped.

Documentation Assistance for Provenance and Ownership

Customs officials often require provenance — a documented history of ownership — to prove an item was not looted or stolen. We assist you in compiling the correct inventories, appraisals and receipts to satisfy even the strictest customs audits.

How We Protect Your Investment: Our Process

Wondering how to ship artwork internationally without the stress? We have refined our process over seven decades to ensure transparency and safety at every step.

Step 1: On-Site Consultation and Inventory Assessment

It starts with a free survey. Our specialists (available in person or virtually) assess the specific needs of your collection, identifying items that require crating, disassembly or climate control.

Step 2: Expert Packing and Crating

On moving day, our expert crew arrives with all necessary materials. We employ professional packing services using techniques like floating — suspending an item in foam — to eliminate shock transfer.

Step 3: Secure Ocean or Air Freight

We coordinate the safest route for your budget.

• Air freight: Best for high-value, time-sensitive art to minimize exposure time.
• Ocean freight: Ideal for larger antique furniture shipments, secured in sealed containers.

Step 4: Destination Delivery and White Glove Unpacking

Our service doesn’t end at the port. We arrange for comprehensive destination services or specific delivery services via our partner network, including delivery to your new residence, careful uncrating and removal of all packing debris so you can enjoy your treasures immediately.

Why Trust International Sea & Air Shipping With Your Legacy?

Beyond getting your valuable and sentimental antiques to your destination efficiently and safely, here are some other ways we stand out in this industry. 

76 Years of Global Logistics Expertise

We’re a legacy company moving your legacies. With over 76 years of operation and a network of over 600 global agents,  we have on-the-ground expertise to handle complex logistics in virtually any country.

Comprehensive All-Risk Marine Insurance

We plan for perfection, but we prepare for everything. Our All-Risk Marine Insurance policies are designed specifically for household goods and fine art, offering you the ultimate safety net against the unpredictable nature of global travel.

Get a Free Quote for Your Fine Art and Antique Move

Put your legacy in safe hands. Trust the experts who view your possessions as history, not just cargo. Get a quote today for a transparent, no-obligation estimate. Need expert advice on a specific item? Contact us or ask about our free pre-move survey to get a customized assessment of your antique shipping needs.

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