International Antique Shipping & Export Services
Shipping antiques internationally requires specialist handling, proper export documentation, and experienced logistics coordination. We manage international shipping for furniture and decorative arts, with particular experience shipping to the United States and Australia.
Our shipping service covers professional packing, export documentation, customs clearance coordination, and delivery to your destination address. We work with specialist carriers experienced in handling antiques and fine art.
International Shipping Services
Professional Packing: Our shippers pack items using appropriate materials and techniques for international transit. Furniture is protected for shipping, with fragile items receiving individual attention.
Export Documentation: We prepare commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin required for international shipping. When necessary, we manage export licensing where required by UK and international regulations.
Customs Coordination: Working with customs brokers, we facilitate clearance at UK departure and coordinate destination customs processes. We provide accurate documentation and classifications for customs authorities.
Transit & Tracking: Shipments travel via air or sea freight depending on urgency and item size. Full transit tracking available throughout the shipping process.
Delivery Coordination: We coordinate delivery to your destination address. Delivery options vary by location and carrier, from kerbside delivery to room placement depending on arrangements.
Shipping Destinations
We regularly ship to the United States (East and West Coast), Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United Arab Emirates, and throughout Europe. Experience extends to other international destinations—contact us to discuss specific locations.
Shipping Methods
Air Freight: Faster transit suitable for smaller items or urgent shipments. Typical routes to major international destinations.
Sea Freight: Cost-effective for larger furniture pieces or multiple items. Longer transit times but economical for substantial shipments.
Import Considerations
Duties & Taxes: Some destination countries charge import duties and taxes on antiques. Rates vary by country and item characteristics. These charges are paid by the importer at destination customs clearance.
Export Requirements: UK law regulates export of certain antiques based on age, value and cultural significance. We assess whether export licences are needed and handle applications where required.
Documentation Requirements: Different countries have varying documentation requirements. We prepare paperwork appropriate to your destination country's import regulations.
Insurance
All shipments travel under insurance coverage. Cover includes packing, transit, and delivery, providing protection throughout the shipping process.
The Shipping Process
Following purchase, we assess packing requirements and prepare export documentation. Items are professionally packed, with photography documentation of packing process for insurance records if required.
UK export customs processing proceeds, followed by international transit with tracking updates. Destination customs clearance coordinates through local brokers, with final delivery arranged once customs-cleared.
What We Ship
We ship all types of antique furniture—tables, chairs, cabinets, desks, bookcases—plus decorative arts including silver, ceramics, glass, mirrors, and decorative objects. Size and weight determine appropriate shipping methods.
Delivery Options
Simple kerbside drop-off - when the client or receiver has their own unpackers and movers to uncrate and place the item(s).
White glove - for the top level of service requiring full uncrating, unpacking, placement of item(s) and removal of all packing materials.
Documentation Provided
Shipping documentation includes commercial invoice and packing list, photographic packing records, transit tracking information, export paperwork, and insurance certificates.
Contact us with item descriptions, dimensions, and destination address. We'll provide shipping information based on your requirements.
Items purchased from us include shipping coordination as part of our service. We also offer shipping services for pieces acquired from other sources.
International Shipping Enquiries:
Call: +44 (0) 1442 823030
Email: info@johnbly.com