The United Kingdom remains one of the world’s most active art markets. From established galleries in London to regional auction houses and private collections, buyers can source everything from classic works to contemporary canvases.

For traders, resellers, and project buyers across Africa, the Middle East and beyond, the UK is an attractive place to buy stock – but exporting paintings can feel complex. Customs rules, fragile cargo, and high values all demand specialist handling.

Why export paintings from the United Kingdom?

Exporting paintings from the United Kingdom offers several commercial advantages:

• Diverse supply – access works from galleries, dealers, studios and auction rooms across the country.

• Transparent pricing – competition keeps prices realistic, helping buyers secure value.

• Proven authenticity – established dealers and auctioneers often provide provenance and condition reports.

For wholesalers, interior designers, hospitality groups, and retailers, buying in the UK and exporting paintings can unlock new product lines and higher margins.

Key rules when you export paintings from the United Kingdom

Paintings are usually classified under HS code 9701, which covers original paintings, drawings and pastels. While this category often benefits from reduced or zero import duties in many countries, customs still require accurate paperwork and classification.

Important points to consider include:

• Export declarations – shipments leaving the UK must be declared correctly, with accurate values, descriptions and HS codes.

• Licences for cultural goods – very old or particularly valuable artworks may require an export licence from UK authorities to protect national heritage.

• Destination country rules – some markets have specific rules on importing works of art, including extra taxes, approvals or documentation.

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Wigmore Trading can help you navigate these requirements so that paintings are properly classified and all necessary approvals are in place before shipping.

Packaging and shipping considerations for paintings

Paintings are high-value, delicate items. Poor packing or incorrect handling can lead to damage, disputes and insurance claims. When you export paintings from the United Kingdom, focus on:

• Professional packing – using corner protectors, acid-free materials, bubble wrap and strong cartons or crates.

• Climate and moisture protection – sealed wrapping and desiccants help protect frames and canvases from humidity.

• Appropriate mode of transport – air freight is ideal for urgent or very high-value pieces; sea freight is cost-effective for larger consolidated consignments.

• Insurance – cargo insurance should reflect the full commercial value of the artwork.

Through its network of specialist packing houses and freight partners, Wigmore Trading can arrange suitable materials, crating and shipping solutions tailored to your budget and risk profile.

How Wigmore Trading supports your UK painting exports

Wigmore Trading acts as a trusted partner for companies that want to buy and export paintings from the United Kingdom without building their own local team. Our role can include:

• Sourcing and procurement – identifying suitable paintings from galleries, studios and auction houses in line with your budget and target market.

• Price negotiation and checks – helping you secure competitive terms and reviewing condition reports.

• Consolidation and warehousing – gathering purchases from different sellers into a single shipment to reduce freight costs.

• Customs and documentation – preparing commercial invoices, packing lists and export declarations with the correct HS codes and descriptions.

• Freight management – booking space with reliable carriers and monitoring shipments through to the destination port or airport.

With Wigmore Trading managing the process end to end, you can focus on selecting the right artworks and building your sales channels.

Step-by-step: buy and export paintings from the UK with Wigmore Trading

1. Share your brief – outline the styles, price range, volumes and target customers you are aiming for.

2. Sourcing and selection – Wigmore Trading identifies suitable paintings and provides details, images and pricing.

3. Confirm purchases – once you approve the selection, we coordinate payment terms with the sellers.

4. Prepare for export – we arrange packing, consolidate shipments if required and prepare all export paperwork.

5. Ship and clear customs – Wigmore Trading manages the export from the United Kingdom and supports your customs broker at destination with any additional information they need.

6. Receive and distribute – you receive your paintings ready for resale, installation or further distribution.

Conclusion: partner with Wigmore Trading for UK painting exports

Exporting paintings from the United Kingdom can be a profitable opportunity, but it demands attention to detail at every stage – from sourcing and documentation to packing and shipping. Working with an experienced partner reduces risk and frees up your time.

Wigmore Trading combines on-the-ground knowledge of the UK market with practical logistics expertise. Wigmore Trading can help. If you are ready to expand your product range with unique artworks, get in touch with our team to learn more and contact Wigmore Trading today to streamline your sourcing.