Specialized transport of works of art

Does the carrier take care of the packaging of the works?

This is an essential point. Although most carriers specializing in works of art prefer to take care of this crucial step, some professionals may ask you to do the packaging yourself. Or perhaps, do you think you can manage this step in order to reduce costs?

In our opinion, this solution is a bad idea. In the event of shock or damage to the works, the carrier may then disclaim liability by placing the responsibility on the packaging. It is therefore strongly recommended to entrust this service to the professional, who will thus be responsible for the entire transport chain.

Companies specializing in the transport of works of art know their business. They will know how to use the right materials to protect your works of art and ensure their handling and transport under the best safety conditions.

If you have particularly fragile works, we advise you to report it. The company may include in its service special precautions for the packaging, storage and handling of these objects.

 

 

Is your move cross-border?

If you are moving to the same country, like France, there is no problem. However, the transport of certain works of art may be subject to specific customs formalities, even within the European Union. Here again, a specialist in the transport of works of art is familiar with these aspects. Most professionals offer customs declaration services in their offering.

To simplify, the works concerned by these so-called “fine arts” customs formalities can be categorized into:

Cultural property: for paintings and sculptures, works over fifty years old.

National treasures: works belonging to the national treasures category can only leave France temporarily, with an obligatory return. They are always accompanied by a temporary exit authorization.

To clarify these aspects: https://www.douane.gouv.fr/demarche/vous-faites-sortir-des-biens-culturels-du-territoire-national

If your move is cross-border or intercontinental, it's best to check if your carrier understands international logistics, storage and end-to-end delivery. If this is not the case, you can ask them for information on their possible subcontractors. In all cases, he must bear full responsibility for any damage, loss or delay.

Our Art4You opinion : in the event that we need to use the services of a company specializing in the transport of works of art, we would prefer to use a company that carries out and controls all logistics operations, when this is possible.

Controlling outsourced operations can sometimes be difficult. The training of subcontractor personnel is also a point that can sometimes be lacking.

End-to-end management of the transport of works of art by a single company seems to us to provide greater guarantees of reliability and security.

Because in most cases, a work of art is unique and financial compensation cannot replace it. Especially if the work has special, sentimental and/or memorial value for you.

Some addresses

We provide these links for your convenience only. We have used their services in the past and have been completely satisfied. We specify that we have no affiliation or link of any nature whatsoever, nor any link of interest with these companies.

https://www.auxporteurs.com/transport-oeuvre-art/

https://www.convelio.com/fr/accueil/