Buying a work in Mexico when you live in Europe

A collector in Lyon writes about a painting in Mexico City. The first question is never about the painting. It is: how does it get here, and what will I be asked at the border? Here is the calm version.

Delivery is priced before you pay

On the work's page you enter your country and postal code and the delivery options appear, with their cost and their days. The work is insured for what you paid from the moment it is collected until you sign for it, packed for the transport of works of art, and followed door to door. The price shown for the work is the whole price in Mexico; what is not included is your own country's import tax, collected on arrival.

What customs ask of original art

Original works of art travel under their own customs heading, and the European Union charges no customs duty on them. What is due is the import VAT of your country, and for original art most European countries apply a reduced rate: in France it is 5.5 percent of the value declared, paid to the carrier before the work is handed to you. A painting, a drawing, a signed print in a limited edition, a sculpture: these are the works this applies to. The carrier files the declaration; you receive its invoice.

What travels with the work

The invoice, which states the value the customs will read.

The certificate of authenticity, which names the artist, the technique and the edition, the facts the customs heading depends on.

The tracking, so you know when to be home.

Two small questions

Can I see the work before it ships?

Yes. A video call in front of the work, with the lights you ask for, is part of what the gallery does. Book one.

What if it arrives damaged?

Photograph the parcel before and while opening it, and write to us the same day. The insurance covers the work until you sign, and the Returns & delivery page says the rest.

If you would like company

This is what we do every day from Mexico City: help people find, buy and live with original contemporary art. Book a free 30-minute call, or simply look at the works available now.

Image: “Jardín con Palmera” by Bastián Pino.