Dmytro Kolosovsky

Logistics guru

Experience - 17 years

International delivery of paintings, sculptures and other valuables

Citizens of Ukraine have the right to export the following items abroad: paintings, small-scale sculptures, author’s graphics, tapestries, decorative and applied art products made of ceramics, porcelain, earthenware, glass, wood, metal, textiles and other materials, created after 1950 year. To make the shipment safe and correct, you need to fulfill the necessary minimum conditions, which we will describe below.

Stage 1 – Export Permission

Current legislation strictly regulates the export of works of art abroad. According to the Law of Ukraine “On the Export, Import, and Return of Cultural Values” No. 1068-XIV and point 3 of Appendix No. 1 of the Instruction on the Procedure for Issuing the Right to Export, Temporary Export of Cultural Values, and Control Over Their Movement Across the State Border of Ukraine, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Culture and Arts of Ukraine No. 258 dated April 22, 2002.

To obtain an export permit, your artwork must be reviewed by an expert who will provide an art expertise conclusion. With this conclusion, you can independently or through courier/postal services send the item abroad.

To obtain the conclusion, you may contact the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine or an accredited art museum with a request and the necessary documents, such as:

printed photographs of the artwork, clearly showing the front, signatures, and back of the item;
a document confirming ownership (this may be a receipt from the seller).

After submitting the documents and paying the administrative fee, you will receive the conclusion within 30 days if applying to the Ministry of Culture, or within 2–3 days if applying through an art museum.

We assist our clients in obtaining export permits. We offer two options:

Urgent: 1200 UAH, 2–3 business days.
Standard: 1000 UAH, 5–6 business days.

Depending on your needs, you can choose the option that suits you best.

Stage 2 – Proper Packaging

Works of art require special handling during transportation. To prevent any damage, each item must be individually packaged with appropriate cushioning materials.

In particular, we recommend sending framed paintings in a wooden crate or box made from processed wood (e.g., OSB board). You can order packaging from specialized companies or even from Nova Poshta.

→ View packaging tips.

Stage 3 – International Shipping

The final step is to place your shipment order on our website. After that, you can either schedule a courier pickup or send the parcel to our warehouse via Nova Poshta – at our expense.

Once we receive the parcel and verify the accompanying documents, we will handle export processing and forward the parcel through one of our logistics partners in Poland: UPS, FedEx, DHL.

We do everything we can to ensure your shipment arrives safe and sound!

→ Calculate the cost.
→ Customs clearance rules.
→ Track your shipment.

How can I pay for your services?

When placing an order online, you can pay for delivery immediately. If you order a courier, cash payment is possible only for Kyiv. Or when the parcel is at our office, we will send you a link to pay via LiqPay or Stripe. We can also provide an invoice for non-cash payment.

I created a request on the website and want to pay. How do I do it?

If you are 100% sure of the size and weight of your shipment, you can pay either via the link on the website (or we can manually generate a link) or via an invoice generated by the accounting department (for legal entities). However, it is better that we receive the parcel in the office, measure it, weigh it, and generate a correct invoice for payment.

Can the recipient in another country pay for the delivery?

Yes, we send a payment link and anyone anywhere in the world can pay, but before sending it from Ukraine.

How to place an order on the website?

To send a package/documents, you need to place an order on our website. You can do this via the link here. You will need to provide the sender's and recipient's details, choose the type of your shipment (package or documents), select the appropriate rate, and then choose a convenient method to deliver your shipment to us.

How do I send a painting abroad?

To send a painting abroad, you need to follow a few steps. First, you need to place an order on the GlobalPost website. Then you need to get an export permit (we can help you with this). It is also important to pack the artwork properly so that it reaches its destination in safe condition. After that, your artwork will be ready to be shipped to its destination.

How can I send a painting abroad without a certificate?

The current legislation strictly regulates the export of art objects from the country. According to the Law of Ukraine “On the Export, Import and Return of Cultural Property” No. 1068-XIV and paragraph 3 of Appendix No. 1 of the Instruction on the Procedure for Registration of the Right to Export, Temporary Export of Cultural Property and Control over its Movement across the State Border of Ukraine, approved by Order of the Ministry of Culture and Art of Ukraine No. 258 of 22.04.2002. Thus, it is impossible to export paintings without a certificate. We, for our part, help our clients obtain the necessary permit.

Do you provide services for sending paintings abroad by post?

Yes, we provide services of sending paintings abroad by mail. Our company guarantees reliable packaging and safe delivery of your artwork to any country. We cooperate with leading international carriers such as DPD, FedEx and UPS to provide the best service for our customers.

Does GlobalPost provide insurance for the transportation of cultural property abroad?

Yes, GlobalPost provides insurance for the transportation of cultural property abroad. We understand the importance of the safety of valuable artifacts and provide additional protection in the form of insurance coverage for our customers. Contact us and our manager will help you choose the best insurance program for the transportation of your property. We will do our best to provide maximum protection during transportation.

What is customs clearance and how to do it?

In the country of receipt, you need to fill out the documents correctly in accordance with the customs code. Most often, customs clearance requires the recipient's passport and tax number. Pay customs duties and wait for the parcel to be delivered. If you have any doubts, please contact us for advice, we are always happy to help.

What types of packaging are used to protect sculptures during transportation?

To protect sculptures during transportation, we use a variety of packaging types, such as special cardboard boxes, foam or plastic wrappers, palletizing film, and bubble wrap. Each type of packaging is selected depending on the size, shape and material of the sculpture to ensure maximum protection during transportation.

How long does it take to get a permit to export a painting?

The process of obtaining a permit to export a painting may take different time depending on the option you choose. First, you need to collect certain documents. After submitting them and paying the administrative fee, you will receive a conclusion within 30 days if you apply to the Ministry of Culture, or within 2-3 days if you apply to an art museum. We help our clients to obtain the permit and offer two options: for UAH 1000 within 5-6 business days, or for UAH 1200 within 2-3 business days. We strive to make the process as convenient as possible for you, so we are always ready to provide support and advice at every stage.

What documents are required to obtain a certificate for exporting a painting abroad?

To obtain a certificate for exporting a painting abroad, you will need the following documents: an application for a permit, a document confirming the ownership of the painting, a detailed description of the painting (including a photo), an examination report from the relevant institution (for example, an art museum), and a receipt for payment of the administrative fee. If necessary, our specialists can help you with the preparation and collection of the necessary documents.

What are the fines or sanctions for exporting cultural property without a permit?

The export of cultural property without proper authorization is strictly regulated by law. Violation of the export rules can lead to administrative fines, confiscation of art objects, and criminal liability. Fines may vary depending on the value of the object and the degree of violation. In addition, a person may be deprived of the right to further export cultural property.

Do you need an expert opinion for all paintings that are exported abroad?

It is not always mandatory to have a painting appraised before exporting it abroad, depending on the laws of the country of exportation and the characteristics of the painting itself. Some countries may require an appraisal for paintings by certain artists, eras, or styles, or for paintings of a certain value or cultural significance. In addition, an appraisal may be recommended to confirm the authenticity, assess the condition, or determine the cultural value of the painting before export. If there is any doubt about the need for an appraisal for a particular painting before exporting it abroad, it is recommended that you contact GlobalPost Support.

Do I need to obtain a permit to export a painting for a temporary exhibition abroad?

Thus, in some cases, it may be necessary to obtain a permit to export a painting for a temporary exhibition abroad. The requirements for obtaining a permit may vary depending on the laws of the country from which the painting is being exported and the cultural values it represents. It is recommended that you contact the relevant authorities or cultural advisors in advance for specific instructions and documentary requirements for exporting a painting for temporary exhibition abroad.

Where can I track a painting sent via GlobalPost from Ukraine?

Globalpost provides transparent tracking. You can always track your parcel, cargo, or documents sent from Ukraine on our website. To do this, visit the GlobalPost website and enter your parcel number in the tracking field. We offer our clients the ability to track their shipments in real-time.

How to calculate the cost of a pallet?

If you have a large shipment, an individual order calculation is required. Leave a request on our website by following the link here. We will provide you with an accurate calculation and select the optimal solution for delivering your shipment.