Shipping Art and Antiques: What You Need to Know
Moving paintings, sculptures, or antique furniture from Turkey to Europe? Here is how to handle custom crating, insurance, and export permits correctly.
Shipping art and antiques internationally is a specialised discipline that goes well beyond standard household moving. These objects carry not just financial value but often irreplaceable cultural or sentimental significance. Avrupaya provides the expertise, handling, and documentation to move your most prized pieces safely from Turkey to Europe, door to door.
Custom Crating and Professional Packing
Paintings, sculptures, and antique pieces are transported in custom-built wooden crates made to the exact measurements of each object. The interiors are lined with shock-absorbing foam, acid-free paper, and specialist fabric to prevent vibration damage during transit. All packing is carried out on-site by our trained team.
Climate Control and Specialist Vehicles
Oil paintings, wooden objects, and delicate antiques are highly sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Avrupaya assesses each shipment and, where required, arranges climate-controlled transport to keep conditions stable throughout the journey.
- Custom-built wooden crates sized to each individual piece
- Acid-free packing materials and shock-absorbing foam support
- Climate-controlled transport for temperature-sensitive items
- White-glove loading and unloading by trained handlers
- Photographic condition report before and after transport
Valuation and Insurance
Every Avrupaya shipment is fully insured. For art and antiques specifically, the level of insurance coverage depends directly on having a documented valuation. We strongly recommend obtaining an independent professional appraisal before your move and including the report in your transport file.
Export Permits for Antiques Leaving Turkey
Objects over 100 years old may be classified as cultural heritage under Turkish law and require an export permit from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism before they can leave the country. Avrupaya reviews your inventory in advance and flags any items that need this clearance. Nothing is loaded without the correct authorisation in place.
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Frequently asked questions
Do antique furniture pieces need an export permit?
Items over 100 years old can be classified as cultural heritage and may require an export permit from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Avrupaya helps you identify and obtain the necessary clearance in advance.
What valuation should I declare for insurance purposes?
A professional appraisal report is the most reliable basis. Without a documented valuation, settling a claim in case of damage becomes significantly more complicated.
Do paintings need to travel in wooden crates?
Yes — custom wooden crates are the industry standard for valuable works on canvas. They offer the best protection against impact, moisture, and temperature fluctuations over long distances.
What about framed prints and photographs?
Valuable prints and limited-edition works deserve the same level of care. Our team inspects each item on-site and selects the appropriate packing method based on its condition and sensitivity.
Could artwork cause issues at EU customs?
Personal household goods being moved for relocation are generally exempt from import duties. Artwork can occasionally attract additional scrutiny, which is why complete and accurate documentation is essential — something Avrupaya handles for you.