When you purchase original art from ArtRewards, the price listed covers the artwork itself. Depending on where you live and where the artwork is shipped from, additional taxes, duties, or customs fees may apply in addition to that. This page explains what to expect, so there are no surprises after you place your order.
Are Taxes and Customs Fees Included in the Price?
No. Listed artwork prices do not include import duties, customs fees, or local taxes. These charges are separate and are not collected by ArtRewards at checkout.
Shipping costs shown at checkout cover transportation and packaging only; they do not include any taxes or customs-related fees that may be assessed by your country's customs authority.
What Determines Whether Fees Apply?
Several factors affect whether you'll be charged import duties or taxes:
- Your delivery country — Every country has its own import rules. Some countries have duty-free thresholds for art imports; others apply charges based on the declared value of the shipment.
- The artwork's country of origin — Where the artwork is shipping from can affect how it's classified and taxed.
- The declared value of the artwork — Most customs authorities assess charges based on the value declared on the shipping documentation.
- The artwork type — Original works of art may be classified differently from prints or multiples under customs regulations, which can affect the applicable duty rate.
- Trade agreements — Some countries have bilateral or regional trade agreements that reduce or eliminate import duties on certain goods, including art.
Because these variables differ for every order, ArtRewards cannot calculate customs or import fees in advance.
Who Is Responsible for Paying These Fees?
The buyer is responsible for any taxes, duties, or customs fees assessed upon delivery. These charges are levied by your local customs authority, not by ArtRewards, and we have no control over whether they apply or what amount is charged.
If you refuse delivery to avoid paying customs fees, this does not automatically qualify as a return. Please review our Returns, Refunds & Cancellations policy before placing an order if this is a concern.
When Are These Fees Collected?
Customs fees are typically collected at one of these points:
- At the time of delivery — A courier or postal service may collect fees on behalf of customs before releasing the package to you.
- Before release from customs — In some countries, your shipment may be held until fees are paid directly to the customs authority or via an online portal.
- After delivery — In some cases, a separate invoice for duties or taxes may arrive by mail or email.
The timing depends entirely on your country's import procedures and the carrier handling your shipment.
Domestic Orders
If you're ordering within Norway, no customs fees apply. Local tax rules may still affect your order depending on your location and the nature of the purchase. If you have questions about VAT on art purchases within Norway, contact our support team.
Buying From Outside the EU or EEA
If you are ordering from outside the European Economic Area, import duties are more likely to be applied. Some countries — including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom — have specific thresholds and rules for importing original artworks. We strongly recommend checking your local customs authority's website before placing a high-value order.
Useful resources:
- US buyers — US Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov)
- UK buyers — HM Revenue & Customs (gov.uk/topic/business-tax/import-export)
- EU buyers — European Commission Customs (taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu)
For other destinations, search for your country's national customs authority.
What to Do Before You Order Internationally
To avoid unexpected costs, we recommend taking these steps before placing an international order:
- Check your country's import duty threshold for artworks — Many countries offer preferential rates or exemptions for original art.
- Note the artwork's declared value — This will be the basis for any customs assessment.
- Contact your local customs authority if you're unsure what charges may apply to a specific shipment.
- Factor potential fees into your total budget before completing checkout.
If you need the declared value or any customs-related documentation details for a specific artwork, contact our support team before purchasing.
Common Questions
Can ArtRewards estimate my customs fees before I buy?
We're unable to calculate customs fees in advance, as they are determined by your local customs authority based on current regulations and shipment details. We recommend checking with your customs authority directly.
Will my artwork be clearly and accurately declared?
Yes. All shipments from ArtRewards are documented accurately in accordance with applicable law. We do not under-declare artwork values.
What if my artwork is held in customs?
If your shipment is delayed in customs, contact our support team. We'll provide any documentation that may help with clearance, though customs release is ultimately managed by your local authority.
Can I avoid customs fees by asking ArtRewards to lower the declared value?
No. Mis-declaring the value of a shipment is illegal under international trade law. We are not able to alter declared values on customs documentation.
Need More Help?
- Questions about a specific order or shipment — Contact Support
- Shipping timelines and delivery details — Shipping & Delivery
- Returns and refund eligibility — Returns, Refunds & Cancellations
- How buying works from start to finish — How to Start Buying Works