Buying Art from Australia: Shipping, Duties and Delivery to the US, UK, Europe and Asia

Last updated: 28 October 2026

Good news first: my art travels the world. It already lives in homes in New York, London and Barcelona, and across an island resort in the Maldives. Prints travel rolled in a sturdy tube, packed carefully to arrive the way they left my studio in Sydney.

Photo above: The original painting of "No Matter How Far" now hangs in a home in Hong Kong.

The less fun bit is customs. The rules changed a lot in 2025 and 2026, so here's the straight answer on what to expect.

Do you ship art internationally from Australia?

Yes. I ship limited edition prints on canvas and paper worldwide, rolled in a protective tube, with DHL tracking from my door to yours. Delivery usually takes 2 to 3 weeks.

Framed prints are only available within Australia.

Why don't you ship framed prints overseas?

Because I'd rather you received a perfect print than a broken frame. Large frames are heavy, fragile and very expensive to send across the world, and the risk of damage or warping is high. A rolled print travels safely, costs far less to ship, and your local framer can finish it beautifully.

How much does international shipping cost?

International shipping for rolled prints is based on the size of the tube. It currently starts from $55 AUD for smaller prints, with larger tubes costing more. You'll see the exact cost at checkout, and my FAQ page has the latest rates.

Photo above: The original "Bend Like a Banana", shipped from my studio to Ibiza.

Will I have to pay import duty or tax?

Possibly, yes, and it's best to know before you order. Import duties and taxes are set by your country, not by me, and they're paid by you when the parcel arrives. DHL will usually contact you to pay before delivery.

Here's a general guide. Rules change, so please check with your local customs office or DHL if you want an exact figure.

• United States: since 29 August 2025, every parcel entering the US goes through customs, whatever its value. Whether duty applies to an art print depends on how it's classified and on current US tariff rules, which change often. For the latest, see DHL's guide to shipping to the US after the end of de minimis.
  • If you are purchasing an Original painting, here are the current rules which hopefully still read that Original paintings are duty free https://www.helpspanish.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1146?language=en_US
  • Limited edition prints may not fall under the Chapter 97 of the Harmonised Tariff Schedule so duties of 0-6% may apply - but please check with the latest updates. Here is the link to Australian Border Force Chapter 49 - scroll down to item 28 https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/tariff-classification/current-tariff/schedule-3/section-x/chapter-49
• United Kingdom: expect VAT on import, and possibly duty, plus a DHL handling fee.
• European Union: expect VAT at your country's rate, and possibly duty.
• Hong Kong: Hong Kong doesn't charge customs duty on most goods.
• Singapore, Japan and other countries: goods and services or consumption tax may apply. Check your local rules.

Photo above: My work travels the world. Here I am on Ifuru Island in the Maldives with a limited edition print of "Blue Sky at Night".

How long will my art take to arrive?

Plan on 2 to 3 weeks for international delivery. Customs checks can occasionally add a few days, so if you're buying for a special date, order early. I'll always be honest about timing rather than promise a date I can't control.

What if it arrives damaged?

Every print is made to order, just for you, so I can't accept returns for change of mind. That's exactly why I offer free mockups before you buy: send me a photo of your wall and I'll show you how the artwork looks in your space, at the right size.

If your print does arrive damaged, please email photos of the damaged artwork, as it was delivered, to hello@annalohe.com. I'll contact my courier company to discuss a replacement.

Quick answers

Can I buy art from an Australian artist and ship it to the US? Yes. Prints ship rolled via DHL and take 2 to 3 weeks.

Who pays import duties on art from Australia? The buyer pays any duties and taxes charged by their country.

Can artwork be shipped rolled? Yes. Canvas and paper prints ship safely rolled in a tube, then are stretched or framed locally.

Do you ship framed art overseas? No. Framed prints are Australia only, because of the high risk of damage.

Not sure which artwork suits your space? Send me a photo of your wall, its width in centimetres or inches, and the artworks you're considering to hello@annalohe.com. I'll send you a free mockup so you can see it in your room before you decide. Anna x

Anna Lohe is an Australian contemporary artist working from her studio in Palm Beach on Sydney's Northern Beaches. She paints joyful, expressionist botanical artworks, sold as originals and limited edition prints, and ships worldwide. Read Anna's story or email hello@annalohe.com.