There is currently significant confusion about the US President’s introduction of trade tariffs on goods imported into the United States from other countries with American companies and private individuals facing “reciprocal tariffs” when buying items from abroad. However, in accordance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guidance and exemptions outlined in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, artwork (in this case original oil paintings of over a hundred years old) incurs no additional import duties or “reciprocal tariff” when imported from the UK.
As reported by numerous US law firms, The Financial Times, and leading international fine art shipping company Convelio the US Government’s International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) – specifically law 50 U.S.C. 1702(b) – includes clear exemptions for cultural and informational materials such as paintings which, as forms of expression and communication, are protected from tariffs under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Having taken a great deal of time to become fully conversant with these tariffs, their application, and legal exemptions under the US Constitution I am pleased to confirm Academy Fine Paintings continues to ship artwork to America free of reciprocal trade tariffs.
This is only right and proper. An antique painting is the unique handmade creation of an individual artist and not a homogenous commercial item mass-produced by a faceless corporate entity. Furthermore, unlike industrial goods like steel or agricultural products, antique works of art do not contribute to market distortions and have minimal impact on trade imbalances.
When buying original works of art from Academy Fine Paintings our clients in America can be sure that we ship every painting with all necessary paperwork and relevant customs documentation required to satisfy the latest US Government import guidelines and tariff exemptions.
Gavin Claxton, August 2025