Published April 15, 2025

Information is subject to change. Arta will update this resource with significant changes to tariffs as they go into effect.

Collectibles are a global economy. Artworks, antiques, artifacts, all transact internationally among passionate investors and connoisseurs. Clearing customs and assessing applicable duties and taxes for these often high-value goods can be complex, and financially impactful.

The recent executive orders from U.S. President Donald Trump have raised questions from our clients around the world about the impact of the new tariffs on purchases made abroad.

Based on the informational available, we have summarized here some key facts and figures to keep in mind while shipping cross-border.

This situation is subject to change at any time and we recommend all of our clients stay informed to ensure compliance.

Reciprocal tariffs

Reciprocal tariffs apply in addition to the general duty rate and any other applicable duties, fees and taxes.

Current information as of April 15, 2025:

• Shipments valued over $800 US for all countries will require formal entry.
• Imports will be subject to a 10% duty, excluding from Canada and Mexico) until July 9, 2025.
• Country-specific reciprocal tariffs previously announced are paused, except for China, for 90 days and will for into effect July 9, 2025. To see announced reciprocal tariff by country, visit this link from the White House.
• The EU has put in place a retaliatory tariff of 25% on imports from the U.S.
• Canada has put in place a retaliatory tariff of 25% on imports from the U.S.

U.S. Imports by value

*China and Hong Kong always require formal entry for >$250 USD

Our friends at Zonos have a handy chart of active tariffs.

For purchases from China and Hong Kong

1. The U.S. has an increased tariff on Chinese imports to 145%.
2. China has a 125% tariff on U.S. Imports.
3. The U.S. will end duty-free de minimis treatment for low-value goods starting May 2, 2025.
   • De minimis goods (<$800) that were previously exempt will be subject to an ad valorem duty of 120% of the value or $100 per package between May 2 through May 31, 2025, and $200 beginning June 1, 2025.

Exclusions

One of the products excluded from reciprocal tariffs are ‘informational materials’ which includes in its definition, artworks. This is not a blanket exclusion for all works of art and tariffs may still apply.

§ 547.314 Information or informational materials. The term information or informational materials includes publications, films, posters, phonograph records, photographs, microfilms, microfiche, tapes, compact disks, CD ROMs, artworks, and news wire feeds.

Other collectible items such as trading cards, jewelry, watches, furniture, design and antiques are not identified in this exclusion.

It is best practice to select the Harmonized Schedule code most accurate for your goods when preparing export documents.

Arta’s Export Customs Documents feature has a HS Code recommendation tool already built in for cross-border shipments.

Estimating import costs at checkout

To build trust with clients and reduce the number of inquiries about potential customs costs owed, we recommend providing duties and taxes to buyers up front.

Arta has recently launched for public preview a Import Cost Estimates API that enables you to surface accurate duty and tax estimates to buyers in their cart.

Read more about Import Cost Estimates here.