News
US Trade Tariffs – Update
In April, President Trump introduced new tariffs for many countries across the world. For the United Kingdom this meant a 10% levy on goods imported from the UK into the United States. Although much lower than many other countries, it has still caused many issues for antique dealers and their US based customers.
However, for art dealers such as ourselves and their US clients, there is good news. Currently, 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. Exemptions include:
• Artworks classified under Chapter 97 of the HTS (e.g. original paintings, prints, sculptures).
• Photography, prints, and books classified under Chapter 49 of the HTS.
When purchasing from us, our US buyers can be assured that we will endeavour to ship paintings with all the correct paperwork. This should ensure that no tariffs will be applicable.
