Shipping & Tax Policy
White-glove service for discerning collectors worldwide
Domestic Shipping
- Processing Time: 1-3 business days
- Peak Season: Extended to 2 weeks (November-January) - Please let us know if you have a deadline
- California Tax: Sales tax applied per state regulations
- PO Box Delivery: USPS service only
- Address Verification: Required for high-value items
International Shipping
- Processing Time: 2-4 business days
- Customs Documentation: Professionally handled
- High-Value Shipments: Passport & VAT number may be requested by customs for overseas shipments
- Import Duties: Customer responsibility
- Tax-Free Export: No US sales tax applied when exporting out of California
- Premium Tracking: Full transit visibility
- VAT & Import Taxes: Varies by destination country
- Your Own Carrier: All customers have the right to use their own international shipment courier - please contact us directly if you wish to do so
High-Value Protection
- Insurance Coverage: Available for full item value
- Signature Required: Mandatory for items over $1,000
- Secure Packaging: Museum-quality materials
- Expedited Processing: Priority handling available
- Combined Orders: Consolidated shipping with refunds
International VAT & Import Tax Regulations
Essential information for international customers regarding VAT on vintage and second-hand luxury items:
Tax-Free Export: Exporting out of California means no US sales tax is applied to your purchase.
European Union (EU)
- Second-Hand Goods Scheme: Many EU countries apply special VAT treatment for vintage items, typically charging VAT only on the profit margin rather than full value
- Standard Import VAT: Generally 19-25% depending on destination country
- Antique Classifications: Items over 100 years old may qualify for reduced VAT rates in some EU countries
- Customs Threshold: Duties apply to goods over €150 value
- Payment Method: VAT typically collected by courier before delivery
United Kingdom (UK)
- Import VAT: 20% on all goods over £135 value
- Reduced Rates: Works of art, antiques, and collector's items may qualify for reduced VAT rates
- Customs Duty: Applied to goods over £135, rates vary by product classification
- Handling Fees: Additional courier fees (typically £8-£12) apply
- Payment Required: All fees must be paid before goods are released by customs
China
- Import VAT: 13% standard rate on most goods (9% for some categories)
- Second-Hand Exemption: Certain second-hand goods may be exempt from VAT
- Consumption Tax: Additional luxury tax on high-end goods including jewelry and cosmetics
- De Minimis: CNY 300 threshold for duty-free imports
- Customs Duty: Most Favored Nation rates apply to US goods
Singapore
- GST Rate: 9% on all imported goods (effective 2024)
- Low-Value Threshold: GST collected at point of sale for goods under SGD $400
- Customs Duty: Generally duty-free on 90% of goods
- Personal Effects: Special relief available for used household items and personal effects
- Payment: GST must be paid before goods are released
Australia
- GST Rate: 10% on all imported goods
- Customs Duty: Standard 5% on most goods over AUD $1,000
- Second-Hand Goods: Special GST treatment available for certain vintage and collectible items
- De Minimis: AUD $1,000 threshold for duty and tax collection
- Free Trade Agreements: May reduce or eliminate duties on US goods
New Zealand
- GST Rate: 15% on all imported goods and gifts
- De Minimis: NZD $1,000 threshold for customs collection
- Second-Hand Goods: Same GST and duty rates apply as new goods
- Import Entry Fees: Additional transaction fees apply to goods over threshold
- Low-Value Collection: Overseas suppliers collect GST on goods under NZD $1,000
Important Tax Compliance Notes:
- Accurate Declarations: All items are declared at full market value as required by international law
- Second-Hand Status: Items are clearly marked as vintage/second-hand to ensure proper customs classification
- Documentation: Detailed invoices and provenance information provided for customs clearance
- Customer Responsibility: All import duties, VAT/GST, and handling fees are paid by the recipient
- Professional Consultation: For high-value items, consult your local customs authority for specific rates
- Currency Conversion: All fees calculated using official government exchange rates at time of importation
Note: VAT, GST, and duty rates vary significantly by country and product classification. This information is for general guidance only. Please consult your local customs authority or tax advisor for specific rates applicable to your purchase.
US Import Tariff Updates - 2025
Essential information for international collectors shipping to the United States:
- Standard Tariffs: 10% additional duty on most international imports
- China & Hong Kong: Duty exemption eliminated for shipments under $800 (effective May 2025)
- Variable Rates: Country-specific tariffs ranging from 10% to 100%+ on select products
- Import Responsibility: All tariffs and customs fees paid directly to customs authorities
- Processing Delays: Extended customs clearance times may occur
Current US tariff information available at cbp.gov - rates subject to change without notice
Comprehensive Protection Services
Available Protection:
- Full replacement value insurance
- Adult signature confirmation
- Expedited and overnight delivery
- Real-time tracking and notifications
- Professional packaging and handling
Important Policies:
- Liability limited to insured value only
- Address verification required before shipping
- Incorrect address shipping fees apply
- Rush delivery available upon request
- International customs clearance support
Concierge Support
Our dedicated shipping specialists are available to assist with expedited delivery arrangements, comprehensive insurance coverage, and international customs inquiries. We ensure your investment pieces reach you with the care and attention they deserve.
Policy effective July 2025 | Subject to carrier and regulatory updates