---
title: "How does shipping work?"
description: "Read on this page how shipping is handled of your painting!"
url: https://help.artfromukraine.co.uk/en/articles/4-how-does-shipping-work
collection: "Buying art"
updated: 2026-11-04
language: en
---

# How does shipping work?

Read on this page how shipping is handled of your painting!

**How does shipping work?**

Every painting on artfromukraine is shipped **directly from the artist’s studio in Ukraine** to your door. Here’s what to expect.

**How the shipping process works**

1.  **You place your order** and pay the invoice.
    
2.  **We notify the artist** as soon as your payment has been received.
    
3.  **The artist packs your painting** carefully and prepares the export documents.
    
4.  **The painting is sent** with a trusted Ukrainian carrier, usually Nova Poshta or Ukrposhta, using a tracked and insured service.
    
5.  **You receive a tracking number** by email, so you can follow your painting all the way.
    

**How much does shipping cost?**  
The shipping cost is shown at checkout and included on your invoice, so you’ll always know the full price before you pay.

How long does delivery take?  
The artist usually ships within 3–5 working days of your payment. Delivery then normally takes 1–3 weeks, depending on your country and customs.

Because the paintings are sent from Ukraine, delivery can occasionally take longer due to customs checks, border delays or the ongoing war. We’ll keep you updated if anything changes.

**Where do you ship to?**  
We ship to the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Europe and many other countries worldwide. If we can ship to your country, it will be available at checkout. Not sure? Ask us in the chat.

**Will I have to pay customs or import VAT?**  
Ukraine is not part of the EU, so your painting is an import when it arrives. That means:

-   **Customs duty:** original paintings are usually duty-free in the UK, the EU and the US.
    
-   **Import VAT or sales tax:** your country may charge import VAT. Many countries use a reduced rate for original works of art.
    
-   **Handling fee:** the delivering carrier may charge a small fee for clearing the parcel through customs.
    

These charges are **not included** in our price and are paid by you, usually when the parcel arrives. The amount depends on your country’s rules, so check with your local customs authority if you’re unsure.

The artist prepares all export documents, so your painting can clear customs as smoothly as possible.

**Is my painting insured?**  
Yes. Every painting is sent with a tracked and insured service. If your painting arrives damaged, take photos of the painting and the packaging straight away and contact us within **\[48 hours\]**. See _Returns and damaged artworks_.

## Related

- [How do I buy a painting?](https://help.artfromukraine.co.uk/en/articles/1-how-do-i-buy-a-painting.md)