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Customs
Authorised Economic Operator (AEO), for secure and compliant trade
Group ESI, as a customs broker, is an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) and facilitates all your import-export procedures thanks to simplified customs declarations.
The transport of works of art and international removals require meticulous customs formalities to ensure compliant and secure customs clearance.
With its expertise and AEO accreditation, Group ESI offers comprehensive management of customs formalities, whether for exports, temporary or permanent imports, Community transit, or temporary storage under customs control.
Complete management of customs formalities for your international transport and storage operations
Whether it’s permanent or temporary exports and imports, customs transit, or bonded warehousing, we can handle all your international customs procedures.
When your goods are shipped, we take care of all export formalities:
- Temporary or permanent export declaration
- ATA Carnet
- Transit
- Certification (certificate of origin, CITES, declaration of cultural property)
Upon arrival in the destination country, our subsidiaries or selected agents are also authorized to carry out all import formalities:
- Temporary admission
- Final customs clearance
- Re-exportation
- ATA Carnet
within the framework of the regulations in force in their country.
In terms of international transport, ESI is also a freight forwarder and IATA-certified agent.
Customs formalities for international moves
On departure as on arrival, customs check the documents of goods of historical, artistic, archaeological, aesthetic, scientific or technical value. Group ESI prepares and files the entire file.
- Leaving France: temporary or permanent export declaration depending on how long the goods stay abroad, certificates of origin and purchase.
- Arriving in France: import declaration, commercial invoice, certificate of residence and detailed inventory of the goods.
- Inspection: the authorities may inspect the goods to check that they match the descriptions provided.
Expatriation or return from expatriation: we make sure every formality is in place before departure, to avoid any hold-up at the border.
Bonded storage during a move
Before or after an expatriation, our warehouses hold your goods while the formalities are completed, until they are released for free circulation.
This solution is particularly useful for personal or professional goods requiring formal entry into the customs territory: historical, artistic, archaeological, scientific or technical items.
At Group ESI, our bonded warehouses are equipped to handle a wide variety of goods, whether they are sensitive, fragile, or high-value items (such as works of art).
Customs formalities for transporting a work of art by Group ESI
When transferring works of art, whether for a temporary exhibition, a sale between collectors, or a purchase between gallery owners, customs formalities must be completed in accordance with the standards in force in the countries concerned to ensure the legality and protection of these cultural goods.
As a specialized freight forwarder, Group ESI assists museums, private collectors, art dealers, and art galleries in managing these complex customs procedures, thereby ensuring the compliant and secure transport of their works of art.
Cases of temporary export and import for an exhibition
When a work of art is transported for a temporary exhibition from one museum to another, it is generally considered a temporary import or export. In this case, Group ESI organizes an ATA (Admission Temporaire Admission) carnet.
This administrative document is an international customs document that allows the work to be transported temporarily without paying customs duties or taxes, provided that it is re-exported within a specified period. This document simplifies transit by guaranteeing customs authorities that the work will be returned to its country of origin once the exhibition is over.
Buying or selling an exceptional item: antique furniture, paintings, sculptures
Between collectors, art dealers and gallery owners, formalities differ depending on whether the sale is domestic or international. Group ESI checks the tariff classification of the work: it is what determines the applicable customs duties and taxes.
On permanent import, many countries apply special regimes to goods of cultural or historical interest: reduced VAT or exemption depending on the member state within the European Union, facilitated procedures in the United States for temporary exhibitions, simplified regimes in Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada. In return, they require authorisations and certificates of authenticity and provenance.
Group ESI takes care of every required form and certificate, and guarantees the legality of both import and export.
Managing compliance and security for works of art during import and export
As objects of great value, works of art are subject to rigorous security and compliance requirements, which Group ESI takes particular care to ensure are met. Our expert customs teams work to ensure that all necessary authorizations are obtained (export licenses for works classified as national heritage or subject to restrictions on leaving the country, etc.).
In the case of international transport, additional checks, such as certificates of origin and proof of legitimate ownership, are required to prevent trafficking in works of art (theft, illegal ownership, etc.).
Thanks to its expertise, whether for moves anywhere in the world, from abroad to France, or for the logistics of works of art, Group ESI facilitates the complex customs process. By taking care of all documentation, security, and compliance procedures, our teams ensure that your goods and works of art are transported in compliance with international customs regulations.
Why choose Group ESI?
40 years of experience
providing sensitive logistics, secure transport and operations management services in France and internationally.
Responsiveness and expertise
serving demanding international logistics operations, with expertise in local, regulatory and operational constraints.
Safety and traceability
guarantees at every stage, thanks to strict protocols, precise monitoring of flows and total confidentiality of operations.
Personalized and responsive support
à chaque étape du projet, avec un interlocuteur dédié, une écoute constante et une capacité d’adaptation immédiate aux contraintes spécifiques.
Our customs
services
An AEO-certified freight forwarder, Group ESI handles all your procedures, on export as on import.
Export declarations
Temporary or permanent export, community transit, certificates of origin, CITES and cultural goods declarations.
ATA carnet
Temporary admission without duties or taxes for exhibitions, subject to re-export within the set period.
Import clearance
Temporary admission, permanent clearance and re-export, handled by our subsidiaries and approved agents in the country of arrival.
Cultural goods & compliance
Export licences, certificates of provenance and proof of ownership for listed artworks or those subject to restrictions.
Bonded warehousing
Temporary storage of your goods while formalities are completed, before release for free circulation.
AEO status & IATA approval
Authorised Economic Operator and IATA-certified agent: simplified procedures and lighter checks at every crossing.