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When shipping art, antiques and collectible items internationally, some pieces may be subject to additional regulations because they contain materials derived from protected species.
This is where CITES comes in.
CITES — the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora — is an international agreement designed to ensure that international trade in protected plants and animals does not threaten their survival.
For galleries, auction houses, dealers, collectors, museums and private clients, understanding CITES requirements is an important part of planning an international artwork or antique shipment.
At Prime Lane, we understand that specialist shipments require careful planning. From collection and secure transportation to customs and delivery, we can help coordinate the logistics involved in moving CITES-sensitive items internationally.
What does CITES mean for art and antiques?
CITES can apply to artworks, antiques and furniture that contain materials originating from protected species.
Some examples can include:
Ivory & Bones
Taxidermy & feathers
Rosewood & Types of exotic Woods.
Rhino Horn & Other Tusks
The fact that an item is antique does not automatically mean that CITES requirements do not apply.
Depending on the material, species, age of the item, country of origin and destination, you may require specific documentation before the shipment can legally cross an international border.
When Do You Need a CITES Permit for Art & Antiques?
CITES documentation may be required when transporting protected materials internationally, including for:
- Art sales and acquisitions
- Gallery transfers
- Exhibitions and art fairs
- Museum loans
- Restoration and conservation
- Temporary imports and exports
- UK-EU shipments
- International private collections
Requirements vary depending on the item and the countries involved, so CITES should be checked before the shipment travels. Failure to check prior to the shipment travelling could result in delays.
What Happens If You Ship Without the Correct CITES Documents?
If an item requires CITES documentation and the correct permits or certificates have not been obtained, the shipment may be delayed, refused or detained by the relevant authorities and even destroyed.
Potential problems can include:
- Customs delays
- Additional inspections
- Shipment being held
- Import or export being refused
- Additional transportation and storage costs
- Return of the shipment
- Missed exhibition or art fair deadlines
- Possible enforcement action
For high-value artwork and antiques, these issues can cause significant disruption.
Planning CITES requirements before transportation is therefore essential.
Why Was CITES Introduced?
CITES was introduced to protect endangered and threatened species from the impact of international trade.
Before CITES, there was no comprehensive international system for regulating the trade of endangered animals, plants and products made from them. Growing demand for materials such as ivory, exotic timber, tortoiseshell, animal skins and rare plants was putting increasing pressure on wild populations.
Countries recognised that protecting endangered species required international cooperation because wildlife and products derived from protected species were being traded across borders.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was agreed in 1973 and came into force on 1 July 1975.
Today, CITES provides an international framework for controlling and regulating the trade and movement of protected species and materials. This can be particularly relevant to the art and antiques industry, where items may contain materials such as ivory, exotic wood, tortoiseshell, coral or animal skins.
Understanding CITES requirements for art and antique shipping is important when transporting these items internationally, including between the UK and EU.
HOW CAN PRIME LANE ASSIST YOU
We can review the details of your artwork, antique or shipment to help identify whether CITES regulations and permits may apply.
Where required, we can assist with applying for the appropriate CITES permits and certificates on your behalf, helping ensure the necessary information and documentation is prepared correctly.
We can help you gather and organise the information required for a CITES application, including details about the item, materials, species, age and provenance.
Support for shipments moving between the UK, EU and other international destinations, with CITES requirements considered alongside the wider customs process.
We can coordinate the transportation and logistics around your CITES documentation, helping ensure the shipment is prepared for the relevant border and customs procedures.
Support for galleries, dealers, museums and collectors moving CITES-sensitive artwork for exhibitions, sales, loans and other international movements.
FAQs
Can you carry out relocations outside of normal business hours
Yes. We offer overnight and weekend relocations to minimize disruption to your operations. Our team can plan and execute moves around your schedule, ensuring business continuity. Just let us know in advance, and we will get the job organised
What happens to redundant or end-of-life equipment
We handle secure removal, WEEE-compliant recycling, and certified destruction of hard drives and other data-bearing assets. This guarantees both environmental responsibility and compliance with data protection legislation.
What is the plan for physically transporting the equipment, including security measures?
The physical transportation of the equipment will follow a structured and secure process designed to ensure both safety and accountability at every stage. All items will be packed using industry-standard protective materials, with custom casing where required to safeguard sensitive or high-value components. Our team is trained in handling IT and creative equipment, ensuring minimal risk during loading and transit. The transport will be accompanied by tamper-evident seals, and access to the cargo will be restricted to authorized personnel only. For high-value consignments, we can arrange for additional security escorts or overnight storage in monitored facilities if needed. A detailed consignment note will accompany the shipment, including serial numbers, condition reports, and handling instructions. Updates will be provided throughout the journey, and a designated point of contact will be available for any queries.
How will the servers be prepared and protected for shipping to ensure they arrive in optimal condition?
To ensure the servers arrive safely and in optimal working condition, we follow a rigorous preparation and protection protocol: - Pre-Shipping Inspection: Each server is inspected, documented, and photographed prior to packing. Serial numbers and asset tags are logged for traceability. - Protective Packaging: Servers are packed using anti-static wraps, foam inserts, and shock-resistant flight cases or crates. Rack-mounted units may be shipped in custom rack enclosures to minimize handling.
What insurance coverage and liability provisions are in place for the server shipment?
We offer comprehensive insurance and clearly defined liability provisions to protect your equipment throughout the shipping process: - Standard Coverage: All shipments are covered under our carrier liability policy, which includes protection against loss, theft, and physical damage during transit. Coverage limits can be adjusted based on declared value. - Optional Enhanced Insurance: For high-value or mission-critical servers, we offer enhanced insurance options that cover full replacement cost. - Documentation and Claims: Each shipment is accompanied by a detailed inventory. In the unlikely event of an incident, our claims process is streamlined and supported by photographic evidence and tracking data. - Client Responsibility: We recommend clients back up all data prior to shipment, as insurance does not cover data loss unless explicitly arranged. - Risk Mitigation: Our packing, handling, and transport protocols are designed to minimize risk, and we maintain full transparency throughout the journey.