How International Shipping Works
Order & Destination Review
After purchase, we review the destination, object category, materials, dimensions, declared value and available carrier services. We also identify known customs, import or documentation requirements that may affect dispatch. If additional information or customer action is required, we will contact you before shipping.
Artifact-Specific Packaging
Every piece is individually packed according to its construction, condition and fragility. Depending on the object, this may include protective wrapping, cushioning, immobilization, double-boxing or a custom wooden crate. Delicate elements are carefully supported to reduce movement, vibration and pressure during transit.
Documentation & Tracked Delivery
We prepare an accurate customs declaration, commercial invoice, item description, declared value and tariff information where applicable. Once dispatched with a trusted carrier, tracking details are sent directly by email. Shipping protection is included where available and permitted by the carrier.
Free Worldwide Shipping: Customs, Duties & Taxes
Relic & Rarity provides complimentary standard worldwide shipping on every order. Any import duties, sales taxes, VAT, brokerage charges or customs-processing fees assessed by the destination country are separate from shipping and remain the recipient’s responsibility. When applicable, payment is normally collected by the courier or customs authority before or at delivery.
Import charges are determined by the destination country and may vary according to the object type, declared value and local regulations. Relic & Rarity does not control, collect or reimburse these charges. Buyers who are uncertain about potential fees should consult their local customs authority before purchasing.
Every international shipment is accurately described and declared at its full purchase price. We cannot reduce the declared value, alter an item’s description or mark a commercial purchase as a gift. Accurate documentation supports lawful customs processing and helps preserve applicable shipping protection.
Cultural Property, Antiquities & Regulated Materials
The international movement of cultural property depends on an object’s type, age, materials, provenance, country of origin and destination. Before dispatch, Relic & Rarity reviews known import and export requirements and prepares the available commercial, provenance and shipping documentation. Final admissibility, permit approval and customs clearance are determined by the relevant government authorities.
Categories That May Require Special Handling
Antiquities, Archaeological Material & Fossils
Antiquities, archaeological objects, fossils and ancient coins may be subject to cultural-property laws, export permits or supporting-document requirements. Each order is reviewed individually before dispatch.
Human Remains & Anatomical Material
Human remains, mummified specimens and related medical or anthropological material may be subject to public-health regulations, documentation requirements and carrier restrictions. These objects require case-by-case review and cannot be shipped to every destination.
Animal Materials & CITES
Objects containing ivory, bone, horn, shell, coral, feathers, reptile skin or other animal-derived materials may require CITES or wildlife documentation. International shipment proceeds only when the necessary requirements can be met and a suitable carrier is available.
Arms, Armour & Restricted Objects
Antique weapons, edged objects, firearm components and military material may be regulated by the destination country or restricted by the carrier. Buyers should confirm that an object may be lawfully imported, possessed and received in their jurisdiction before ordering.
Museum-Grade Packaging for Every Artifact
Every object is assessed according to its material, dimensions, weight, surface condition and structural vulnerabilities. We then select appropriate protective layers, cushioning, interior supports and outer containers to help reduce movement, abrasion, vibration, pressure and impact during transit.
Certificate of Authenticity & Supporting Documentation
Every artifact purchased from Relic & Rarity is accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity and an itemized commercial invoice. Available provenance records, historic collection labels, auction references and other supporting documentation remain with the object whenever applicable. These records support your collection files and customs processing but do not replace permits or guarantee clearance by government authorities.
Tracking, Delivery & Shipping Protection
Tracking information is emailed as soon as your order has been dispatched. We use established international carriers and require a delivery signature whenever the service is available. Shipping protection is arranged according to the carrier, destination, object type and declared value; applicable exclusions or coverage limits may apply.
Photograph the exterior packaging before opening it, retain all packing materials, and contact our Client Care team immediately. This documentation is essential when submitting a claim with the carrier.
Preparation & Estimated Delivery Times
Most orders are carefully prepared and dispatched within 1–2 business days after payment and any necessary address verification or shipping review has been completed. Oversized, exceptionally fragile, high-value or regulated objects may require additional time for specialized packaging, documentation or carrier arrangements.
Tracking information is sent by email once the carrier receives your parcel. Transit times vary according to the destination, shipping service and customs processing. Delivery dates provided by carriers are estimates rather than guarantees. Customs inspections, weather, carrier disruptions and remote destinations may affect the final delivery date.
Customs FAQs
Do you offer free worldwide shipping?
Yes. Relic & Rarity provides complimentary standard worldwide shipping on every order, subject to destination, carrier availability and applicable restrictions.
How long does order preparation take?
Most orders are carefully prepared and dispatched within 1–2 business days after payment and any necessary address verification or shipping review. Oversized, exceptionally fragile, high-value or regulated objects may require additional preparation time.
How long will delivery take?
Transit times vary according to the destination, shipping service and customs processing. Delivery dates provided by carriers are estimates rather than guarantees. Customs inspections, weather, carrier disruptions and remote destinations may affect delivery.
Will I receive tracking information?
Yes. Tracking information is emailed once the carrier receives your parcel. A delivery signature maybe requested for certain shipments.
How are fragile artifacts packaged?
Each object is assessed according to its material, dimensions, weight, condition and structural vulnerabilities. Clean protective layers, cushioning, fitted interior supports and a durable outer container are selected to help reduce movement, abrasion, vibration, pressure and impact during transit.
Is my shipment insured?
Shipping protection is arranged according to the carrier, destination, object type and declared value. Coverage limits or exclusions may apply. Please contact our Client Care team before purchasing if you require information about a particular artifact.
Who is responsible for customs duties and taxes?
Any import duties, sales taxes, VAT, brokerage charges or customs-processing fees assessed by the destination country are separate from complimentary shipping and remain the recipient’s responsibility.
Can you declare a lower value or mark my purchase as a gift?
No. Every international shipment is accurately described and declared at its full purchase price. We cannot undervalue an object, alter its description or mark a commercial purchase as a gift.
What documentation accompanies my artifact?
Every artifact is accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity and an itemized invoice. Available provenance records, historic collection labels, auction references and other supporting documents are also included when applicable.
Can every artifact be shipped to every country?
Not always. Cultural property, archaeological material, human remains, animal-derived materials, arms and other regulated objects may be restricted or require permits. Please contact us before ordering if you are uncertain about the requirements in your country.
What happens if my shipment is held by customs?
Customs authorities may inspect a shipment or request additional information. Please respond promptly to any communication from the carrier or customs authority and contact our Client Care team. We will provide available documentation and reasonable assistance, although clearance decisions and processing times remain under the authority of the destination country.
What should I do if my parcel arrives damaged?
In the rare event that your parcel arrives damaged, photograph the exterior packaging before opening it, retain all packing materials and contact our Client Care team immediately. Please do not discard the packaging or attempt a repair, as this documentation may be essential when submitting a carrier claim.
What happens if a shipment is refused or returned to sender?
If a shipment is refused, remains uncollected, is returned following missed delivery attempts, unpaid import charges, missing customs documentation, incorrect purchaser-supplied information or circumstances beyond Relic & Rarity’s reasonable control, the order will be treated as a voluntary cancellation by the purchaser. Once the object is returned and inspected, a refund of up to 50% of the purchase price may be issued, subject to its satisfactory condition. The remaining amount will be retained to offset outbound and return shipping, insurance, customs and carrier charges, payment-processing fees, administration, inventory handling, restocking, market exposure losses and other reasonable costs incurred. All original shipping charges, duties, taxes, brokerage fees, insurance premiums and carrier charges are non-refundable.