For a number of items shipped via Western Bid (paintings, works of art, collectible items over 60 years old, items made of stones and precious metals), before shipment a cultural or gemological appraisal is mandatory.
About gemological and cultural expertise for Western Bid clients
For shipments of goods that require undergoing a culturological examination (for paintings, works of art, sculptures, etc.), you must perform the examination yourself and attach externally to the parcel the documents proving the examination.
Note: for shipments it is very important that the document bears an up-to-date date. The list of centers for obtaining permits is here and here.
For shipments of goods that require undergoing a gemological examination (items made of stone and precious metals), you must perform the examination yourself and attach externally to the parcel the documents proving the examination.
If the stones are uncut or in the form of sand, please bring or send them only in a box sealed by a gemologist.
If there is no certified State Gemological Center of Ukraine expert in your region, you should contact the State Gemological Center of Ukraine and clarify the possibility of conducting the examination of the item sent by mail. If in a particular case this is not possible for one reason or another, you will need to personally travel to the nearest State Gemological Center of Ukraine to obtain the permit.
When is an expert assessment required?
- For items made from natural stones, gemological expertise is required. If the stones are not natural (such as zircon, glass, ceramics, or plastic stone imitations), then expertise is not required.
- For art objects such as paintings (oil on canvas) and sculptures (plaster, metal), a permit from the Ministry of Culture is required. For plastic figurines and toys, for industrially produced items, as well as for posters and prints of paintings, a permit is not required.
- For oil portraits on canvas from a photograph, you must attach to the usual shipping documents a printed listing (lot) with the sale price, as well as a copy of the photograph of the person who was painted. In this case, no other permits are required.
- For watercolors, pencil sketches, caricatures, and for works in gouache or other paints on paper, wood, or other surfaces (excluding canvas), gemological expertise is also required.
- Amber products or unprocessed amber are prohibited.
- If the item is made of metal and there is a receipt, it is sufficient to include this receipt; expertise is not required.
- If the item is handmade of metal (no receipt) – expertise is required. Through UPS and FedEx you can send metal items not more expensive than silver.
- Pure metal in its unrefined form cannot be sold or shipped through Western Bid.
Please note: in all cases, examination documents must contain the current date. Shipments without the proper documents, as well as without external labeling of these documents on the box, may be delayed or not cleared by customs.
What expertise is required for shipment?
- Cultural expertise is required for paintings, art objects, sculptures, and other cultural valuables, including collectible items over 60 years old.
- Gemological expertise is required for items made from stones and precious metals; in some cases — for uncut stones.
- Documents confirming the relevant expertise must be affixed to the outside of the package when sending via Western Bid.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cultural Studies and Gemological Expertise
In which cases is cultural expertise mandatory?
In which cases is cultural expertise mandatory?
Cultural expertise is required for paintings, works of art, sculptures, and other cultural assets, including collectible items over 60 years old.
In which cases is gemological examination required?
In which cases is gemological examination required?
Gemological examination is required for products made from gemstones and precious metals. If the stones are uncut or in the form of sand, they must be sent only in a sealed gemologist’s box.
Does Western Bid perform the expert assessment on its own?
Does Western Bid perform the expert assessment on its own?
By default, the customer must independently perform the expert examination and attach the documents to the parcel.
Where should I attach the expert examination documents?
Where should I attach the expert examination documents?
The documents for culturological or gemological examination should be affixed to the outside of the parcel so that they can be quickly checked during customs control.