Certification & Authenticity
Protecting the value and provenance of your original painting
Every KrykunArt painting is a unique, hand-made original. We offer two levels of certification so you can protect the value, provenance, and legal standing of your artwork — whether for personal enjoyment, insurance, resale, or estate planning.
Certificate of Authenticity
Included free with every painting
What Is It?
A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is a signed document from the artist confirming that the painting is an original work. It travels with the painting throughout its lifetime and is the primary proof of authenticity for collectors, galleries, and insurers.
What Does It Include?
- Full title of the artwork
- Year of creation
- Medium and materials (e.g. oil on canvas)
- Exact dimensions
- Unique catalog number
- Photograph of the painting
- Artist’s hand signature and date of issue
Why Does It Matter?
- Proves the work is an original, not a reproduction
- Required by most insurance companies to insure artwork
- Essential for resale — buyers and auction houses expect a COA
- Establishes clear provenance (ownership history)
- Helps customs officers classify the work correctly (HS 9701 — duty-free in most countries)
Every KrykunArt painting ships with a Certificate of Authenticity at no extra charge. If you need a replacement or an additional copy, contact us.
Official Copyright Registration (Turkey)
Optional — available on request
What Is It?
Under Turkish copyright law (FSEK, Law No. 5846), every painting is automatically protected from the moment of creation — no registration is required. However, you can request a voluntary registration (isteğe bağlı kayıt-tescil) through the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Copyright General Directorate. This creates an official government record of authorship and date.
What Do You Receive?
- An official kayıt-tescil belgesi (registration certificate) issued by the Ministry
- A government-stamped record linking the artwork to its creator
- Recognition under the Berne Convention, valid in 180+ countries
When Is It Recommended?
- High-value purchases where extra legal proof is desired
- Corporate or institutional collections that require formal documentation
- Estate and inheritance planning
- If you intend to resell through major auction houses or galleries
If you would like us to arrange official copyright registration for your painting, please contact us after purchase. A small administrative fee applies to cover government charges and processing.
Export from Turkey
No export certificate required
All KrykunArt paintings are contemporary original works by a living artist. Under Turkish law (Law No. 2863 on Cultural and Natural Heritage), contemporary artwork does not require an export permit. Export certificates are only required for items classified as cultural or historical property (typically antiques or historically significant objects).
We provide all standard customs documentation with every shipment — including a commercial invoice, packing list, and the Certificate of Authenticity — so your painting clears Turkish customs smoothly.
Import Requirements by Destination
What your country may require when the painting arrives
Original paintings (HS code 9701) are duty-free in most countries. However, import VAT or sales tax usually applies, and some regions have additional documentation requirements. Below is a guide for the most common destinations.
European Union
- Duty: 0 % on original paintings (HS 9701)
- VAT: Reduced rates in many member states (e.g. 7 % Germany, 5.5 % France, 10 % Austria)
- EU Regulation 2019/880: Since June 2025, importing cultural goods into the EU requires an importer statement submitted through the EU’s ICG electronic system. For contemporary paintings, this is a simple declaration — no licence needed
- EORI number: Required for customs clearance. Your shipping carrier can advise
United Kingdom
- Duty: 0 % on original paintings
- VAT: 5 % (reduced rate for original art imports)
- Documentation: Commercial invoice and Certificate of Authenticity. Shipments over £135 require a customs declaration (handled by the carrier)
- No import licence needed for contemporary artwork
USA
- Duty: 0 % under HTS Chapter 97
- Fees: Merchandise Processing Fee (0.3464 % of value, min. $33.18) applies on formal entries
- Documentation: Commercial invoice with artist name, title, medium, year, and dimensions. Formal entry (customs broker) required for shipments over $2,500
- No import licence needed for contemporary original artwork
Canada
- Duty: 0 % on original paintings
- GST/HST: 5 % federal GST (plus provincial tax in some provinces)
- Documentation: Commercial invoice and Certificate of Authenticity
- No import licence needed for contemporary artwork
Australia
- Duty: 0 % on original paintings
- GST: 10 % on goods valued over AUD 1,000
- Documentation: Commercial invoice and COA. The carrier handles customs entry
- No import licence for contemporary works. The Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act applies only to Australian cultural property exports
Switzerland & Norway
- Duty: 0 % on original paintings
- VAT: Switzerland 8.1 %, Norway 12 % (reduced rate for art)
- Documentation: Commercial invoice, Certificate of Authenticity. Customs clearance required at the border (not covered by EU free circulation)
- No import licence for contemporary artwork
Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel)
- Duty: Typically 0–5 % on original paintings
- VAT: 5 % in UAE and Saudi Arabia; 17 % in Israel
- Documentation: Commercial invoice and COA. Some countries may require a content declaration for customs
- No special art import licence for contemporary works
Japan & South Korea
- Duty: 0 % on original paintings (HS 9701)
- Consumption tax: Japan 10 %; South Korea 10 % VAT
- Documentation: Commercial invoice and Certificate of Authenticity
- No import licence for contemporary artwork
General Rule
Original paintings by living contemporary artists are duty-free in virtually every country under HS code 9701. Import VAT or sales tax is usually the only cost at customs. The key documents you need are:
- Commercial invoice (we provide this)
- Certificate of Authenticity (included with every painting)
- Packing list (we provide this)
- Carrier’s air waybill or bill of lading (provided by the shipping carrier)
Customs duties and local taxes are the buyer’s responsibility. We ship DAP (Delivered at Place) by default. If you prefer DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) where we handle customs for you, contact us for a quote.
Tips for Buyers
Keep Your Documents Safe
Store your Certificate of Authenticity, invoice, and any registration documents in a safe place separate from the painting itself. Consider making digital copies. These documents are essential for insurance claims, resale, and estate transfers.
Insure Your Painting
Most home insurance policies have low limits for artwork. Contact your insurance provider to add the painting as a scheduled item. They will typically require the Certificate of Authenticity and the purchase invoice. See our shipping page for transit insurance options.
Photograph Your Painting
Take high-quality photographs of the front, back, signature, and any labels once you receive the painting. These serve as a visual record for insurance, restoration, and provenance documentation.
Check Import Rules Before Ordering
While original contemporary paintings clear customs easily in most countries, we recommend checking with your local customs authority if you are unsure. Your shipping carrier can also advise on any specific requirements for your destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Certificate of Authenticity included with my purchase?
Yes. Every KrykunArt painting ships with a signed Certificate of Authenticity at no extra charge.
Do I need an export certificate from Turkey?
No. All KrykunArt paintings are contemporary works by a living artist and do not require a Turkish export permit. We handle all export-side customs documentation for you.
Will I have to pay customs duties when the painting arrives?
Original paintings (HS 9701) are duty-free in most countries. However, import VAT or sales tax usually applies. The exact rate depends on your country. See the import guide above for details.
Do I need an import licence?
For contemporary original artwork, no import licence is needed in the vast majority of countries. EU importers need to submit a simple electronic importer statement (since June 2025), but this is a declaration — not a licence. If you are in a country with specific cultural import controls, contact us and we will help you with the documentation.
Can I get official copyright registration for my painting?
Yes. We can arrange voluntary registration through the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism on your behalf. This creates an official government record recognized in 180+ countries under the Berne Convention. Contact us after purchase to arrange this.
What if I lose my Certificate of Authenticity?
We keep records of all paintings and certificates issued. Contact us with your purchase details and we will issue a replacement.
Questions About Certification?
We are happy to help with any questions about authenticity, documentation, or import requirements for your country.