Fine Art & Antiques
Fine art, antiques and high-value collectibles exported from India — bespoke crating, specialist handling and export documentation for pieces that demand it.
India has a rich tradition of collecting: paintings, sculptures, antique furniture, ceremonial objects, textiles and decorative arts that carry both monetary and cultural significance. When these pieces move across borders — in a relocation, an estate settlement, a gallery transfer or a private sale — they demand a level of care and documentation that standard international freight simply cannot provide.
Seemleius fine art and antiques relocation from India is a specialist service for exactly this. We combine bespoke physical protection with the export compliance that Indian and international regulations require for high-value and culturally significant objects.
Why India-origin fine art moves require specialist handling
Exporting art and antiques from India is subject to a specific layer of regulation that does not apply to ordinary household goods. Items classified as antiques under the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act 1972 require an export licence from the Archaeological Survey of India. High-value pieces must be declared correctly on the shipping bill, with appropriate documentation supporting valuation. Insurance must be tailored to the declared value and mode of transit. These requirements apply regardless of whether the shipment is a single canvas or a collection of twenty pieces.
Regulatory compliance
Export licensing guidance, ASI requirements, correct declaration on the shipping bill, and FEMA-relevant documentation for high-value pieces.
Bespoke protective crating
Custom crates, mounts and cushioning engineered for the dimensions, weight and fragility of each individual piece.
Specialist handlers
Trained art handlers for packing, loading and unpacking — people who understand that a painting or a sculpture is not a carton.
Condition records
Each piece photographed and condition-noted before transit, with corresponding documentation on arrival — the baseline for any insurance claim.
What we move
- Paintings on canvas and paper — framed and unframed, rolled or flat-packed
- Sculptures in stone, bronze, wood and mixed media
- Antique and period furniture requiring climate-sensitive packing
- Ceramics, glassware, decorative objects and collectibles
- Textile art, tapestries and heritage-quality rugs
- Archive-quality photographs and works on paper
How a fine art shipment is planned
- Assessment and compliance check. We review each piece: its category under Indian law, declared value, dimensions, fragility and insurance requirements. Any ASI licence or export certificate requirements are identified at this stage.
- Protection design. Bespoke crates and mounts are built or sourced for each item. Nothing travels in generic packaging.
- Documentation preparation. The shipping bill is prepared with accurate declarations. Any valuation certificates, ASI documents or provenance papers are compiled and cross-checked.
- Packing and dispatch. Trained handlers pack each piece, photograph the condition, and load the shipment. You receive a condition record and dispatch confirmation.
- Destination delivery and inspection. The shipment is delivered through our specialist partner network. Pieces are unpacked carefully and condition is reviewed on arrival against the pre-dispatch record.
A note on antique export from India
We are candid about the regulatory landscape: if a piece qualifies as an antique under Indian law (generally more than 100 years old), its export requires an ASI licence and the process takes time. We advise on this early in the planning, so the timeline is realistic. We do not encourage clients to misclassify pieces to avoid compliance — the risk is significant and the documentation trail is permanent.
Every fine art and antiques move is scoped individually. Tell us about your pieces and we will set out what is involved clearly and honestly.
Questions people ask about this service
Anything not covered here? A specialist is happy to talk it through.
Contact usHow do I get a quote for this service?
Use the step-by-step quote form — it takes about a minute — or call us directly. Every quote is free, itemised and with no obligation.
Is my shipment insured?
Transit insurance is available on every service. Your coordinator will explain the cover options when quoting so you can choose what suits the shipment.
How far ahead should I book?
Two to four weeks is comfortable for most jobs, but we regularly handle urgent work. The sooner you reach out, the more flexibility you have on dates.
Do you handle the paperwork and customs?
Yes — where a service involves customs or documentation, we prepare and submit it on your behalf and keep you updated at each stage.
Will I have one point of contact?
Always. A dedicated coordinator owns your job from first quote to completion — no call centre, no being passed around.