2026 World Cup: The Definitive Guide to Buying Art in the U.S. and Bringing It Home
The World Cup of Opportunities
The 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada will not only be the biggest in history, but also a unique opportunity to visit art galleries in cities like New York, Miami, or Los Angeles between matches.
If you’re planning to follow your national team but also have an eye for art, this guide is for you. Buying a piece abroad is exciting, but bringing it back requires championship-level logistics.
The purchase: Essential documentation
Before the artwork leaves the gallery or the artist’s studio, ensure you have these three documents in order. Without them, customs clearance will be impossible:
- Detailed commercial invoice: This must include the artist’s name, the title of the artwork, the medium (oil, bronze, photography, etc.) and the actual sale price.
- Certificate of authenticity: This guarantees that the piece is an original. It is essential to prove that you are not illegally exporting cultural heritage or an undeclared copy.
- Letter of authorisation: A document authorising the customs agent to clear the goods on your behalf.
Packaging: Protecting your investment
The greatest risk to a painting or sculpture is not theft, but the conditions of the journey. A flight from the US to Spain involves changes in pressure and humidity, as well as multiple handling operations on the ground.
- Wooden crates: Forget about cardboard. Works of art require custom-made wooden crates that comply with the international ISPM15 standard
- Barrier materials: Acid-free paper and polyethylene foam that does not react chemically with the paint or the materials of the artwork must be used.
- Corner protectors and cushioning: The crate must be designed to absorb vibrations, preventing the paint layer from suffering micro-cracks during turbulence
Customs and Taxes: Avoiding Being ‘Offside’
This is where many collectors make costly mistakes. When importing art from the US to the European Union, there are specific rules:
- The Harmonised System (HS) Code: Most original works of art fall under Chapter 97 of the Harmonised System. This is key to ensuring the relevant tax benefits apply.
- Reduced Import VAT: In Spain, whilst the standard VAT rate is 21%, imports of original works of art usually benefit from a reduced rate of 10%. To qualify, the work must meet the legal definition of a “work of art” (being original and handmade by the artist).
- Customs duties: Generally, original works of art are exempt from customs duties (0%), but it is mandatory to submit an import declaration to the Tax Agency.
Why shouldn’t you take it as hand luggage?
Even if the artwork is small, declaring it at the airport check-in desk can be a bureaucratic nightmare. What’s more, airport security staff aren’t equipped to handle delicate items. A professional freight service offers:
- ‘Nail-to-Nail’ insurance: A specialised policy that covers the artwork from the moment it leaves the gallery until it is hung in your living room.
- Traceability: You’ll know exactly where your artwork is whilst you enjoy the national team’s next match.
Let the score be your only concern; we’ll take care of the rest
At Mudinmar, we’ve been managing international removals and the transport of works of art (Fine Art Logistics) for decades. If you decide to purchase a piece in the United States during the 2026 World Cup, don’t let logistics stand in the way of your passion for collecting.
We offer a comprehensive service including collection from any city in the US, high-security technical packaging and personalised customs clearance to ensure your artwork arrives in Spain with all the necessary legal and physical safeguards.
Have you got your World Cup tickets yet? Secure the transport of your valuable purchases now. [Request your art transport quote here].