Tax-Free Fine Art Prints for U.S. Customers: Save 19% VAT on Orders Shipped from Germany
If you are purchasing a Fine Art Print from our Germany-based online store and your order is shipped directly to the United States, you may benefit from a significant advantage: German Value Added Tax (VAT) of 19% does not apply to qualifying export shipments outside the European Union.
Why Is the Purchase VAT-Free?
Germany is part of the European Union, where most goods sold domestically or within the EU are subject to VAT. However, different rules apply when goods are exported to countries outside the EU.
The United States is considered a "third country" (non-EU country) for tax purposes. When a Fine Art Print is shipped directly from Germany to the U.S., the transaction generally qualifies as a VAT-exempt export under German tax law.
As a result, the German VAT of 19% is not charged on eligible orders shipped directly to the United States.
How the Process Works
Ordering from abroad is simple:
Select your Fine Art Print and place your order.
Provide a shipping address in the United States.
We ship the artwork directly from Germany to your destination.
The export is documented through official shipping and customs records.
The German VAT is removed from the purchase price or refunded where applicable.
Example Calculation
Let's assume a Fine Art Print is listed at a price of €1,190 including German VAT.
DescriptionAmountPrice including 19% VAT€1,190Included VAT€190Net export price€1,000
For a qualifying export shipment to the United States, you would pay the net amount of €1,000, saving €190 in German VAT.
Important Information About U.S. Import Duties and Taxes
While German VAT is not charged on qualifying export shipments, your order may still be subject to import duties, local taxes, customs fees, or carrier handling charges in the United States.
These charges, if applicable, are determined by U.S. customs authorities and local regulations and are the responsibility of the recipient.
Requirements for VAT Exemption
The VAT exemption generally applies when:
The delivery address is located outside the European Union.
The artwork is shipped directly from Germany to a non-EU country.
The export can be verified through shipping and customs documentation.
The goods are not delivered to an address within the EU before export.
Museum-Quality Fine Art Prints, Delivered Worldwide
We produce our Fine Art Prints to the highest archival standards and carefully package each artwork for international shipping. By ordering directly from Germany, U.S. collectors, interior designers, galleries, and art enthusiasts can enjoy premium-quality artwork while benefiting from VAT-free export pricing.
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding international shipping, customs procedures, or VAT-free purchases, please feel free to contact us.
We will be happy to assist you before placing your order.