VAT-Exempt Fine Art Prints for Customers in the U.S.
If you purchase a fine art print from our online store based in Germany and your order is shipped directly to the United States, you can take advantage of an important benefit: German value-added tax (19%) does not apply to qualifying export shipments to countries outside the European Union.
Why is the purchase exempt from sales tax?
Germany is part of the European Union, where most sales of goods within Germany or the EU are subject to value-added tax. However, special rules apply to goods exported to countries outside the EU.
From a tax perspective, the United States is considered a so-called third country (non-EU country). If a fine art print is shipped directly from Germany to the U.S., the shipment generally meets the requirements for a VAT-exempt export under German tax law.
Therefore, for eligible orders shipped directly to the U.S., the 19% German value-added tax is not charged.
Here's how the process works
Ordering from abroad is easy:
Select your fine art print and place your order.
Please provide a shipping address in the United States.
We ship the artwork directly from Germany to the address of your choice.
The export is documented by official shipping and customs documents.
German value-added tax is deducted from the purchase price or, if applicable, refunded.
Sample Calculation
Suppose a fine art print is offered at a price of €1,190, including German VAT.
VAT included: 190 €
Net export price: €1,000
For a qualifying export shipment to the US, you will therefore pay the net amount of €1,000 and save €190 in German VAT.
Important Information on U.S. Import Duties and Taxes
Even though no German VAT is charged on eligible export shipments, your order may be subject to import duties, local taxes, customs fees, or processing fees charged by the shipping provider in the U.S.
These costs are determined by U.S. customs authorities and applicable local regulations and are the responsibility of the recipient.
Requirements for VAT Exemption
The VAT exemption generally applies if:
The shipping address is located outside the European Union.
The artwork is being shipped directly from Germany to a non-EU country.
The export can be verified by shipping and customs documents.
The goods are not delivered to an address within the EU prior to export.
Museum-Quality Fine Art Prints – Worldwide Shipping
Our fine art prints are produced to the highest archival standards and carefully packaged for international shipping. By purchasing directly from Germany, U.S. collectors, interior designers, galleries, and art lovers benefit from high-quality photographic art and attractive, VAT-free export prices.
Questions?
If you have any questions about international shipping, customs procedures, or VAT-exempt orders, please feel free to contact us.
We're happy to advise you before you make a purchase and help you with any questions you may have about your order.