Fine Art Shipping Cape Town — Handled by Specialists, Not Generalists
The official carrier for the Investec Cape Town Art Fair.
Why Art Shipping Is Different
Art logistics is not standard freight. Vibration, humidity fluctuations, temperature swings, and rough handling damage irreplaceable works in ways that standard couriers never anticipate. A ceramic piece worth R50,000, a painting that took six months to complete, or a historic textile cannot be packed like a parcel and thrown in the back of a van.
Fine art requires climate-controlled transport, conservation-grade materials, condition documentation, and customs expertise that general logistics companies simply don’t have. The difference between a R5,000 crate and a R500 box might be permanent loss.
JLog specialises in art logistics because we understand the stakes. We’ve handled exhibitions for leading South African galleries. We’ve coordinated 50+ gallery shipments for the Investec Cape Town Art Fair. We know what breaks in transit — and how to prevent it.
Our Fine Art Services
Custom Crating & Packing
Bespoke timber crates, foam cushioning, and acid-free materials for works on paper. Every crate is engineered for the specific artwork.
Climate-Controlled Transport
Temperature and humidity-monitored vehicles. Essential for oils, acrylics, textiles, and sensitive materials.
International Art Courier
Direct FedEx and DHL accounts with full art documentation: CITES, ATA Carnets, commercial invoices, and insurance certificates.
Gallery-to-Gallery Logistics
Collection, condition reporting, installation delivery, and return packing. We handle every step of exhibition logistics.
Art Fair Logistics
Full setup/teardown coordination for Cape Town Art Fair and other SA art fairs. 50+ galleries, one seamless operation.
Fine Art Storage
Secure, climate-controlled storage at Woodstock facility. Perfect for between-exhibition periods and seasonal pieces.
JLog as Official Carrier — Investec Cape Town Art Fair
JLog is the official carrier for the Investec Cape Town Art Fair — one of South Africa’s leading contemporary art events. This responsibility means coordinating shipments for 50+ galleries, managing tight installation timelines, handling VVIP collection operations, and ensuring zero damage to high-value works.
Our clients in this space include leading South African galleries, and other tier-one galleries. We understand the time pressures, the insurance requirements, and the reputational stakes. An artwork arrives damaged, a gallery’s reputation is damaged. We don’t let that happen.
If you’re showing at the Art Fair or any other major SA art event, JLog has the experience, the infrastructure, and the relationships to deliver flawlessly.
International Art Export from Cape Town
Shipping art internationally from South Africa requires expertise in two areas: packing and customs.
What Goes into an International Art Export
When you export art from South Africa, SARS requires full customs documentation. We handle this completely. ATA Carnets for temporary exports (loan exhibitions to London, New York, Amsterdam), permanent export permits for sales, Chapter 97 HS codes for artwork and antiques, and insurance certificates.
On the freight side, FedEx and DHL have specialist art handling divisions. We maintain direct accounts with both and coordinate door-to-door transport. We arrange for proper ISPM-15 compliant timber if required, handle all declarations at destination, and coordinate with receiving galleries or collectors.
Where We Ship Art To
JLog has coordinated art exports to London (for auctions and gallery exhibitions), New York (for collectors and institutions), Amsterdam (for art fairs), Dubai (for corporate collections), and across Europe. Each destination has different import regulations, and we manage all of them.
We also coordinate return shipments when exhibitions close or loans are complete, ensuring art gets home in the same condition it left.
For Private Collectors
If you’re a serious art collector — acquiring work from galleries or at auction — JLog offers white-glove collection services. We arrange collection from the gallery or auction house, document condition with photographs (before and after), deliver directly to your home or office, and provide signed confirmation of receipt.
For international acquisitions, we handle full customs coordination and insurance. For insurance purposes, we can provide condition reports and documentation suitable for your insurer. We also manage SARS VAT implications on imported art — we coordinate with customs brokers to ensure proper duty classification and duty payment.
Whether it’s a single piece or an entire collection, we treat your art with the care it deserves.
Moving furniture or interior pieces alongside artwork? JLog also handles the export of furniture and interiors from South Africa — the same white-glove process for designer furniture, lighting and décor.
Art Shipping Pricing
Art shipping is quoted per job. The variables are many: artwork dimensions and weight, destination (local, national, or international), packing complexity, crating requirements, and insurance value. A small painting to Johannesburg costs nothing like a sculpture to London.
Rather than guessing, request a quote. Tell us the artwork details, destination, and timeline. We’ll provide a transparent, itemised estimate within 24 hours.
Ready to Ship Your Artwork?
Let’s protect what matters. Request a quote or call us to discuss your art shipping needs.
Request an Art Shipping QuoteCall +27 21 300 6099 | Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ship artwork from Cape Town internationally?
JLog specialises in international art shipping from Cape Town. We handle full coordination including custom crating, SARS customs documentation (ATA Carnet or temporary export permits), international freight forwarding via FedEx or DHL, and insurance. We manage all paperwork, handle art-specific packing, and ensure compliance with destination import requirements. Our team coordinates directly with customs brokers and maintains relationships with international galleries.
Does JLog pack and crate artwork?
Yes. JLog builds custom timber export crates, creates foam-lined transit cases, and uses conservation-grade packing materials including acid-free tissue, glassine interleaving, and custom corner protection. We assess each artwork individually — dimensions, weight, fragility, medium — and design packing accordingly. Bespoke crating starts from a quoted amount and is quoted per project.
What insurance is required for fine art shipping?
International art shipments require all-risk transit insurance with declared value. JLog recommends insuring at 110% of artwork value to cover replacement costs. We coordinate with insurance brokers, provide documentation (artist statements, condition reports, valuations), and can facilitate claims if damage occurs. Domestic shipments can use JLog’s carrier insurance, but we recommend separate fine art coverage for high-value pieces.
How does JLog handle customs for art exports?
JLog manages SARS customs compliance for all art exports. For temporary exports (loan exhibitions), we arrange ATA Carnets. For permanent exports (sales), we manage full customs declarations, Chapter 97 HS codes for art and antiques, and ensure compliance with DAFF regulations. We coordinate with customs brokers, prepare commercial invoices, and ensure all documentation is in place before shipment.
Can JLog store artwork between exhibitions?
Yes. JLog offers secure, climate-controlled storage at our Woodstock facility. Temperature and humidity are monitored 24/7. Storage is ideal for between-exhibition periods, seasonal pieces, or while waiting for international shipments. Storage rates are quoted monthly based on space requirements. We also offer condition check-ins and professional handling during storage.
What is the cost of fine art shipping in South Africa?
Fine art shipping is quoted per project based on artwork dimensions, weight, destination, packing complexity, and required insurance. Domestic shipments typically range from R1,500 to R15,000+; international shipments vary significantly based on destination and method (air vs sea). Request a quote with your artwork details and destination, and we’ll provide a transparent estimate.
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Need temporary export documentation? If you’re shipping art or equipment abroad temporarily, JLog can arrange an ATA Carnet — the international customs document that allows goods to re-enter South Africa duty-free.
Frequently asked questions
How is fine art packed for shipping or moving?
Each work is condition-reported, wrapped in acid-free materials, and crated to museum standard in ISPM-15 certified timber with closed-cell foam cushioning sized to the piece. Fragile media get double-crating or climate consideration; every crate is labelled and photographed before dispatch.
Do I need a permit to ship art out of South Africa?
Artworks older than 60 years are heritage objects and need a SAHRA export permit before they leave South Africa. JLog handles the SAHRA application, export documentation and customs clearance as part of the shipment.