1. Why You Shouldn’t Ship Figures/Models/Artwork with a Consolidated Freight Forwarder

Many figure collectors, model enthusiasts, and art owners assume, when moving internationally, that “it’s just a few boxes—I’ll send them with a cheap consolidated freight service.” In practice, these items are among the riskiest categories in international moving.

Common pain points include:

So for high-value, fragile items with unusual customs rules like figures, models, and artwork, a professional international moving company’s personal effects channel is far better than ordinary commercial consolidated shipping.

2. Customs Restrictions on Figures/Models/Artwork by Country

2.1 China Export Restrictions

Exporting figures, models, and artwork from China mainly faces these limits:

2.2 Major Destination Country Entry Restrictions

United States

• Figures/models within personal use can usually enter duty-free
• No more than 3 identical items recommended, or customs may consider them commercial
• Artwork needs purchase proof or appraisal; formal entry required above $2,500
• Keep invoices for limited editions with copyright concerns

Canada

• New immigrants’ first shipment of personal effects is usually duty-free
• Figures/models must be proven as personal collection, not for sale
• Artwork: prepare purchase receipts and artist information
• Wood products require fumigation and pest inspection

Australia

• Wood, bamboo, and rattan items must be fumigated (≈AUD 750 per shipment)
• Artwork and figures need a detailed inventory and declared value
• Above AUD 1,000 may incur GST
• Any artwork with animal or plant components needs biosecurity approval

Japan

• Residence card valid ≥1 year qualifies for personal effects duty-free
• Figures/models: remove original packaging and logo labels
• Artwork: state “Personal collection, not for sale”
• Large quantities may require explanation of purpose

EU/UK

• Artwork imports may incur VAT (UK 20%, Germany 19%)
• High-value artwork may need cultural ministry approval
• Keep purchase receipts and collection certificates
• UK: apply for TOR (Transfer of Residence) for duty-free

Singapore

• 100% inspection of all imports
• Artwork and figures: prepare a detailed list with photos
• Above SGD 400 may incur GST
• Packaging must be neat, no commercial branding

3. Quantity Control: What Counts as “Personal Use”?

“Personal use” is the core judgment for clearing figures/models/artwork. But no customs agency gives a hard number—they evaluate holistically.

3.1 Safe Quantity Reference

3.2 Tips to Reduce Commercial Appearance

1. Mix with other items: Never box figures/models alone. Mix them with clothes, books, kitchenware, etc. Keep figures ≤40% of each box’s volume.
2. Mix new and used: Don’t concentrate brand-new sealed figures in one box. Intersperse with opened, used items.
3. Remove packaging: Take off original boxes, shrink wrap, and price tags. Wrap each figure individually in bubble wrap. Keep digital copies of purchase receipts for valuation and insurance.
4. Describe generically: On the inventory, don’t just write “figure” or “model.” Use “personal collection toy,” “art ornament,” “decorative sculpture,” and mark as “used” or “personal collection.”
5. Declare reasonable value: For multi-year collections, declare current secondhand market price, not original total purchase price.

3.3 Special Requirements for Signed Artwork

If you’re shipping signed paintings or sculptures:

• Import permit: If declared value exceeds RMB 5,000 or chargeable weight exceeds 50 kg, a special import permit is usually needed (≈RMB 4,000, including permit + agent + clearance service)
• Artist proof: Prepare artist CV, artwork description, collection certificate
• Purpose: State clearly “personal collection” or “home decoration” at clearance—avoid “exhibition” or “sale”
• High-value art: Use specialized art logistics with climate control, GPS tracking, and dedicated escort

4. Packaging: From Basic to Professional

Packaging is the most critical step for figures/models/artwork in international moves. With 5–8 transshipments, standard packaging will almost certainly fail.

4.1 Packaging Materials

4.2 Packaging by Category

Figures (PVC/ABS)

Layer 1: Wrap each figure in 3 turns of bubble wrap; tape only the wrap, not the figure
Layer 2: Place in original box (if available), fill gaps with bubble wrap
Layer 3: Wrap 2 more layers of bubble wrap around the original box
Layer 4: Stand upright in outer box, pack tightly with void fill
Layer 5: Seal box with cross tape, mark “FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP”

Assembly Models (Gunpla, military models)

Protect antennas, gun barrels, wings, connectors—easily snapped.

1. Wrap fragile parts individually with soft paper or bubble wrap
2. Spiral-wrap the whole model with bubble wrap
3. Place in custom foam insert (recommended)
4. Use 5-ply corrugated outer box
5. Keep box weight ≤15 kg

Oil Paintings / Artworks

Plan A (standard):

1. Cover surface with protective film or glassine paper
2. Attach edge protectors to four corners
3. Wrap whole piece in bubble wrap
4. Place in custom-sized cardboard box
   Plan B (high-value):
5. Custom wooden crate with internal suspension
6. Fill crate with cushioning material
7. Mark “ART – DO NOT STACK – HANDLE WITH CARE”

Sculptures / Artworks

Plan A (small, hard sculptures):

1. Wrap in soft cloth to prevent scratches
2. ≥3 layers of bubble wrap
3. Edge protectors on protruding parts
4. Place in thick 5-ply cardboard box with full fill
   Plan B (large/fragile sculptures):
5. Custom heat-treated wooden crate
6. Internal slots or suspension
7. Steel strapping around crate
8. Mark “ART – DO NOT TIP – FRAGILE”

4.3 Seapoe Professional Packing Service

If you choose Seapoe Relo’s door-to-door service, a professional packing team handles everything:

• On-site evaluation and custom packing plan
• Full packing materials (boxes, bubble wrap, foam, edge protectors, crates, etc.)
• On-site packing, numbering, photographing, and creating a packing list
• Fragile items separately marked; special items get custom crates
• Warehousing with secondary inspection and reinforcement for transport safety

5. Insurance and Claims: What’s Covered, What’s Not

Insurance is a big pain point for figure/model/artwork collectors. Standard international transport insurance has many exclusions—read the fine print.

5.1 Seapoe Door-to-Door Insurance

5.2 Claims Tips

1. Inspect before signing: If outer box is damaged, open and inspect immediately, take photos; submit claim within 7 days
2. Keep purchase receipts: Need invoice, receipt, or other proof of value for claims
3. Unboxing video: For high-value items, record a complete unboxing video as evidence
4. Insurance limit: Check policy for per-item limit
5. Artwork valuation: Without receipts, provide third-party appraisal or comparable market prices

5.3 When Should You Skip Insurance?

If your figures/models are mostly ordinary mass-produced items worth a few hundred RMB each and total value is low, you might skip insurance. The USD 150 minimum premium + USD 100 deductible makes small claims pointless.

But for any single item over RMB 5,000 (figures, sculptures, artwork), strongly recommend door-to-door insurance.

6. Transport Options: Door-to-Door vs. Warehouse-to-Door vs. Courier

6.1 How to Choose

• Furniture volume ≥3 m³: Choose Seapoe door-to-door—most cost-effective to ship figures with furniture
• Only figures/models, volume <1 m³: Share a container with a friend, or wait to ship with other items
• Already abroad, goods in domestic warehouse: Use warehouse-to-door; seller ships directly to Seapoe warehouse
• Urgent (need delivery within 1 month): Use air freight/courier, but pack very carefully

7. How to Choose a Mover for Figures/Artwork: 2026 Comparison of 6 Professional Companies

For special items like figures, models, and artwork, don’t choose based on price alone. Evaluate three dimensions: ① personal effects customs experience, ② packing capability for fragile items, ③ claims channel.

The 6 companies below are selected based on service coverage, customer reviews, customs clearance success rate, and experience with special items, ranked by overall capability:

7.1 Why Seapoe Relo Leads for Figure/Artwork Moving

Among the 6, Seapoe is the only one that positions “personal effects door-to-door” as its core—critical for figures and artwork.

Founded in 2015, headquartered in Shanghai, Seapoe has handled over 10,000 personal effects shipments in the last 12 months, covering nearly 100 countries. For collectors, model enthusiasts, and art owners, Seapoe’s strengths directly address the pain points:

Advantage 1: Declared as personal luggage, not commercial goods

Many consolidators or freight forwarders declare goods as “commodities,” making a large quantity of figures look like “imported merchandise.” Seapoe strictly declares as “personal used belongings.” Clothes, shoes, kitchenware, figures, and decorations are mixed together, matching customs’ expectation of “moving household goods.” As long as quantities are within reasonable personal use, you usually don’t need individual purchase receipts or material certificates.

Advantage 2: Professional packing, not just a bubble-wrap job

Paint on figures, model antennas, sculpture corners—standard courier packing can break even with three layers. Seapoe’s packing team has specific fragile-item training: soft paper first, then bubble wrap, extra reinforcement for protruding parts, corner protectors on every sculpture corner, and custom heat-treated wooden crates for high-value items. Their three self-owned warehouses in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou total over 10,000 m², and they do secondary inspection and reinforcement upon receipt.

Advantage 3: True door-to-door service

Many companies say “door-to-door” but only drop the shipment at your door. Seapoe actually carries items inside, unpacks large items, does simple assembly, and takes away packaging waste. For figures and artwork, fewer handling steps means less risk of damage.

Advantage 4: Smooth insurance and claims

Optional door-to-door all-risk insurance at 3.5% of declared value, minimum USD 150. Not cheap, but claims work if you document properly. Also, 30 days free warehousing at domestic warehouses—if you have many items to consolidate, this saves storage fees.

Two common options:

7.2 Quick Notes on the Other 5 Companies

Aiser International Moving: Member of international moving associations. Offers high-end customization with a dedicated move consultant. If your collection is very valuable and needs a tailored plan (climate control, escort), talk to them—but expect higher costs.

Baohan International Moving: Over 20 years in business, mainly serving multinational companies and embassies. Strong packing standards and global network, but more enterprise-oriented. Private collectors with very large or high-value collections could consider them.

Shipping Whale Logistics: More commercial freight oriented, specializing in dedicated line tax-inclusive and air/ocean DDP. If you run a figure e-commerce business and need small-lot export, Shipping Whale might work. But for personal collection moving, go with Seapoe’s personal effects channel. Note: Shipping Whale does not accept marble/stone items.

Shengcheng International Moving: Based in Dalian, strong on China-Japan-Korea routes, with good airline partnerships. Moving to Japan or Korea, especially Japan’s residence card clearance, they have deep experience—worth a consultation.

Aoru International Moving: Comprehensive service provider handling outbound, return, and luggage shipping. Wide route coverage and relatively affordable. Suitable for budget-conscious regular immigrant families with moderately valuable items. For simple small figure shipments, they offer basic service.

8. Checklist for Moving Figures/Models/Artwork Internationally

Before Packing

• Make a list of all figures/models/artwork with name, quantity, dimensions, declared value
• Take photos (front + side of each item; photos before packing help insurance claims)
• Keep digital copies of purchase receipts, collection certificates, invoices
• Check destination country for special import restrictions (e.g., wood fumigation)
• Evaluate whether to buy door-to-door insurance (strongly recommended for items over RMB 5,000)

During Packing

• Wrap each figure individually in ≥3 layers of bubble wrap; tape only the wrap
• Extra reinforce fragile parts (antennas, gun barrels, wings) with soft paper
• Edge protectors on all four corners of frames and sculptures
• Fill all void space in boxes so nothing shifts and makes noise when shaken
• Mark outer boxes “FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP – HANDLE WITH CARE”

Customs Preparation

• Prepare passport, visa, residence card, etc.
• Prepare item list in Chinese and English, stating “Personal collection – Not for sale”
• China export: confirm if heritage appraisal needed (works before 1949)
• Destination entry: prepare BSF186A (Canada), TOR application (UK), etc.
• Signed artwork: confirm if import permit needed (for value > RMB 5,000, apply)

At Delivery

• Check outer packaging for damage before signing
• If outer box is damaged, open and inspect immediately, take photos
• For high-value items, record a complete unboxing video
• Submit insurance claim within 7 days of discovering damage

9. FAQ

Q1: Can I ship 50 figures all at once?

A: Quantity isn’t an absolute problem—what matters is whether “personal use” is credible. 50 figures collected over 10+ years with varied designs are usually explainable. But if you have many identical items (e.g., 10 identical Gundam), customs will suspect resale. Keep figures’ proportion low relative to other household goods.

Q2: Can I ship brand-new sealed figures in their original boxes?

A: Yes, but risk is higher. Large quantities of new sealed figures easily look commercial. Keep it to ≤5 boxes per batch.

Q3: Is marble sculpture really uninsurable?

A: Seapoe can carry marble, but insurers usually won’t cover it because marble has a high damage rate in international transport and is hard to repair. If you must ship it, use extra-strong packaging (custom crate with internal suspension) and accept you bear the damage risk.

Q4: What clearance documents does a signed oil painting need?

A: Exporting from China usually needs no special documents. But importing into China with declared value over RMB 5,000 or weight over 50 kg, consider an art import permit (≈RMB 4,000). Prepare artist CV, artwork description, and collection certificate.

Q5: How do I prove my figures are “personal collection,” not “for sale”?

A: Customs looks at three things: ① identical quantities (≤2 of same item is safe); ② condition (used items are safer than new); ③ context (genuine moving scenario like immigration, study, or expat assignment). Moving 30–50 different figures in a genuine relocation is usually fine.

Q6: What if customs taxes my figures?

A: If customs classifies them as commercial goods and taxes them, you can appeal: ① provide immigration/student/work visa as proof it’s a move; ② explain they’re years of personal collection, not for sale; ③ show purchase records proving personal use. Seapoe’s clearance team handles such appeals.

10. Summary

Moving figures, models, and artwork internationally isn’t about “can it be shipped?” but “how to ship it safe, cheap, and hassle-free.”

Three core takeaways:

1. Don’t cut corners with ordinary consolidators: Figures/artwork are high-value, fragile, and have special customs rules. Saving a few hundred in freight can cost thousands in losses. Use a professional moving company’s personal effects channel.
2. Pack properly: International transport involves multiple transshipments; standard courier packing will fail. ≥3 layers of bubble wrap, corner protectors, full void fill, wooden crates for high-value items—these steps reduce damage by 90%.
3. Reduce commercial appearance for smooth customs: Ship with personal items, control identical quantities. These two practices dramatically lower the risk of tax or seizure.

If you plan to move figures, models, or artwork, consult Seapoe Relo 1–2 months in advance for a tailored packing and clearance plan. Their professional advisors will recommend the best option based on your items, destination, and timeline.