U.S. Tariffs & Exporting / Importing Antiques in 2026
Updated: July 2026
International shipping has become one of the most frequently discussed topics within the antiques trade over the past two years. Between changing U.S. tariff policies, new customs procedures and increased documentation requirements, both dealers and collectors have understandably questioned whether importing antiques from the United Kingdom has become more expensive.
In February 2026, the United States Supreme Court issued one of the most significant trade rulings in recent history, concluding that the broad tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were not authorised by that legislation. While the decision received widespread media attention, it did not remove every import charge, nor did it return international trade to the position it occupied before 2025.
This guide explains what changed, what remains in place, and what buyers and sellers should expect when shipping antiques from the UK to the United States.
On 20 February 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that IEEPA does not give the President authority to impose broad peacetime import tariffs.
This meant that the wide-ranging reciprocal tariffs introduced under that legislation were found to be unlawful, and the ruling triggered further legal action concerning refunds for importers who had already paid them.
However, the judgment only applied to tariffs imposed under IEEPA.
It did not automatically remove tariffs introduced under other trade legislation, including Section 232 national security measures or other existing customs laws.
The answer is sometimes—but not always.
For many importers, the removal of the IEEPA tariffs reduced the total landed cost of importing goods.
However, international buyers still remain responsible for several other costs, including:
In other words, while one layer of tariff may have disappeared for some goods, importing antiques into the United States is not entirely cost free.
This is where antiques differ from many modern goods.
Objects that are over 100 years old are generally classified within Chapter 97 of the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule when correctly described and documented.
Providing the shipment satisfies U.S. Customs requirements, genuine antiques continue to benefit from favourable customs treatment that has existed for many years.
For antique dealers, accurate classification remains every bit as important as it was before the Supreme Court ruling.
The court ruling did not reduce the importance of accurate paperwork.
In fact, Customs authorities continue to scrutinise imported antiques carefully.
Invoices should always include:
Vague descriptions such as:
"Old lamp"
or
"Vintage furniture"
can still lead to delays, additional inspections and incorrect tariff classifications.
Professional documentation has never been more important.
Every commercial invoice should clearly describe:
Victorian Brass Hall Lantern, Circa 1880
rather than simply:
Light fitting
Likewise:
Georgian Oak Chest of Drawers, Circa 1780
is considerably more useful than:
Wooden furniture
Detailed descriptions help Customs officers correctly identify genuine antiques and reduce unnecessary delays.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that duty-free means completely free to import.
Even where an antique qualifies for favourable customs treatment, buyers should still expect possible charges including:
These charges vary between carriers and destinations and are separate from the purchase price of the antique itself.
Trade policy remains one of the fastest-moving areas of international commerce.
Antique dealers should continue to monitor developments in:
While the Supreme Court ruling removed one significant source of uncertainty, further legislative changes and legal challenges continue to shape the international trading environment.
It is important to remember that shipping costs are influenced by far more than tariffs.
International freight prices continue to fluctuate according to:
For valuable antiques, comprehensive transit insurance remains strongly recommended regardless of current tariff levels.
As specialist dealers in antique lighting, decorative antiques and period interiors, we regularly ship to collectors, interior designers and private clients throughout the United States and around the world.
Every international shipment is prepared with detailed documentation, accurate descriptions and careful packing to help minimise delays and ensure our clients receive their purchases safely.
While customs procedures continue to evolve, our aim remains the same—to make purchasing British antiques from overseas as straightforward and transparent as possible.
The Supreme Court ruling undoubtedly changed the landscape of U.S. trade policy, but it did not remove every cost associated with importing antiques.
For buyers, the greatest reassurance remains purchasing from an experienced dealer who understands customs documentation, international shipping requirements and the importance of correctly describing genuine antiques.
For dealers, the lesson is equally clear: accuracy, transparency and professional documentation remain the best protection against delays, unnecessary costs and customs complications.
As international regulations continue to evolve, we will keep this guide updated so collectors and fellow dealers have access to the latest practical guidance when buying and shipping antiques across borders.
