One of the most common questions we receive from European and American clients is: How does shipping work for large, heavy stone and bronze lion statues? With over 30 years of international export experience, we have perfected the logistics of shipping lion sculptures worldwide.
Packaging: Protecting Your Investment
Every lion statue we ship undergoes a rigorous packaging process designed to withstand international shipping conditions:
- Inner Layer: Soft foam and bubble wrap directly contacting the statue surface.
- Custom Wooden Crate: Each statue gets a purpose-built wooden crate with internal bracing.
- Shock Absorption: Foam corner blocks and cushioning materials absorb vibrations.
- Moisture Barrier: For marble statues, a plastic moisture barrier prevents condensation damage.
Shipping Methods We Offer
Sea Freight (Most Economical)
- Transit time: 25-35 days to US West Coast, 35-45 days to US East Coast, 30-40 days to Europe
- Best for: Large statues (100cm+), bulk orders, budget-conscious projects
- Cost range: $300-$1,500 per statue depending on size and destination
Air Freight (Fastest)
- Transit time: 7-14 days worldwide
- Best for: Urgent orders, smaller statues (under 80cm), time-sensitive projects
- Cost range: $500-$3,000 per statue depending on weight and destination
Popular Shipping Routes
| Destination | Sea Freight | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|
| USA (West Coast) | 25-35 days | 7-10 days |
| USA (East Coast) | 35-45 days | 7-12 days |
| United Kingdom | 30-40 days | 7-10 days |
| Germany | 30-40 days | 7-10 days |
| France | 30-40 days | 7-10 days |
| Italy | 30-40 days | 7-12 days |
| Australia | 25-35 days | 7-10 days |
Customs and Import Duties
- HS Code: Stone sculptures typically fall under HS code 6802.91; bronze sculptures under 8306.21
- Import Duty (USA): Generally 3.5-5% for stone sculptures
- Import Duty (EU): Typically 0-5% for artistic sculptures
- VAT/GST: 20% UK, 19% Germany, 10% Australia GST
- Documentation: We provide all necessary documents including certificate of origin
Insurance and Guarantees
All shipments are fully insured against transit damage. Our damage rate is less than 0.5%, thanks to our robust packaging standards. In the rare event of damage, we will produce and ship a replacement at no additional cost.
Have questions about shipping to your country? Contact us with your location for a detailed shipping quote.