Dear List Mates:

Quick customs question for anyone who works in this area.

A U.S. buyer purchased a ~$1.3M artwork that had been temporarily shipped to Europe for an art fair and was then returned to the U.S. The freight forwarder brought in a U.S. customs broker, the buyer’s assistant signed a customs POA, and after clearance the buyer was charged about $8,400 for a single-entry customs bond, calculated at .65% of the artwork’s value. No estimate for that charge was given in advance.

The client paid it, so I am not looking to make this a dispute unless there is something obviously wrong. I mainly want to understand:

• Is that bond structure/amount normal?
• Is the premium basically a private commercial charge?
• Can/should those premiums be capped or agreed in advance?
• What should an art advisor or purchaser ask for before clearance to avoid surprises?

Also very interested in identifying a practical customs lawyer to keep in my pocket for future issues.

Email responses only.

Thanks all. And an easy fast to all who observe.

Best regards,