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Buying and shipping Dutch colonial antiques from Ambalangoda to the USA

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J
Julian H.•17525 rep•2

I found some stunning 19th century Dutch colonial teak furniture in Ambalangoda. How reliable is international shipping, and are there export restrictions on antiques from Sri Lanka.

2
editedoneceylon_staff
5 months ago

6 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

You must be very careful. Any item over 50 years old requires an export permit from the Department of Archaeology. Reputable high end antique dealers in Ambalangoda will handle the fumigation, packing, and all government clearance paperwork for you. They regularly pack and ship full containers to the US via sea freight, which is highly reliable but takes about 6 to 8 weeks.

15
D
Deshan M.•6310 rep•1

Make absolutely sure the wood is properly fumigated before it leaves the port. You do not want tropical wood borers destroying the furniture or getting stopped by US Customs agriculture checks.

46
R
Rohan W.•9650 rep•1

Always ask the dealer for a clear, written invoice stating the age, wood type, and origin of the piece. You will need this for customs and insurance purposes.

42
Z
Zoe K.•9885 rep•2

I shipped a massive Pettagama dowry chest back to Toronto last year. The dealer built a custom wooden crate for it. It arrived in perfect condition.

40
S
Sophia L.•15300 rep•2

Also, ask them about the climate differences. Teak is very stable, but bringing tropical wood into a dry, central heated US home can sometimes cause minor cracking if it is not properly cured.

39
A
Amali D.•10930 rep•1

A lot of the colonial furniture in Ambalangoda is actually reproduction made from old reclaimed jackwood or teak. If it is reproduction, you do not need the archaeology permit, but it should be priced accordingly.

36
M
Mateo R.•16595 rep•2

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