Shipping & Delivery
Aurora ships worldwide, always fully insured. Shipping is free within the EU; outside the EU one flat rate covers the official export licence and insured express delivery. We package each piece in archival materials and ship via DHL or registered post depending on destination. Here is exactly what to expect.
Shipping cost
Free shipping within the EU. Always. No minimum order, no exclusions. Outside the EU, a flat €95 per order covers the official export licence, customs documentation and fully insured express delivery, no matter how many pieces you order.
Full insurance for the declared value is always included. We keep insurance on us because handing over a 1,800-year-old artifact to a courier should not feel risky to you.
Processing time
Each piece is hand-packed by Jakob personally. EU orders ship within 1-3 business days of payment. Non-EU orders ship as soon as the export licence is issued, typically about 3 weeks after your order.
Delivery time after dispatch
| Destination | Typical delivery | Courier |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | 1-3 business days | DHL / bpost |
| European Union | 1-3 business days | DHL international |
| UK | 2-5 business days after the export licence | DHL Express |
| USA / Canada | 2-5 business days after the export licence | DHL Express |
| Australia / New Zealand | 2-5 business days after the export licence | DHL Express |
| Switzerland | 2-5 business days after the export licence | DHL Express |
| Asia / Middle East | 2-5 business days after the export licence | DHL Express |
Customs and import duties (non-EU only)
If you are shipping outside the European Union, please note:
- Every piece requires an export licence. Antiquities need official documentation from the Belgian heritage authorities before they can leave the EU, whatever their value. We handle this entirely on our side; it typically adds about 3 weeks of processing time before dispatch. We will email you with your personal timeline within 24 hours of your order. The licence document travels with your piece and becomes part of its provenance. Read the full story in our guide: Shipping outside the EU: how the export licence works.
- Import duties are the buyer's responsibility. Each country sets its own rates. For the US, antiques over 100 years old typically have zero or reduced duty. We provide accurate customs declarations to minimise delays.
- We do not under-declare value on customs forms. This protects your insurance coverage and our compliance standing. Honesty here is non-negotiable.
Tracking
Every order ships with a tracked, signed-for service. You will receive a tracking number by email within 24 hours of dispatch. If you do not receive it, check your spam folder or write to us at info@auroraantiqua.com.
Packaging
Each piece ships in:
- A custom-fit cushioned ring box or coin slab (depending on the piece)
- A printed authentication certificate
- An outer shipping box with archival padding
- Tamper-evident sealing tape
The packaging is presentation-grade — ready for gifting without additional wrapping.
Damaged or lost shipments
Every shipment is insured for its full purchase value. If your piece arrives damaged, photograph the packaging and the piece before unpacking further, then email us within 48 hours. We will replace the piece (when an identical or comparable one is available) or refund you in full including any return shipping. You should never bear cost from a shipping mishap.
For lost shipments (tracking shows no movement for 14 business days), email us. We file the insurance claim and either replace or refund you within 30 days of the report.
Multiple orders
If you order multiple pieces, they will ship together in a single insured shipment unless you request otherwise. This reduces customs handling and saves on duties for non-EU destinations.
Hold for collection / vacation
If you are travelling and want us to hold your order, just reply to your order confirmation email with a dispatch date. We are happy to hold pieces for up to 30 days.
Questions about shipping to a specific destination? Write to us before you order. We will give you an accurate timeline and confirm any country-specific paperwork.