A guide to the export and import of cultural goods between Russia ...

Chapter 3: European Union Member States
Greece
Which customs authorities are empowered to deal with the export of cultural goods?
Customs offices in Athens and Thessaloniki are empowered to deal with the export of
cultural goods.
What other paperwork do I need to export a cultural object?
When you leave Greece you must show the relevant export permits, export certificate and,
additionally for temporary export, the loan agreement and insurance certificate.
When you enter Russia, you must show all the relevant documentation and declare the object
at customs, passing through the Red channel. See Chapter 4 for further information.
What are the penalties if I do something wrong?
Greek national legislation provides sanctions for the illegal export of cultural goods. The
illegal import of cultural goods carries a penalty of not less than one year’s imprisonment,
if it is not punished more severely by another provision.
The illegal non-return of cultural objects (where a court or tribunal orders the return of
cultural objects which have been illegally removed from the territory of another State) is
punishable by imprisonment, according to EU legislation and international conventions
enforced in Greece.
Are there any special export restrictions on certain objects or other considerations I should
know about?
Given Greece’s cultural heritage, the primary emphasis of national legislation is on the
protection of movable archaeological heritage. Nevertheless, other cultural goods do fall
under the scope of national legislation and are assessed for export outside the EU (as well
as for dispatch to EU Member States) according their age.
What are the requirements if I want to import cultural goods into Greece from Russia?
The import of cultural goods is also controlled by national legislation. A special licence,
issued by the Ministry of Culture, must be completed. When an object is imported from
outside the EU, the licence must be filled in at the customs office, in collaboration with the
Archaeological Service. The imported cultural good must be accompanied by documentation
such as an export certificate from the country of origin, purchase invoice mentioning
provenance, inheritance documentation etc.
Greek national legislation provides for control of provenance for all cultural goods that
enter Greek territory. The illegal import of cultural goods is punishable by imprisonment.
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