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

Introduction
Export controls apply to anyone who wants to take a cultural object, as defined under the
legislation, out of a country. They apply to individuals, non-profit and commercial bodies,
public institutions and other organisations. The applicant’s age, citizenship, nationality
and place of residence are not relevant. They apply whether you are taking such an object
out permanently or for a short period. For example, the EU export licensing legislation
(which covers older, valuable musical instruments) applies to musicians of all ages, even
children and students who want to take their musical instrument on holiday from an EU
member state to a non-EU country.
All countries have their own particular focus and priority in devising their export controls.
The national cultural heritage legislation aims to safeguard cultural goods of national significance
and keep them in the country. This is interpreted in various ways. It may apply
to goods made in the country or created by an artist from that country; it could cover an
art work representing an important national historic figure; it might include documents or
objects with other national significance.
Sweden, for example, has export restrictions which apply to cultural goods made in Sweden
or made elsewhere by a Swede. Ireland has export controls for art works made in
Ireland. Both countries also restrict the movement of cultural goods which are located
in the country, wherever they were made and whoever made them. Another example of
a particular national interest is the United Kingdom where a portrait of a British historical
person is subject to special measures.
In common with several EU countries, the heritage protection legislation in Russia covers
all cultural goods (or “cultural values”) which are more than 50 years old. Items which are
particularly significant for Russian cultural heritage, such as icons, old coins, medals and
musical instruments, are mentioned specifically. Unlike the EU export licensing system
which relies on a combination of age or age and value, in Russia it is age that is the sole
deciding factor for whether objects are considered to be cultural goods and therefore
subject to export and import controls.
For some European countries with an important and substantial archaeological heritage,
e.g. Greece and Cyprus, the main focus of the legislation is on export control of movable
archaeological heritage. Indeed, the export of any archaeological object may be forbidden
by law. There is a long history of such objects being stolen, destroyed or illegally moved
and this has created a determination to keep the existing archaeological heritage intact by
means of legislation and enforcement.
Inventories of cultural goods of national importance exist in many countries and they frequently
act as the legal basis for decisions on export controls. In other countries, where
inventories do not exist, national legislation sets out criteria for the evaluation of cultural
goods of particular importance. A process of expertise is carried out on an individual basis
for export applications, following the criteria.
Further details on all the national legislative frameworks and procedures can be found in
the country chapters.
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