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

Chapter 3: European Union Member States
Italy
Normally any object that is covered by the Italian Code (and it includes many categories of
cultural goods) will not get permission for permanent export, although it might get permission
for temporary export.
If you want to export the goods from Italy to Russia, you will also need an EU export
licence (provided they come under the scope of Council Regulation 3911/92). You can
apply for a temporary or a permanent export licence.
What are my first steps? How do I plan this process and how long might it take?
An application can be made by either the owner or the caretaker of the object. You should
apply to the Export Department at the Ministry for the Certificate of Circulation (in other
words, for permission to export).
To apply for a Certifi cate of Free Circulation (for permanent export), you must make
a declaration of this intention and present the objects to the competent export offi ce,
indicating the market value. Within three days, the export offi ce notifi es the Ministry
who have ten days to respond with any additional information. Once the value has
been established as fair, the Ministry’s Export Department must issue or refuse a
Certifi cate of Free Circulation within 40 days of the initial application. The Certifi cate
is valid for three years.
A similar procedure applies when you apply for a Certifi cate of Temporary Circulation.
The application must also include information on who is responsible for the safekeeping
of the object while it is abroad. The timing for delivery of the certifi cate is the same
but it is valid for a maximum of 18 months. The granting of a Certifi cate of Temporary
Circulation is conditional on the property being insured by the applicant. For exhibitions
and events promoted abroad by the Ministry or by other government bodies,
Italian Cultural Institutes or supra-national bodies, the insurance may be assumed
under State risks.
There are specific regulations for works of art by artists who are deceased. In general,
works of art over 50 years old are covered by the Code. If, however, the artist has died,
any work by this artist (whenever it was created) can come under the Code if the artist’s
production was for more than 50 years (i.e. their artistic career was at least 50 years long).
In this case, the works are deemed to be “of cultural interest” and export will be restricted
as with other older cultural goods.
Applications for EU export licences should be made to the Ministry or via the regional
Soprintendenze offices which are also authorised to issue EU export licences. You
should follow the procedure established under the Council Regulation 3911/92. EU export
licences can be issued at the same time as a Certificate of Free Circulation or not
longer than 30 months after a Certificate has been granted. The EU export licence is
valid for six months.
It takes 15–40 days to issue an export licence.
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