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

Italy
Chapter 3: European Union Member States
How do I find out if the art object I want to export is of national significance? Is there a Public
Inventory of cultural goods of special interest or importance?
Export of all cultural goods which are protected under the Italian Code is restricted although
there is no national inventory of goods of national significance.
Are there any exemptions for particular cultural goods?
Under the Italian Code, works of art by living artists do not require permission (in the form
of a Certificate of Circulation). However, such contemporary artworks do still come under
the jurisdiction of the Code (Article 65) and the exporter must demonstrate to the export
office that the goods are indeed the work of a living artist.
The same would apply to a work of art by an artist who is deceased, where the work was
created less than 50 years ago but the artist’s production period was less than 50 years.
This would have to be proved to get authorisation for the export of the work.
Do museums and galleries need licences for temporary exports (e.g. a touring exhibition)? Do
non-profit organisations need export licences?
Yes. Museums, galleries and non-profit organisations must apply for licences. Cultural
goods that fall under the categories described in the Italian legislation and/or EU export
licence legislation must be covered by an export licence, whatever the type of applicant
or purpose. The Italian legislation restricts the export of any cultural objects which belong
to collections of museums, galleries or other public institutions.
The Italian Code (Article 66) allows for authorisation for cultural goods to leave Italy on
temporary export for “art events, exhibits or expositions of great cultural interest, on condition
that the integrity and safety of the (objects) are ensured”.
Temporary export is permitted for analysis and conservation work which must be carried
out abroad. It can also be granted for reciprocal agreements under cultural accords with
foreign museums.
A Certificate of Temporary Circulation is valid for 18 months.
I am a visual artist. Do I need a licence to export my own work?
No. Art work which belongs to “the originator” (i.e. the artist who created it) does not require
an export licence under the EU export licence legislation, whatever its age or value. Therefore
you do not need an EU licence to export your own work if you still own it yourself.
However, the Italian Code may still apply and you should take advice on this.
I am a musician. Do I need to know about export regulations if I am travelling with my instrument?
Yes. Any musician who wishes to travel outside the European Union with a musical instru-
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