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

Chapter 3: European Union Member States
Italy
ment which is over a certain age and value must obtain an EU export licence (as described
in Chapter 2). This applies whether the export is temporary, e.g. for a concert tour, or
permanent.
I am a tourist visiting Italy. If I buy a work of art, how do I take it home with me?
The export regulations apply to anyone who wants to take cultural goods of a certain
age, or age and value from Italy to Russia (or to another country). You must go through
the application process with the Ministry in Italy in order for the goods to be cleared
for export.
The commercial trade in art, antiques and used objects is subject to various controls
in Italy. Anyone who sells such goods to the public or exhibits art work for the
purpose of sale must provide the buyer with documentation certifying authenticity
or probable attribution and provenance. If this is lacking, a declaration must be provided
with all the available information on the provenance, attribution and authenticity.
This Certificate of Authenticity and Provenance can form part of your application
for an export licence.
If you have bought the art work, antique, furniture or other cultural goods from a reputable
art or antique dealer, ask for their advice on how to apply for the export licence. Be
advised that a large range of cultural goods (mostly over 50 years old) are covered by the
Italian Code and therefore you may not be able to get permission for the permanent export
of the goods. In any case, it will take up to 40 days for delivery of the export licences and
you will need to take this into account.
Is there a fee for an export licence?
Yes. There is a fixed fee of 14.62 € for the delivery of the export document.
For cultural goods owned by private individuals or by organisations which are not public
administrations or institutions, a security bond will be required for temporary export.
This deposit can take the form of a bank guarantee or insurance policy worth at least
10 % of the value of the cultural goods. If the objects are not returned to Italy within the
established time limit of the Temporary Circulation certificate, the bond will be cashed.
The Ministry may waive the requirement for the security bond for institutions of particular
cultural importance.
Does the cultural object need to be valued? If so, who will do this?
For objects older than 50 years, a commission is formed of experts on historic,
artistic and archaeological objects to evaluate export applications. Part of the application
process involves an assessment of whether the valuation provided is fair.
Depending on the object, there may also be a “verification of cultural interest”. This
is done following guidelines established by the Ministry and may involve examination
of the object.
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