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

In the early 1990s Professor Mikhail Piotrovsky, director of the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg was
considering the possibility of having satellites of the museum in the West. Ernst Veen, director of the Nieuwe
Kerk, suggested that Amsterdam would be the ideal location for a branch of the Russian museum, given the
historical links between the two cities over the past 300 years. The Hermitage Amsterdam opened in 2004 in the
Amstelhof. A second development phase is underway and, in spring 2009, the Hermitage Amsterdam will have a
building ten times the size of the present accommodation.
Photo: State Hermitage Museum St Petersburg
Who is responsible for implementing these regulations?
There are two agencies with responsibility in this area. Export licences are issued
by the State Inspectorate for Cultural Heritage (Erfgoedinspectie) in association with
the Tax Authorities/Customs – Central Licensing Office for Import and Export in
Groningen (CDIU).
Do I need an export licence?
You should consult the regulations on export licences which are explained in the brochure
produced by the State Inspectorate for Cultural Heritage:
http://www.erfgoedinspectie.nl/_media/publications/Uitvoer_boekje_ENG.pdf.
If you are exporting cultural goods of a certain age or value and age (as defined by Council
Regulation 3911/92) from the Netherlands to Russia, or any country outside the EU, you
will need an export licence.
According to the guidance brochure, customs can demand proof from the holders of
goods that do not need an export licence that these goods are genuinely as old and valuable
as the exporter says. In other words, you cannot undervalue goods to avoid applying
for an export licence. Invoices, valuation reports, insurance documents and the like can
be produced as proof of the age and value.
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