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

Portugal
Chapter 3: European Union Member States
mation: a photograph of each object and the invoice for the purchase of the goods or a
declaration of ownership.
An application for an export licence must be made at least 30 days in advance of the
export. This decision period is set under Portuguese law.
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?
The IPM is responsible for the public registry of cultural goods that are considered of
special importance. These are protected by Portuguese law under a process which has
existed since 1930. The procedure involves classification and listing, according to various
categories (national treasure, national importance, national interest).
Further information on listed movable heritage can be found on the IPM website at:
http://www.ipmuseus.pt/en/iniciativas/I24446/TA.aspx.
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. Any cultural
goods that fall under any of the categories described in the Portuguese national legislation
and/or EU export licence regulations must be covered by an export licence, whatever the
type of applicant or purpose.
If the cultural goods belong to a public collection (museums, libraries, archives) and are
to be presented in a temporary exhibition the following documents from the borrowing
institution must be also attached with the application:
• The borrower’s request and facility report
• A synopsis of the exhibition
• The loan agreement or loan form
• The lender’s assessment on the objectives and benefits of the export and of the
travelling conditions
There is no statutory limit on the period of time an art object can remain outside Portugal.
However, it is common understanding and practice that long-term loans between museums
should not exceed three years.
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.
Under Portuguese national law, the works of living or contemporary artists, which are less
than seventy years old and which are the property of the respective artists or come under
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