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

Chapter 3: European Union Member States
Bulgaria
Depending on the status of the cultural goods (following an expert assessment), there are
therefore different ‘permissions’ under Bulgarian law.
The EU export licence can be for definitive or temporary export.
What are my first steps? How do I plan this process and how long might it take?
As the owner of the cultural goods, you must apply for permission for export or you can
authorise another person to make the application on your behalf. You should submit your
application to the Ministry of Culture. A different procedure applies for museums, as described
below.
Whether you are applying for an EU export licence or for permission under national legislation,
the same documents and procedures are used. You must provide the documentation
listed in the Regulation on export and temporary export, together with three photographs.
According to the guidelines, the Minister of Culture should make a decision on a request
for permission to export within two weeks.
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?
Cultural objects are assessed on an individual basis. Those described under Article 2 of
the Additional Provisions of the Cultural Goods and Museums Law are considered as a
national treasure. Their export would be restricted to temporary export for exhibition, conservation
or restoration purposes.
Are there any exemptions for particular cultural goods?
Contemporary art objects which are not covered by the legislation do not require an export
licence. However, they still need a document of non-movable cultural goods for export.
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.
The procedure for obtaining an export licence for movable goods from the museum network
in Bulgaria is that the application must be made by the Museum Director. Documents
are submitted to the regional and national museum institutions.
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 a licence to export your own work if you still own it yourself.
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