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

Chapter 3: European Union Member States
Czech Republic
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 Central Registry of Museum-Type Collections (CES) is a publicly accessible information
system and can be found on the Ministry of Culture’s website at:
http://www.mkcr.cz/ces/.
Are there any exemptions for particular cultural goods?
Original works of art by living authors are exempted under Act No. 71/1994.
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 the categories described in the Czech national legislation and/or EU
export licence regulations must be covered by an export licence, whatever the type of
applicant or purpose.
Permits for export of museum collection objects are only issued for a specified term (i.e.
temporary export) for the purposes of exhibition, conservation or restoration, or scientific
study. There are no statutory time limits defined in the legislation but the Ministry of Culture
will not issue a Permit unless there are sufficient legal guarantees that the objects will
be returned to the Czech Republic.
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 regulations, whatever its age or value.
Therefore you do not need a licence to export your own work if you still own it yourself. In
addition, works by living authors are exempted under the national legislation.
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 instrument
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 the Czech Republic. If I buy a work of art, how do I take it home with me?
The export regulations described above apply to anyone who wants to take cultural goods
of a certain age and value from the Czech Republic to Russia (or to another country). You
must go through the application process with the Czech authorities in order for the goods
to be cleared for export.
65