The transnational circulation of artworks is a matter directly related to the national legislation that applies to these goods, to which we must add the dispositions and international treaties that also can be applied to each particular case.
Knowing the rules on international circulation of works of art and cultural property is essential to observe the legality of these operations
The countries that follow a legal tradition of solid protection of their cultural and artistic heritage usually enact restrictive rules about the exit of these goods from their national territory, but there are some exceptional cases. On the other hand, we find countries whose legislation is more permissive in what concerns the transboundary circulation of cultural goods.
However, all the countries include in their legislation detailed procedures to allow the exit of these goods from their territory and also to admit the entry of these objects when a boundary crossing occurs. These are the legal mechanisms enacted to avoid subtractions and thefts and to protect and keep the national wealth by establishing a procedure to authorise the operation.
Knowing this legislation is essential to carrying out operations within the legal frame and to avoiding the frustration of a purchase agreement due to ignorance or a mistake in its execution. In the import and export procedures, the following must be taken into account:
► The national legislation
► The supranational rules (European legislation)
► The agreements and international treaties signed by the countries concerned
What can Artworld Law do for you?
► Do you own an artwork and not know if it can be taken out of the country?
► Do you want to change your address to somewhere abroad and take your collection with you?
► Do you want to sell a piece abroad but not know how to ask for an export authorisation?
► Have you ever been denied an export authorisation and believe that it was not correct?
► Have you bought an artwork abroad and do you want to bring it into the country?
► Do you consider that in your collection there are exportable and non-exportable pieces, but you don’t want to divide the ensemble?
► Do you want to borrow a piece for an exhibition abroad and you don’t know if it is mandatory to ask for an export authorisation?