TEMPORARY IMPORTATION
OF WORKS OF ART

Each nation is sovereign with regard to the cultural assets found on its territory, whatever their origin and ownership, therefore it is appropriate to know that in Italy the export and import of works of art and antiques are subject to complex legislation which is regulated by the Code of Cultural Heritage (Legislative Decree no. 42 of 22 January 2004). This text has the function of preserving the historical and artistic heritage of the Italian nation by defining cultural assets and subjecting them to protection.

The art. 72 regulates the hypotheses of entry into the territory of the Republic of cultural assets which the Italian state defines as follows: “movable and immovable things of artistic, historical, archaeological, ethno-anthropological, archival and bibliographic interest and other things identified by law as evidence of civilizational value”. In this case the export office certifies the origin of the goods following the presentation of suitable documentation issued by the State of origin.

The document is valid for five years and can be extended.

Compliance with these practices is appropriate both for private individuals who intend to bring objects belonging to them stored or purchased abroad into Italy, and for commercial entities who intend to participate in exhibitions, exhibitions, fairs or events.

To submit the application it is necessary to be accredited at the export office of the Superintendency.