Can artworks travel freely between Italy and other EU countries?
No, a special Dept. of Police can check that the documents are in order and that the works are authorized to travel by the Fine Art Ministry.

Are Export licenses required for all artwork exports?
Works more than 50 years old require an Export License or an Export Permit; it must be completed and signed on behalf of works' owner by the shipping company and accompanied by works' photographs. Obtaining the License or Permit takes 15- 40 days.

Very important works require Fine Art Italian Ministry (MBCA) authorization and can be shipped to other countries only temporarily. This authorization takes 90 days. This is what is know as the Bella Arte

How long does it take to obtain an export license ?
Export license require from the presentation date a minimum of 15 days to 40 days maximum. If MBCA controls apply it can take 90 days.

What is the cost of obtaining an export license?
There is no charge from the Ministry. The cost is based on the following:

Preparation of documents and prints, photographs, p/u, packing, transport to the Fine Art Office for control, unpacking, transport back to the stores or Museums storage.

How long is an export license good for?
Permit normally is valid till 12 months. Sometimes it is renewable.

What is the normal process for importing artwork and exhibitions into Italy?
A Fine Art import declaration is in most cases still requested by Customs. To avoid problems upon re-export or further export of 'antiques' a Fine Art Temporary Import License is strongly recommended and must be applied for upon works import into Italy. When importing a whole Exhibition, licenses have to be applied for each provenance. The process is the same whether you are importing a single work of art or a whole exhibition.

What is the correct procedure when returning artworks?
There are no special difficulties in dispersing a traveling Exhibition from Italy back to original Lenders. If the Exhibition comes from an EU Country a Customs form must be issued by this EU Country before works arrive in Italy and if they go back to original Lenders located in NON-EU Countries.

Is VAT waived on traveling exhibitions?
For Permanent Imports 10% V.A.T. must be paid to the Italian Customs before clearance.

For Temporary Imports consigned to Private Bodies 10% V.A.T. can be deposited in cash or bond. It is refunded a few months after re-export.

For Temporary Imports consigned to Public Museum or Bodies an authorization issued by MBCA works as guarantee on the 10% V.A.T.

Is ATA Carnet recommended for exhibitions coming to Italy?
ATA Carnets help by speeding up clearance because it is not necessary to obtain authorization from Ministry in Rome. With ATA Carnet exhibitions can travel in Europe without additional papers or delays.

How common are Traveling Exhibitions in Italy ?
Traveling Exhibitions are still not very common in Italy but are becoming more popular. A new Customs procedure must be arranged if an exhibition moves to a different area and / or customs jurisdiction in Italy. We have asked the Italian ICEFAT-members to answer our questions and thank the representatives from Panzironi, Piccin and Borghi for their help.