Exporting artworks. Documents first, then the journey.
Getting a work out of Italy takes more than a good crate: it takes the right authorisations. We help you understand which ones, then arrange packing, transport, insurance and return.
The export rules, in plain words.
A painting sold to a foreign collector, a sculpture lent to an exhibition, a collection on the move: each case follows its own path. We start from the work, the artist and the destination to work out which documents to apply for and when to plan departure.
Certificate of free circulation
For works by artists no longer living, made more than 70 years ago, leaving Italy normally requires the certificate issued by the Export Offices of the Ministry of Culture.
EU export licence
For non-EU countries, cultural goods falling within the listed categories also need the European export licence.
Temporary exit for exhibitions
Works lent to exhibitions abroad leave under temporary exit and must return to Italy.
Custom crates
Wooden crates built to the dimensions of the work at our Brescia hub, with ISPM 15 compliant material where required.
Dedicated transport
By air, road or sea, choosing the mode according to the work, the destination and the event deadlines.
Insurance and return
All Risks cover on request and the return journey organised, with the customs formalities for re-entry.
See also: Art and packaging · Customs · Air freight · Trade fair shipping · ISPM 15 packaging · Destinations · Request a quote
From document checks to the return trip.
Four steps, with a contact who knows the rules.
Check
Artist, date of the work and destination: we work out which authorisations are needed.
Authorisations
Certificate, licence or temporary exit: we guide you through the documents to submit.
Packing and customs
Custom crate and export customs formalities, temporary ones included.
Shipping and return
Insured transport to destination and, for exhibitions, the return to Italy.
Questions about exporting artworks.
Do I need authorisation to export a painting from Italy?
It depends on the work. For works by artists no longer living, made more than 70 years ago, leaving Italy normally requires a certificate of free circulation, issued by the Export Offices of the Ministry of Culture.
What is the certificate of free circulation?
It is the document with which the Export Offices of the Ministry of Culture authorise a work to leave Italy permanently. It must be obtained before shipping, so it is worth building it into your planning from the start.
Is the certificate enough to ship a work outside the European Union?
Not always. For non-EU countries, cultural goods falling within the listed categories also need the European export licence, on top of the usual export customs formalities.
How do you ship a work to an exhibition abroad?
Under temporary exit: the work leaves Italy for the duration of the exhibition and then comes back. We arrange the crate, transport, insurance and return trip, with temporary export customs formalities when the exhibition is outside the EU.
What about works by living artists or more recent works?
The rules differ from those for works by artists no longer living made more than 70 years ago. We check with you case by case which documents are needed before setting a departure date.
