Antiques (100+ years old, non-ivory) → Italy

Bringing antiques INTO Italy is generally allowed, but exporting Italian cultural goods OUT of Italy requires a government export licence.

Details

Travellers arriving in Italy may import antiques and cultural goods from abroad, subject to standard customs declaration requirements for items of significant value. However, Italy has some of the world's strictest cultural heritage export controls under Codice dei Beni Culturali e del Paesaggio (Decreto Legislativo 42/2004). Exporting antiques, artwork, or cultural goods older than 70 years out of Italy without a Licenza di Esportazione (export licence) issued by the Ministero della Cultura is a criminal offence. This is not a restriction on bringing goods in, but travellers acquiring antiques in Italy should plan their export before purchase.

Quantity limit

No quantity limit on import; export requires individual licence per item (for items >70 years old)

Documentation required

• Standard customs declaration for high-value goods on import
• Licenza di Esportazione from Ministero della Cultura required before exporting

Legal reference

Decreto Legislativo 42/2004, Codice dei Beni Culturali e del Paesaggio; Ministero della Cultura export licence procedure

Practical advice

If you plan to purchase antiques in Italy and bring them home, apply for a Licenza di Esportazione at the nearest Ufficio Esportazione (export office) of the Ministero della Cultura before leaving Italy. Budget extra time for this process.

Customs authority

Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM — Customs and Monopolies Agency) · https://www.adm.gov.it