Goods Across Borders · Customs rule card
Antiquities → Italy
Purpose: Traveling · Verified: 2026-04-25
Export of cultural property strictly controlled
Details
Italy has extensive laws protecting cultural heritage. The export of objects of artistic, historic, archaeological, or ethnographic interest requires authorization from the Ministry of Culture. Unauthorized export is a criminal offence with imprisonment up to 8 years.
Documentation required
- Ministry of Culture export license
Legal reference
Codice dei beni culturali e del paesaggio (D.Lgs 42/2004)
Leaving with this item
Export of Italian cultural heritage items over 50 years old without a Ministero della Cultura attestato di libera circolazione is prohibited under D.Lgs. 42/2004.
Practical advice
Obtain an export certificate for any antique over 70 years old. Even reproductions may be questioned at the border.
Customs authority
Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM — Customs and Monopolies Agency) · https://www.adm.gov.it