Antiquities → Italy

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. Enforcement in Italy carries fines from EUR 5,000 to EUR 100,000 and imprisonment up to 5 years in aggravated cases under D.Lgs. 141/2024 Codice Doganale; D.P.R. 309/1990. Leaving Italy with antiquities is a separate question — prohibited: 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.

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