Exporting Paintings Abroad: How the Expert Examination Works and What It Determines

When an artist or collector decides to send an artwork abroad, one of the mandatory steps is a professional examination (expertise) of the painting. This procedure may look like a formality, but in reality it determines whether you can legally export a painting from Ukraine.

An examination is needed not only to obtain an export permit, but also to confirm the authenticity, age, and cultural value of the work. This way the state protects its national heritage, and the owner receives an official document that confirms ownership and allows them to pass customs without obstacles.

ArtDom helps you complete every stage without bureaucracy: from preparing documents to obtaining the expert report and the official permit. We handle everything — communication with experts, export paperwork, and safe packing of the painting.

Why an Examination Is Required When Exporting Paintings and Other Artworks

Before an artwork can leave Ukraine, the state must ensure that it is not part of the cultural heritage protected from export.

The expert examination determines:

• the authenticity of the painting, icon, or sculpture;
• the artistic and historical value of the object;
• its technical condition, preservation, materials, and technique.

Without an expert report, exporting paintings or other artworks may lead to customs delays or even confiscation.

An examination is mandatory for:

• paintings and artworks on canvas, wood, or paper;
• icons, regardless of material and technique;
• sculptures, decorative and monumental works;
• antiques, old furniture, household items over 50 years old.

Based on the examination, the owner receives an expert report on paintings, art, and fine arts, which serves as the basis for applying for an export permit from Ukraine.

Thus, the examination is not just a requirement — it guarantees that your export will be legal, safe, and officially confirmed.

Who Conducts the Examination and What Documents Are Needed

Only accredited specialists of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine are authorized to conduct such examinations. These professionals are listed in the official register of cultural property experts.

They are authorized to issue reports accepted by government authorities when granting export permits.

To undergo the examination, prepare:

• a standard application form;
• photos of the painting (full view, author’s signature, fragments);
• information about the author — if known: name, years of life, school, period;
• details of the work — title, technique, materials (oil, watercolor, wood, canvas, etc.);
• year of creation — an approximate period is allowed if the exact year is unknown;
• owner’s contact details.

ArtDom prepares the complete documentation package and liaises with experts on your behalf. No queues, no confusing forms, no searching for the right specialists. We handle the entire process — from filing the application to delivering the final expert report.

How the Examination Proceeds: Stages and Timing

The examination usually takes 3 to 10 business days, depending on complexity and the number of items. If laboratory tests are required, the timeframe may increase.

Experts follow approved methodologies and international standards. Key stages:

1. Visual Analysis of the Painting or Artwork

The first stage is a thorough professional inspection. The expert examines:

• the artist’s signature and its consistency with known samples;
• technique and materials;
• surface condition, presence of restorations or damage;
• style, brushwork, proportions, and composition.

At this stage, preliminary conclusions can often be made about whether the work belongs to the stated author and its condition.

For export of paintings, icons, or sculptures, experts also record features indicating possible cultural value.

2. Research of Authenticity and Age

To confirm the age of the painting or determine whether it is an original, scientific methods are applied:

• spectral analysis of pigments;
• fiber analysis of canvas or paper;
• study of patina, varnish, and ground;
• microscopic examination of paint layers.

These methods distinguish originals from copies and determine the period of creation.

When the examination is conducted for an export permit, this stage is often decisive.

3. Determining Cultural and Historical Value

Next, experts assess the significance of the work for Ukrainian and world art.

They decide whether the object falls under the category of cultural property. If yes, export is possible only with a special permit.

For example:

• icons from the 18th–19th centuries are almost always recognized as cultural property;
• works by contemporary Ukrainian artists created after the 1950s are usually allowed for export without restrictions;
• sculptures and decorative objects are assessed individually.

Thus, the examination defines not only value, but also the right to move the artwork outside Ukraine.

4. Preparing the Expert Report

Upon completion, the expert issues an official report stating:

• a full description (size, technique, material, signature, condition);
• photos and visual materials;
• conclusions on authenticity and age;
• conclusions on the presence or absence of cultural value.

This is the key document required to obtain an export permit from Ukraine. Without it, you cannot legally export a painting, icon, or sculpture.

ArtDom receives the report on your behalf, checks the data, and hands you a complete documentation set for submission to the Ministry of Culture or for presentation at customs.

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What the Examination Determines and How It Affects the Export Permit

The examination determines the legal status of your artwork. Based on the expert report, authorities decide whether the item can be exported, whether a permit is required, or whether export is prohibited as part of national heritage.

Key criteria:

• Age — older works are more likely to be cultural property;
• Technique — unique materials and methods increase significance;
• Artistic and historical value — professional recognition, exhibitions, publications;
• Condition — affects transport feasibility and insurance value.

Some icons and paintings are not allowed to be exported if recognized as cultural heritage of Ukraine. Such items can be kept only in museums or private collections within the country.

Meanwhile, modern paintings and authors’ works created in recent decades are generally not restricted. The main requirement is to have an expert report on paintings, art, and fine arts confirming the object is not of state value.

Therefore, examination is the basis for legal and safe export of paintings from Ukraine.

What to Do After Receiving the Expert Report

After the examination, you receive an official document with expert conclusions. Next steps:

• submit the documentation package to the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine or its authorized department;
• wait for processing (usually 5–15 business days);
• obtain the export permit — the document to be presented at the border.

ArtDom supports clients at every step: submitting applications, obtaining permits, and advising on transport paperwork. We assist artists, collectors, galleries, museums, and art dealers exporting works for international exhibitions or sale.

How to Properly Send a Painting Abroad After the Examination

Once the permit is obtained, the final — and equally important — step is safe shipping.

Packaging.
Use sturdy cardboard, corner protectors, bubble wrap, moisture-barrier materials. For valuable works, use reinforced fiberboard (HDF) crates.

Transportation.
Choose air, road, or courier delivery. For large canvases and sculptures, specialized art logistics is optimal, with climate control, cushioning, and insurance.

Documents.
At the border, present the export permit and the expert report. Without them, the painting may be detained.

ArtDom offers an end-to-end service: examination, permits, and international shipping, including packing, customs paperwork, and insurance. Our goal is that your artwork arrives intact, legally, and without stress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to send a painting abroad from Ukraine?

You must undergo an examination, obtain an official export permit, and correctly prepare the transport paperwork. The examination confirms authenticity and lack of cultural value; the permit is issued by the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine. ArtDom manages the entire process end-to-end — from application to packing and delivery abroad.

Is an export permit required?

Yes, in most cases. Exceptions are contemporary works without cultural value. If a piece has historical, artistic, or antique significance, a permit is mandatory. Without it, customs may detain or seize the work.

What does the pre-export examination include?

• visual analysis (signature, technique, materials);
• laboratory tests to confirm authenticity and age;
• assessment of cultural value and preparation of the report.
  Based on the expert report on paintings, art, and fine arts, authorities decide whether export is allowed. This document is required for the permit.

Can paintings be exported without an examination?

No. Exporting paintings without an examination is prohibited. Even for contemporary works, customs may request a report proving no cultural value. ArtDom arranges the examination and paperwork so your export is legal and delay-free.

Is it allowed to export icons from Ukraine?

Export of icons is possible only with an expert report. Most 18th–19th-century icons are cultural property and cannot be exported. Modern icons are usually allowed after obtaining an official permit.

How is the examination of sculptures and antiques conducted?

Also mandatory. The expert identifies material, technique, date of creation, and historical value. If a sculpture is not cultural property, it may be exported without restrictions — but only with an official report.

Who performs the examination and where can it be arranged?

Examinations are performed by accredited specialists of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine. ArtDom works directly with such experts, so you can order the examination and expert report through us — we handle all formalities and guarantee an official document.

How long does it take to obtain an export permit?

On average, 7–15 business days. The timing depends on complexity, number of items, and government workload. ArtDom helps speed the process through correct documentation and ready-made templates.

Can a painting be sent by courier?

Yes. After obtaining all permits and expert documents, a painting can be shipped by air, road, or courier. ArtDom selects the optimal method, ensures packing and insurance — crucial for paintings, icons, and sculptures requiring delicate handling.

Conclusion

An artwork examination is not a formality. It protects both the state and the owner, ensuring your export is legal, safe, and properly documented.

With professional expertise, you gain confidence in your painting’s authenticity, value, and the ability to send it abroad from Ukraine without issues.

ArtDom helps artists, collectors, and galleries arrange all paperwork, pass the examination, and safely export paintings, icons, sculptures, and other artworks.

Submit a request for an examination and export permit — we’ll handle everything, and your painting will cross the border safely and legally.

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