Export of cultural property from Ukraine

When paintings, icons, sculptures, old books and other works of art cross the border, they are checked to see whether they are cultural property. This determines which documents are required for export.

ArtDom helps with the whole process: expert examination and documents, packing and international delivery. It is best to check the item in advance — before booking a trip or a shipment.

What counts as cultural property

Cultural property may include items of historical, artistic or scientific significance.

The question most often arises when exporting:

• paintings and graphics;
• icons and religious art;
• sculptures;
• old books, manuscripts and documents;
• furniture and interior items;
• ceramics, porcelain, glass, textiles and other decorative and applied art.

How the status of an item is determined

Age is only one of the criteria

The year of creation matters, but on its own it does not settle the question. The expert takes into account the author, technique, materials, provenance and artistic significance.

For contemporary works created after 1950, the paperwork is usually simpler. Old items, works by well-known artists and objects of unknown provenance require a more careful check.

What the expert examines

• the signature, date, inscriptions, labels and stamps on the back;
• the support, paints, materials and condition of the item;
• provenance and ownership history;
• rarity and links to well-known artists, schools or events.

Why price alone is not a guide

Market value and cultural value are different things. An inexpensive item may have historical significance, while an expensive contemporary painting is not necessarily cultural property.

Which documents may be required

Expert opinion

If the expert establishes that the item is not cultural property, this is recorded in the expert opinion. The document is presented during customs or postal clearance.

For contemporary paintings we arrange the expert opinion remotely within 1 day — you do not need to bring the work. The documents are sent by Nova Poshta. More details on the painting export permit page.

Export certificate

If the item is recognised as cultural property, a certificate is issued for its export. It confirms the right to permanent or temporary export.

Temporary export is used, for example, for exhibitions or restoration. Timing depends on the specific item, so it is best to start the paperwork as early as possible.

What the owner should prepare

For a preliminary consultation, it is best to collect as much information as possible:

• photos of the whole item, the back, the signature, labels and markings;
• dimensions, technique, materials and details of the author, if known;
• documents on purchase, inheritance or provenance (contract, receipt, old certificates);
• destination country and recipient details if the item is sent as a parcel.

If exact details are unknown, it is better to say so directly rather than make assumptions. The examination can be carried out even without provenance documents.

How ArtDom helps export cultural property

1. Consultation based on photos. We will tell you which documents are required and how long the paperwork will take.
2. Examination and documents. We arrange the expert opinion or prepare documents for the certificate. If needed — attribution and a certificate of authenticity.
3. Packing. Cardboard boxes or reinforced crates made to fit the item.
4. Delivery. Worldwide shipping by post or transport to Europe and the UK with insurance.

If you order packing and insured door-to-door delivery, we arrange the export permit free of charge.

Legislation

The export procedure is governed by the Law of Ukraine “On the Export, Import and Return of Cultural Property” No. 1068-XIV and the Instruction on registering the right to export and temporarily export cultural property, approved by Order of the Ministry of Culture and Arts of Ukraine No. 258 of 22.04.2002.

FAQ

Can I take an icon abroad?

Yes, but exporting icons requires a particularly careful check if the item is old or of historical significance. The expert assesses age, technique, provenance and condition.

Are documents needed to export an old book or furniture?

In some cases, yes. Old books, manuscripts and interior items may also be cultural property, so it is best to check their status before shipping.

Can I send an item by courier without documents?

The delivery method does not cancel the requirements for moving cultural property across the border. If documents are required for the item, they will also be needed for an international courier shipment.

When should I start the paperwork?

As early as possible. If an additional examination, attribution or certificate is needed, the paperwork may take time.

How much does it cost?

The cost depends on the number and type of items. Call or message us — we will calculate documents, packing and delivery within 10 minutes.

Summary

The safe sequence is simple: first the examination and documents, then packing, and only after that — transportation.

Call us and we will advise you +38 063 247 8102 (you can also message us on Telegram or Viber).