Exporting from Italy with Artsy Shipping

All artworks shipped from of Italy to destinations outside of the EU require an export license.

Less than 70 years old:

If the artwork is less than 70 years old, an auto-certificate (autocertificazione) is required. The seller or shipper will need to submit an application via the SUE platform

The auto-certificate takes up to 14 days. 

More than 70 years old:

If the artwork is more than 70 years old, a free movement certificate (attestato di libera circolazione) is required.  For this license application, the artwork will need to be physically presented to the Export Office (Ufficio Esportazione) commonly known as the Belle Arti.  A group of three experts from the Italian Minister of Culture will examine the object and decide whether to issue a license.  If approved, the document is valid for 3 years.  It is possible for the license application to be denied (“notifica”). Artsy will communicate this and the license requirement to the collector. 

The office states the process can take 60 - 90 days. Filing via local companies with an account is typically 30 days.

How to ship from Italy with Artsy Shipping (ARTA) 

1. Once a buyer books shipping to a destination outside the EU, ARTA will contact the gallery to address the export license application. 
2. The shipment will be on hold until the auto-certificate or license is approved and documentation is received. 
3. For quotes with 'self-ship' service, the gallery will be asked to apply for the export license. If the gallery would prefer for ARTA to apply and arrange the paperwork,  the shipping will need to be amended from ‘self-ship’ to our ‘parcel quote’ in order for us to be listed as the exporter. 
4. This comes at an additional cost and includes packing, collections and application fee. 

If you have any questions, our shipping department can be contacted via shipping@artsy.net