The European Union is introducing new rules for the art market: from June 28, all paintings and exhibits imported into the EU must be checked for involvement in illegal trafficking. About this informs ARTnews.
The decision aims to curb the illegal trade in cultural property and facilitate the return of artifacts taken during colonial times or acquired under duress. Auction houses, galleries and antique dealers in the EU are now required to provide proof of legal provenance for works of art over 200 years old and worth more than €18,000.
For archaeological artifacts, the requirements will apply without a minimum cost. Importers must indicate the country of origin, date of export and ownership history of the item. If it is not possible to establish the country, documentary confirmation of legal removal from the last state of residence within the last five years is allowed.
The new regulation caused a wave of criticism among art dealers. They fear that the new requirements will affect even objects purchased before June 2025 and create the risk of confiscations in cases where the provenance of the works cannot be fully documented. In turn, this may discourage collectors from outside the EU from participating in intra-European agreements.
Antonia Eberwein, vice president of the National Union of Antiquaries, noted that such an approach could have unintended consequences for the market:
“In conclusion, we will stop buying anything outside the European Union. We risk impoverishing the market for archaeological finds, as well as icons, pre-Columbian, Indian or Chinese art, without putting an end to the illegal trade, which is by its very nature invisible and illegal.”
