Syndicat National des Antiquaires Rally Against EU Import Regulations
April 2 2024
Picture: sna-france.com
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
Interesting news from France that the Syndicat National des Antiquaires (SNA), which represents roughly 300 dealers and members in France and abroad, is rallying against forthcoming EU Regulations regarding the import of cultural artefacts. Effectively, in an attempt to rout illegal trade of cultural artefacts stricter criteria will be introduced in providing for licenses for works over 200 years old and worth more than €18,000.
According to the article above:
According to UK-based consultant and adviser to art trade associations Ivan Macquisten, the law “deems an imported item illicit, unless proven otherwise”.
He adds that this means a “reversal of the burden of proof”, effectively scrapping common property law that assumes the owner’s good faith.
The SNA, which lobbies on behalf of around 300 French antique and art dealers, said that the regulation will also make it difficult for owners to donate cultural objects – like fossils, antiquities, texts and art – to museums.
Owners of items over 200 years old that are valued above €18,000 will need an "importer statement". They’ll also need an import licence for other items over 250 years old.
