Export of cultural goods: what the reform to be voted on in the Senate any day now includes

Ddl 2085, or the draft of the “annual law for the market and competition,” better known as the competition ddl, will be voted on in the Senate in a few days (it is talked about in early May). The ddl is of interest to the world of cultural heritage as it contains an article (Article 68) that will amend the Cultural Heritage Code in the area of the circulation of the goods themselves.

What does the reform provide for? Currently, works older than 50 years must be evaluated by the export offices of the relevant Superintendency before obtaining the certificate of free circulation (the Superintendency, in fact, has the power to oppose the exit of the good from Italy when it is considered of exceptional value within our heritage). With the reform, the threshold will be raised from 50 to 70 years: this means that works produced between 1947 and 1967 (by artists such as Lucio Fontana, Carlo Carrà, Giorgio Morandi, Renato Guttuso, and Giorgio De Chirico) will no longer be subject to the scrutiny of the Soprintendenza’s export office.

In addition, with regard to the market value of the goods, a maximum threshold of 13,500 euros is introduced: below this estimated value, the works will be allowed to circulate freely (a citizen wishing to circulate an asset whose estimated value is less than 13,500 euros will simply have to submit a self-certification. The Superintendencies will be able to conduct spot checks on such self-certifications to make sure that the works are not undervalued).

The regulations have caused much debate. Those in favor argue that with the new regulations Italy will be in line with what is happening in the rest of Europe, and the interests of protection will not be undermined. Those against, on the other hand, believe the reform will make it easier to export important works. Over the next few days, Finestre Sull’Arte will host two interviews with two art historians on opposing positions to delve into the issues being discussed at this juncture.

Photo: Palazzo Madama, seat of the Senate. Photo credit.

Export of cultural goods: what the reform to be voted on in the Senate any day now includes

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