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Rules for the import of cultural property into the territory of the Russian Federation

Rules for the Importation of Cultural Property into the Territory of the Russian Federation

Part 5 Art. 282 of the Customs Code of the Russian Federation provides for complete exemption from customs duties and taxes in relation to cultural property imported in accompanied or unaccompanied luggage by individuals for personal use, subject to their written declaration, as well as special registration.

In accordance with the letter of the State Customs Committee of Russia dated December 31, 2003 No. 01-06/51098 “On carrying out a special registration of cultural property,” registration of the import of cultural property is of a declarative nature and is carried out by an official of the customs authority by affixing in any way the mark “Registered upon import into the Russian Federation.” Federation as declared as a cultural value" on the customs declaration form TD-b and the documents attached to it:

  • three copies of lists describing imported cultural property;
  • three sets of photographs of imported cultural property (at least 8 X 12 cm) (in the case of importing archival documents, printed publications, philately, numismatics, bonistics and faleristics, photographs are not required).

Documents confirming the origin and value of imported cultural property are also provided.

When deciding whether to classify imported items as cultural property, a customs official is guided by the List of cultural property subject to the Law of the Russian Federation dated April 15, 1993 No. 4804-01 “On the import and export of cultural property”, approved by order of the Ministry of Culture of Russia dated August 7, 1993 .2001 No. 844, and if there is a freelance expert from the Ministry of Culture of Russia at the checkpoint - with his conclusion.

If a customs official has doubts about the correctness of classifying imported items as cultural property, the person importing them may apply to the territorial body of Rossvyazohrankultura for confirmation that the imported items are classified as cultural property.

After placing cultural property under the customs regime of “release for domestic consumption,” the customs authority informs in writing the territorial Department of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation about the registration of their import and sends one copy of the documents submitted by the person exporting cultural property (including a copy of the declaration).

Cultural property temporarily imported into the territory of the Russian Federation, as well as items that are not subject to the Law of the Russian Federation of April 15, 1993 No. 4804-1 “On the export and import of cultural property” are not subject to special registration.

For questions regarding the export and import of cultural property, please contact:

Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation

Address : 109074, Moscow, Kitaygorodsky pr., 7/2
Contacts : +7 (495) 628-50-89 info@mkrf.ru
Operating mode :
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 - 18:00
Friday: 9:00 - 16:45
Saturday, Sunday: closed.
Expedition working hours :
Monday - Thursday: 10:00-18:00,
Friday: 10:00-16:45,
Saturday, Sunday: closed.