Imagine you are an art collector preparing to send a prized piece overseas for an exhibition. The cross-border transportation of cultural artworks, however, is far from simple, often involving a labyrinth of export permit applications. The 2005 Cultural Artwork Export Permit Model serves as a critical document to standardize this process. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the model to clarify the application steps and avoid potential pitfalls.
The Export Permit Model: A Multi-Part Document
The export permit is not a single document but a multi-part form with five copies, each serving a distinct purpose in the workflow. It must be completed using mechanical or electronic means to ensure legibility and accuracy, with handwritten corrections strictly prohibited. All fields—except items 2, 12, and 18 (when inapplicable)—must be filled out. Unused spaces should be crossed out to prevent unauthorized additions.
Understanding the function of each copy is essential:
- Copy 1: Retained by the issuing authority for record-keeping.
- Copy 2: Submitted to export customs and kept by the applicant (or their representative).
- Copy 3: Submitted to export customs and accompanies the shipment to the exit customs. After stamping, it is returned to the issuing authority by customs or the applicant.
- Copy 4: Retained by the export (or exit) customs office.
- Copy 5: Submitted to export customs and travels with the shipment to the destination country, serving as proof of legal export during import procedures.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Application
Section 1: Applicant Information
Provide the full name and address of the applicant, which may be a museum, gallery, dealer, or private collector. The applicant need not be the owner of the artwork, provided local regulations permit this.
Section 2: Representative Information (If Applicable)
If a representative (e.g., shipping agent, freight forwarder) is handling the application, include their name and address.
Section 3: Issuing Authority Details
This section is completed by the issuing authority, listing their name and address.
Section 4: Export Authorization
Also filled by the issuing authority, this includes the permit number, validity period (in months or years), export start date, and destination country.
Section 5: Consignee Details
List the name and address of the initial recipient (e.g., museum, gallery, or private collector). For multiple recipients, attach a supplementary sheet.
Section 6: Nature of Export
The issuing authority selects the export type (permanent or temporary). For temporary exports, a re-import deadline must be specified.
Section 7: Artwork Ownership
Provide the owner’s name and address, if different from the applicant.
Section 8: Artwork Photograph
Attach a color photo (minimum 9 x 12 cm) of the artwork, stamped and signed by the issuing authority to verify authenticity. For three-dimensional pieces, additional angles may be required.
Section 9: Dimensions and Weight
Specify the artwork’s dimensions (height, width, depth, diameter) in meters or centimeters, and its net weight (including mounts, if applicable) in kilograms or grams.
Section 10: Inventory or Identification Number
Indicate the artwork’s catalog number or other institutional identifier. If none exists, note this and provide alternative classification details.
Section 11: Artwork Description
This critical section requires:
- a) Type: Painting, sculpture, relief, etc.
- b) Artist: Name (or "unknown"), with signature details if applicable.
- c) Title/Subject: Official title in the original language and the application’s language (e.g., Munch’s The Scream : "SKRIK" [Norwegian] and "LE CRI" [French]). For books, exact titles are mandatory.
- d) Scientific Name: For natural history specimens.
- e) Geographic Origin.
- f) Era.
- g) Additional Details: Restoration history, damage, edition numbers (for prints/bronzes), or a general description for homogeneous collections (e.g., archaeological finds). Attach a certified inventory if needed.
Section 12: Collection Quantity (If Applicable)
If exporting part of a collection, note the total number of items and those remaining.
Section 13: Attribution and Provenance
For reproductions, name the original artist. Use "attributed to," "workshop of," or "school of" with supporting evidence (e.g., "Workshop of Rembrandt"). For anonymous works, specify style/period (e.g., "Louis XV," "Ming Dynasty").
Section 14: Materials and Techniques
Detail the medium (e.g., oil on canvas, bronze cast) and techniques (e.g., woodcut, lost-wax casting).
Section 15: Monetary Value
State the artwork’s value in local or reference currency, with an appraisal if no market value exists.
Section 16: Legal Status and Purpose
Indicate whether the artwork is sold, loaned, or exchanged, and the export purpose (exhibition, research, restoration, etc.).
Section 17: Supporting Documents
Check applicable boxes for additional materials (e.g., certificates, special markings).
Section 18: Supplementary Pages
Note the number of attached pages, if used.
Conclusion: Streamlining Cultural Exchange
While the export permit process for cultural artworks may seem daunting, a methodical approach using the 2005 model ensures compliance and facilitates international exhibitions. By adhering to these guidelines, collectors and institutions can navigate bureaucratic hurdles with confidence, safeguarding the global movement of artistic heritage.