French and EU Import - Export Laws Winter 2025
First the good news: French export laws regarding antiquities, particularly the recent changes to export thresholds and the introduction of stricter EU import regulations, have had a mixed impact on French auction houses and dealers. Here's an overview
Positive Impacts
Eased Export Regulations (2021 Reform.France raised the value thresholds for requiring export licenses, simplifying the process for many artworks and antiquities. For example, paintings over 50 years old only need a license if valued at €300,000 or more, up from €150,0001. This reform reduced bureaucratic delays and made France more attractive as a marketplace for international buyers, particularly in areas like fine art and collectibles. Dealers and auction houses have benefited from faster transactions and fewer administrative hurdles, boosting their competitiveness in Europe. Increased Market Activity By aligning export thresholds with modern market values, French auction houses have seen increased participation from overseas buyers, enhancing their global reach.
Negative Impacts
EU Import Restrictions (Effective June 2025):The upcoming EU Regulation 2019/880 imposes stringent documentation requirements for importing cultural goods into the EU, including proof of legal provenance for items over 200 years old and valued above €18,000. Auction houses and dealers fear this will deter international trade by creating a "closed EU market," as many objects lack historical documentation due to past practices where such records were not required. The regulation shifts the burden of proof onto dealers and collectors, increasing costs and legal risks. This has led to concerns about wrongful criminalization of legitimate traders. Restitution Pressures: The Savoy-Sarr restitution report has heightened scrutiny over colonial-era artifacts, raising fears among dealers about potential claims for restitution of items from Africa, Asia, and other regions. This uncertainty could discourage trade in certain categories. Tribal art dealers have expressed particular concern about stagnant export thresholds for tribal artifacts despite rising market values. Administrative Challenges: Despite reforms to French export laws, some dealers still face delays in obtaining export licenses due to limited government resources. For instance, applications that should take weeks can still take months to process. Future Outlook While the 2021 reforms have positioned France as a more attractive art market post-Brexit, the stricter EU import rules threaten to undermine this progress by discouraging international transactions. French auction houses and dealers are actively lobbying against these regulations to mitigate their impact on the art market56. However, compliance with new rules will likely require significant adjustments in operational practices.
In summary, while recent changes to French export laws have streamlined trade within France, upcoming EU regulations pose significant challenges for auction houses and dealers by restricting imports and increasing administrative burdens.
How do the new regulations influence the temporary import of cultural goods into France
Ref:
https://dunyanews.tv/en/Business/802152-French-antique-art-dealers-lobby-against-EU-rules-that-threaten-trade
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/dramatic-and-damaging-repercussions-of-new-eu-legislation-restricting-imports-2444425
https://news.artnet.com/market/france-export-licence-value-thresholds-art-antiques-1938215
https://culturalpropertynews.org/the-alarming-future-of-the-art-antiquity-and-archaeology-market/
https://www.thecollector.com/french-antique-art-dealers-against-new-e-u-import-restrictions/
