New rules on importing cultural artefacts create headaches at Tefaf Maastricht

"One of the complaints we have had from collectors is that acquiring the essential EU EORI number [Economic Operator Registration and Identification, mandatory for customs clearance] has proved extremely difficult because customs authorities are not properly briefed on the regulation and still insist that private citizens can't have one when they can. Others have just given up because the process of buying and importing has become too complex and difficult for them."

"The effects of the rules are that items of European origin can move more freely in and out of Europe, and those that are non-European require more proof of provenance. Dealers and others in the trade say exhibitors at forthcoming fairs such as Tefaf Maastricht cannot rely on customs authorities to act in accordance with the regulation, which is giving rise to a crisis of confidence when shipping stock to the venue."

New EU regulations requiring documentation for importing cultural goods over 250 years old have created significant challenges across the art market. Customs authorities are inconsistently applying the rules, seizing items lacking proper documentation despite not being subject to regulations. Collectors struggle to obtain mandatory EU EORI numbers because customs officials lack proper training on the regulation and incorrectly deny private citizens access. The complexity has discouraged many buyers from participating in the market. Dealers and auction houses report losing business as exhibitors hesitate to ship stock to fairs like Tefaf Maastricht due to unpredictable customs enforcement. European-origin items move more freely within the EU, while non-European goods face stricter provenance requirements.

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