Italy Establishes Permanent Table for Art Circulation Reform

On December 2, 2021, the Italian Ministry of Culture established the Permanent Table for the Circulation of Works of Art, a body aimed at simplifying the entry and exit of artworks from the country. Lawyer Giuseppe Calabi of CBM & Partners, an expert in cultural heritage and art market law, is a member. The initiative originated about a decade ago at a Il Sole 24 Ore forum, leading to the Apollo Group and earlier unsuccessful attempts to revise the 1974 Guidelines. A 2017 reform (Law 124/2017) eased export rules for works by deceased artists over 50 years old and under €13,500, implemented by decrees in 2017 and 2018. However, issues persist, highlighted by a November 2021 Nomisma survey. The first meeting is set for January 13, 2022. Priorities include raising the €13,500 threshold to align with EU Regulation 116/2009 (e.g., €150,000 for paintings), introducing an artwork passport to bypass repeated export office checks, and curbing the public administration's use of self-annulment of export licenses. Calabi cites France as a model, noting its Aillagon law (2003) fostering sponsorship, indemnification for national treasures, and obligation to buy at market prices if export is denied. In Italy, the state can notify a work without compensation and impose coercive purchase at declared value, rarely exercised. Calabi hopes for a new reform season balancing public protection and market interests.