Alinea Customs Briefing. From 28 June 2025, the European Union will introduce significant changes to customs and border administration regarding the import of cultural goods, antiquities, and fine art originating in external countries. Alinea Customs and Art on Superyachts have joined forces as part of an education programme to help exporters and importers navigate the stringent and extensive laws in place to stem trafficking of cultural objects.
Alinea Customs and Art On Superyachts have created a comprehensive and practical course on how to navigate the new regulations. The EU Cultural Goods Act imposes restrictions on importing certain goods classified under Chapter 97 of the EU TARIC, covering cultural goods, art and antiques. Compliance will be managed through the Import of Cultural Goods System (ICG), an electronic trade window accessible via TRACES NT, requiring importers to either apply for an importer’s licence or submit an importer’s statement for goods within the scope of the legislation. Notably, this will affect many cultural goods exported from the United Kingdom that were created before 1825 and have a value exceeding €18,000.
Workshop Announcement
The Import of Cultural Goods system (ICG) introduced via the EU Cultural Goods Act 2019/880 and Commission Implementing Regulation 2021/1079 will have significant impact on those trading in and working with artefacts and fine art, such as collectors, auction houses, art galleries, auction houses, insurance brokers and family offices. Art on Superyachts and Alinea Customs will provide an extensive masterclass focusing on the implications of the new regulations. The educational workshop will provide training for stakeholders in navigating the changes, alongside reference materials.
Participants will gain insights into how these regulations impact the movement of cultural goods into the European Union and gain step-by-step guidance addressing procedural obligations.
Potential Risks and Responsibilities
The introduction of these laws presents a significant risk for those responsible for art collections, as customs officers will have the authority to seize objects depending on their perceived status. The prevention of illicit trafficking of excavated archaeological artefacts is already established in many countries, in accordance with the UNESCO 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. However, from 28 June 2025, the criteria for classifying objects under this regulation will be expanded, placing greater responsibilities on exporters.
It is imperative for collectors, galleries, and cultural institutions to be aware of their obligations and prepare for the new compliance measures. Failure to comply may result in criminal penalties and financial losses.
Join the Discussion
Art on Superyachts and Alinea Customs invite industry professionals, legal advisors and art collectors to take this certificated workshop and gain practical knowledge to ensure regulatory compliance. Stay ahead of the changes and mitigate any risks associated with the evolving customs landscape.
Course Tutors
Pandora Mather-Lees, Art on Superyachts
An Art Historian, founder of ArtOnSuperyachts.com and Director of Pandora Art Services, Pandora’s career spans 25 years at Board level in the cultural sector.
As superyacht art consultant and educator teaching The Practical Care of On-Board Art Collections, Pandora trains the maritime industry, Captains and Crew in understanding the legal, environmental and handling risks with art in international waters, along with art appreciation and reviews for insurance and other purposes.
As Managing Director of Bridgeman Images, Bridgeman Education and as VP of Global Sales at Artnet, Pandora worked extensively with museums, galleries and auction houses globally, bringing the world’s great art collections to the commercial market and institutions. Pandora has also worked in art logistics, copyright and art forensics.
She is a founder member of the Art Due Diligence Group which safely guides purchasers of high value artworks through pre and post-sale due diligence. Pandora is a Liveryman in the Company of Arts Scholars and fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
Holly Piggott, Alinea Customs
Holly Piggott is Director of Alinea Customs, and holds an LLM in International Corporate and Commercial Law from The Dickson Poon School of Law at King’s College London. She has an extensive background in addressing compliance within the import and export of fine art, cultural goods and antiquities.
Alinea Customs’ client-base includes many leading art galleries, auction houses, design houses, luxury brands, and suppliers to the superyacht sector. As such, Alinea Customs has experience addressing customs and border controls for cultural heritage goods, luxury chattels, CITES compliance and indirect taxation.
Further information about the seminars hosted Alinea Customs and Art on Superyachts, is available: here.
Further information on Art and Customs is available: here.
To register or request more information, please complete the form: EU Cultural Goods Act Seminar.
