You're reading: How do you take art out of Ukraine?

The Ukrainian Customs Service does not tax art, but if you are planning to take that special painting out of the country, there are some things you should know. First of all, it is forbidden to export art dated before 1947.

Also the Ministry of Culture keeps a list of famous artists whose work Р although dated after 1947 Р also may be forbidden to export if the works are deemed national treasures upon authentication at the National Art Museum.

In other cases, all you need to do is to register the piece of art that you want to take out of the country with the Kyiv City Culture Department.

DonХt let gallery sales people convince you that the receipt they provide is enough to get the art piece past customs officials. This is not true. There is an official procedure that must be followed.

The first step is to take a photograph of your art Р either black-and-white or color and of any size. YouХll need two copies. On the back of each photo write the following information in Ukrainian in this order: last name and first name of the author; title of the work; date of the work; technique; and the size (in centimeters).

For paintings, you must provide vertical measurement by horizontal measurement (without the frame).

For sculpture, provide vertical by horizontal by depth. Always include the measurements of the podium and describe the podium as part of the medium.

For graphics, provide vertical-by-horizontal measurement in three categories: dimensions of the frame; dimensions of the mat; and the graphic itself.

If you are exporting more than two pieces of art at a time, number each object and write the numbers on the back of the photographs. Then type up a list of objects numbered correspondingly, copying all the information from the back of the photographs. Make two copies of the list.

Then take the two copies of the list, two copies of the photographs with information written on the back and the original art work to the Kyiv City Culture Department, Shevchenka 3, second floor. The registration office is open on Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

You will be asked your name, destination, date of departure, passport number and a photo copy of your passport.

It costs Hr 5 to register each piece of art. You will have to pay the amount at the bank next door and bring back the receipt. Then each piece of artwork and each photograph will be stamped on the back.

They may also request that you leave the artwork overnight for appraisal.

The documents are only valid for three months.

When you fill out your customs declaration form, make sure to list the artwork and be ready to unwrap it and show it along with the photos. The customs officers will keep one of the photos.

The Art East Gallery, Reytarska 13, 229-6552, provides registration service for a fee that varies depending on the size of the work.