What does EU Regulation 2019/880 govern?

EU Regulation 2019/880 specifically addresses the import of cultural goods into the European Union. This regulation was established to prevent the importation of cultural property that may have been unlawfully removed from a particular country. It requires importers to provide evidence of legal ownership and highlights the importance of provenance in cultural items. This measure aims to combat illicit trade in cultural goods, ensuring that the art and cultural heritage entering the EU complies with international standards and respects the origin countries' rights.

The focus on the import of cultural goods aligns with broader efforts within the EU to establish robust frameworks for the protection of cultural heritage, making it a critical component of art law in the context of the European market. The regulation also sets standards for documentation and the transparency of transactions involving cultural goods, which are key to maintaining the integrity of the art market and protecting cultural heritage.

In contrast, while the sale of cultural goods within member states, the export of art to international markets, and ownership rights of cultural artifacts are all relevant to art law, they fall outside the specific scope of Regulation 2019/880. This regulation is solely concerned with the importation aspect, thus emphasizing its unique purpose in the legal framework governing cultural property in the EU.