Formation et conférences

Roundtable – The New European Regulation on the Import of Cultural Goods
February 29, 2024

In response to the significant concerns raised by the new European regulation on the import of cultural goods, the National Union of Antique Dealers (SNA) organized a roundtable bringing together leading figures from the art market to assess its impact and defend the interests of the profession.

Event Date: February 29, 2024
Organizer: National Union of Antique Dealers (SNA)
Main Topic: The future of the art market in light of the European regulation governing the import of cultural goods.

The alarming future of the art, antiques and archaeology market: the consequences of an absurd new European regulation.

Around fifty participants attended the round table organized by the Syndicat National des Antiquaires (SNA) on Thursday, 29 February, focusing on the sensitive issue of the new European Regulation on the introduction and import of cultural goods into the European Union, which will come into force on 28 June 2025.

This was the first public discussion on the subject to be held in France. Numerous SNA member galleries attended to gain a better understanding of the practical implications of this new legislation, which is expected to have a significant and potentially devastating impact on the market for non-European antiquities and archaeological objects, including works from Asia, Africa, Oceania, and South America.

Different professionals from across the art market also accepted the Syndicate's invitation, including representatives from the Paris auction houses Christie's, Bonhams, Drouot, and SYMEV (the French Union of Voluntary Auction Houses), as well as La Compagnie Nationale des Experts (CNE), the Chambre Nationale des Experts Spécialisés en Objets d'Art et de Collections (CNES), members of the Art & Law Association, and the Royal Chamber of Belgian Antique Dealers (ROCAD).

This round table followed a press conference held earlier the same day, attended with great interest by around fifteen journalists specializing in the art market. Their strong engagement is reflected in the many comprehensive articles that have been published since.

Surrounded by numerous experts, the SNA remains fully committed to expressing the concerns shared by experts and the wider community of art and antiques dealers, particularly those based in Paris, the historic epicentre of the art market.