Planning to ship a painting, an antique, an old book, a collectible or another item that may have cultural or historical value from Ukraine? Before shipping, find out whether the item needs a state expert examination and which documents are required to take it out of the country, including for sale abroad.
Western Bid does not conduct cultural or gemological expert examinations and does not issue expert opinions.
Cultural expert examination
Works of art, paintings and collectibles older than 60 years may require a cultural expert examination. However, not every painting, antique or collectible is automatically a cultural asset. Whether an examination is needed depends on the characteristics of the item, in particular its age, origin, authorship, and historical or artistic value.
If the item may qualify as a cultural asset, apply for an examination before shipping to an institution that is officially authorized to conduct it. The expert opinion is required to prepare the documents, but it is not an export permit in itself. Whether the item can be exported depends on Ukrainian law and the decision of the authorized body.
What to do before shipping
- Prepare a description of the item and clear photos.
- Contact an expert who conducts examinations at an institution from the official list. Check whether an examination is required for your particular item and which documents you need to prepare.
- Find out which documents are required for export, including when the item is to be sold abroad.
- Complete the required documents before handing the item over for international shipping.
The right to conduct an examination depends on the category of the item — check the institution’s specialization in the annex to Order No. 400, taking into account the amendments made by Order No. 428.
How Western Bid can help
Western Bid does not conduct cultural expert examinations. At the client’s request, we can provide the contact of an expert at the National Scientific Center “Hon. Prof. M. S. Bokarius Forensic Science Institute”. The examination is carried out by a specialist of an institution authorized to conduct state examinations of cultural assets.
To get the expert’s contact, write to us at info@westernbid.info. Add a short description of the item and its photos — this will make it easier to guide you on the next steps.
You can also contact an institution from the official list yourself. Check that it is authorized to examine items in your category.
For shipping via Western Bid, the examination documents must be attached to the outside of the parcel.
Gemological expert examination
Items made of natural stones require a gemological expert examination. If the stones are not natural — for example, cubic zirconia, glass, ceramics or plastic imitations — no examination is needed.
Rough stones and stones in the form of sand must be shipped only in a box sealed by a gemologist.
If there is no certified expert of the State Gemological Center of Ukraine in your region, contact the center and ask whether an item sent by mail can be examined. If this is not possible, you need to apply for the permit in person at the nearest State Gemological Center of Ukraine.
For shipping via Western Bid, the original documents with wet-ink stamps must be enclosed. To keep the documents from getting lost in transit, attach them securely to the parcel before handing it to the carrier. You can ship the parcel using the “box in a box” method, placing the documents between the inner and outer boxes, or attach a bag with the documents to the outside of the box and wrap it together with the parcel in stretch film.
Frequently asked questions
Does Western Bid conduct cultural or gemological expert examinations?
Does Western Bid conduct cultural or gemological expert examinations?
No. Western Bid does not conduct examinations and does not issue expert opinions. At the client’s request, we can provide the contact of an expert.
Does an expert opinion allow me to take the item out of Ukraine?
Does an expert opinion allow me to take the item out of Ukraine?
No. The expert opinion is required to prepare the documents, but it is not an export permit in itself. Whether the item can be exported depends on Ukrainian law and the decision of the authorized body.
Does every painting or antique need an examination?
Does every painting or antique need an examination?
Not necessarily. Whether an examination is needed depends on the characteristics of the particular item. Check with an institution authorized to examine items in the relevant category.
What if there is no certified gemologist in my region?
What if there is no certified gemologist in my region?
Contact the State Gemological Center of Ukraine and ask whether the examination can be done by mail. If this is not possible, visit the nearest center in person.
