Armenia to introduce new state duties on the export of cultural property

YEREVAN, April 16. /ARKA/. The National Assembly of Armenia has passed amendments to the Law "On State Duty" during its session on Thursday, in the second and final reading. 

These amendments introduce a licensing requirement for the export of cultural property, which includes a conclusion affirming the right to temporarily export such items, serving as a permit document. Additionally, the law incorporates new provisions that facilitate a more adaptable and differentiated approach to the export of cultural property.

The necessity for this legislation arises from the observation that the range of customs operations concerning cultural property, as outlined by the EAEU customs legislation, does not adequately encompass the types of state duties specified in the Law "On State Duty." With the enactment of this draft law, it is anticipated that the types of duties will be aligned with EAEU standards.

These amendments aim to enhance governance efficiency, simplify foreign trade processes, and regulate the export and import of culturally significant property for the Republic of Armenia.

The law outlines new categories of state duties applicable to the export of cultural property. In particular, it distinguishes between the state duties imposed by customs authorities on cultural items.

The basic duty rates have been adjusted; specifically, for a single cultural property, the basic duty will be ten times the standard rate, while for two or more cultural properties, it will be fifteen times the basic duty. Previously, the regulation set a fivefold duty rate; in the case of duplicates, the basic duty rate will remain unchanged at threefold.-0-