Finding fossils

Cultural artefacts are objects produced by humans, in other words archaeological artefacts. In Italian law (1939 & 1976), fossil finds are also included. Scientific (not legal) competences have been transferred in most regions & provinces to the respective natural museums and/or universities & the palaeontologists employed there. The "beni archeologici/culturali" are, according to Italian law, state property & thus they can be found by chance by a private person, but he does not become the owner. Italian law also stipulates that if someone has made a find that could be of palaeontological interest, he must hand it in within 48 hours to the appropriate legal representatives of the state (Monuments Office, police, forestry, carabiniere etc.). So much for the legal background, now for the practice.

If a fossil or stone is found where there is doubt that it is of scientific/palaeontological interest, this is the standard procedure:

- Take personal details of the finder
- Retain the find or take a photo of it (NB! Scale must be visible).
- Forward the photo to the regional palaeontology officer.

If it is not of scientific interest, the finder can theoretically take it home, but he must be aware that this does not make him the owner, because in this case the state or our province remains the owner. Since he reported it, he is legally okay. Pieces that are possibly relevant should then be brought to the nature museum for inspection. If the suspicion is confirmed, scientific finds end up in the museum's depot, where they can be viewed by the finder at any time, provided the finder's data have been recorded.

Transfer within national territory
Under Article 21 of the Italian Cultural Heritage Code, the temporary transfer of a movable cultural asset within Italy requires authorization from the provincial heritage officer (Soprintendente). An exception applies if the transfer is due to a change of residence of the owner, in which case no authorization is needed, but a notification obligation remains. Within 30 days of notification, the authority may order measures to prevent damage during transport.

Export to EU member states
Temporary export to another EU country must be reported to the provincial heritage officer (Articles 65 to 74 of the Cultural Heritage Code). Authorization and the certificate of free circulation, valid for up to eighteen months, require proof that the object's safety and integrity are guaranteed. Authorization is granted, for example, for exhibitions of significant cultural interest or for analysis and restoration that can only be carried out abroad. Insurance is generally required before export, and for privately owned objects a deposit is also required. For scientific or restoration purposes, neither insurance nor deposit is required.
Application for temporary export

Final export and export to non-EU countries
This falls under the responsibility not of the South Tyrolean heritage office, but of the Soprintendenza in Verona.
Tel. +39 045 8050198, sabap-vr.export@beniculturali.it

Import into South Tyrol
Temporary import of a cultural asset can be confirmed by the provincial heritage officer. The certificate is valid for five years and can be renewed.