Importing Artwork for Exhibitions

1. Importing Artwork for Exhibitions

Importing artwork for general public art exhibitions can be processed through customs in 2 ways: Temporary import procedures for international exhibitions or competitions (International Events), and using the A.T.A. CARNET guarantee document. However, if any artwork falls under the category of antiques and objects of art, an import license must be obtained from the Fine Arts Department first. You must check the product license before you can proceed with this step.

2.1 Temporary Import Procedures

Temporary import procedures for international exhibitions or competitions (International Events) under Category 3 (f) and (j), Part 4 of the Customs Tariff Decree B.E. 2530. See details at

2.2 A.T.A. CARNET Guarantee Document

An international customs document used for customs clearance instead of an import declaration, export declaration, re-import certificate, transit document controlling the transport of goods from one customs checkpoint to another within the country, and it serves as a tax and duty guarantee document for goods temporarily imported with duty exemption under the A.T.A. Carnet Convention. See details at Temporary Import-Export A.T.A. Carnet.

3. Criteria for Inspecting Artwork within the Antiques Scope

Artwork that is an antique originating from abroad requires an import license and must be accompanied by a certificate of origin issued by a government agency for import purposes.

  1. Buddha images
  2. Images of deities
  3. Religious idols
  4. Parts or elements of ancient monuments
  5. Ancient currency, aged 100 years or more
  6. Ancient inscriptions, aged 100 years or more
  7. Ancient documents, aged 100 years or more
  8. Prehistoric tools, utensils, or ornaments

See more details on the Fine Arts Department website: www.nsw.finearts.go.th

Good to Know

Good to Know

Requesting permission from the Fine Arts Department in the case of artwork that requires an import license.

3. For More Information

Contact: Office of National Museums
Address: 81/1 Sri Ayutthaya Road, Wachira Subdistrict, Dusit District, Bangkok 10300
Tel: 0 2628 5033
Tel: 0 2281 6766
Website: Office of National Museums

Contact: Office of the Secretary, Legal Affairs Group
Tel: 0 2222 4566
Tel: 0 2225 8958

Contact: Fine Arts Department Tel: 0 2221 7811, 0 2223 0976, 0 2225 2652, 0 2623 6450
Address: Na Phra That Road, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok 10200
Tel: 0 2221 7811
Tel: 0 2223 0976
Tel: 0 2225 2652
Tel: 0 2623 6450

4. Related Websites

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