Could tighter cross border regulation push art collectors to other jurisdictions? – Fred Clark comments in eprivateclient

Art collectors are navigating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape, with many countries introducing stricter rules. In the EU, the Introduction and Import of Cultural Goods regulation, fully phased in by June 2025, now prohibits unlawful imports and requires importer statements or licences for certain goods.

While the UK, no longer bound by EU law post-Brexit, does not require such statements or licences, it remains illegal to import cultural goods that have been unlawfully removed from their country of origin.

The EU sets varying VAT rates on transactions across member states, whereas the UK applies a reduced rate of five percent for cross border art transactions if classified correctly but otherwise levies the full 20 per cent.

In a recent article published by eprivateclient, Corporate Partner and arts specialist, Fred Clark reflected on how tightening regulation of cross border art transactions may influence the global market.

Fred noted that although the UK may appear an attractive option for collectors, “there is a patchwork of rules in the UK so it is difficult to predict where regulation will go. But I can’t see it getting any easier”. He also highlighted the growing appeal of Asia, where major auction houses are already well established and restrictions are lighter. “The market is hoping it becomes more liberal, but it seems to be more and more regulated in the UK”, he added.

The full article which was published by eprivateclient in September 2025 can be found here and sits behind a paywall.