About Oleg Khokhlov Expertise I`ll be glad to answer your questions about basics of
russian legislation and organization of State. You can
ask specific questions about problems with entry to
Russia,trade regulations,customs formalities,investment`s
protection.
Experience I have 3-year practice of legal consulting for
private investors and traders from USA,Austra-
lia and countries of European Union.
Other legal experience includes citizenship problems, international family law,civil trials.
Education/Credentials USIA Fellowship
George Soros Fund Fellowship
My wife and daughter will be traveling to Russia this year to visit their family. My wife's mother wants to give to her an antique icon and samovar. This will be to pass down to our children here in the U.S.
It has been in their family and my wife is still considered a Russian citizen.
How can she bring these items to the U.S. and which agency should be contacted for the proper documents for these items to leave Russian. Also, about how much would the duty be approximately?
Answer Dear James,
It is very hard to judge any cultural objects, other than modern souvenirs that are expressely permitted for taking out of Russia without any permission.
For example,an old hand-made Samovar may be qualified as an antique, though this is subject to special expertise that is held by special Department of Ministry of culture - Federal service for protection of cultural values.
I believe that there is a risk of breach of Russian legislation in case of taking out icon/samovar without expertise and permission of this Service. I don't know the real situation with this procedure - it's cost, timing etc, but I would advise to find out these issues, the telephone in Moscow is 924-1786. Somebody who speaks Russian and knows the details can call and ask about practical questions of such expertise.
I have no precise information on the duties, but in case of treatment as personal stuff, should be minimal or zero.
