Purchasing Antiques in Russia

Requirements for Purchasing Antiques in Russia

While shopping for Russian souvenirs as you travel or when you peruse the goods at Izmaylovo Market in Moscow, you may be tempted to purchase older items and church icons. However, you should know that Russia has some rules about taking these objects out of the country.

Icons should be avoided - you may generally not take icons out of the country (unless they are mass reproductions that are easy to come by). Some of these are very old; others have been stolen.

Objects that predate 1960 are considered antiques for bureaucratic purposes. Paperwork is required to export antiques. Make sure that any salesperson is willing to give you an export certificate along with your receipt.

To view some Russian antiques on the web before you buy on site, check out the Top 10 Russian Antiques Shops on the Web resource.