India Waives Customs Duty on Imported Art and Antiquities for Public Exhibitions: A Landmark Policy for Cultural Access
In a decisive move to bolster India’s cultural diplomacy and enhance access to global heritage, the Ministry of Finance, via Notification No. 29/2025-Customs dated May 9, 2025, has waived customs duties on artworks and antiquities imported into India—provided they are brought exclusively for public exhibitions in museums or galleries.
This long-awaited policy reform promises to make international art and heritage more accessible to Indian audiences by eliminating a major financial barrier faced by non-commercial cultural institutions.
Key Highlights of the New Policy:
• Scope of Items: The exemption applies to artworks (such as paintings, sculptures, and installations) and antiquities as defined under the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972.
• Eligibility: Only museums and galleries that are the direct importers and exhibit owners can claim the exemption.
• Non-Commercial Use: The artworks must not be used for commercial gain and are strictly for public display.
• Free Public Access: The exhibiting venue must offer unrestricted, free access to the public for the duration of the show.
• Cultural Certification: A certificate from an Authorized Officer of the Ministry of Culture must be obtained confirming the exhibition’s public nature.
• Mandatory Registration of Antiquities: All imported antiquities must be registered with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) within 90 days of import.
A Boost for Indian Museums and Galleries
The implications of this policy are wide-ranging. For many years, customs duties—often between 10% to 20%—made it prohibitive for Indian institutions to borrow or display important international artworks or rare antiquities. The removal of this duty aligns India with global practices where cultural imports for educational or heritage reasons are given tax relief.
According to Vikram Bachhawat, Director of Aakriti Art Gallery, Kolkata:
“This exemption is a step in the right direction. It will encourage cross-cultural exchange and allow Indian audiences to engage with global masterpieces without financial hindrance. For curators and collectors, it opens doors to more ambitious, historically significant exhibitions. It also reflects a more mature outlook on how art should serve the public good over private profit.”
Looking Ahead
This measure not only strengthens India’s curatorial capabilities but also signals the government’s support for cultural literacy and the non-commercial public display of global and national heritage. It allows institutions to focus on curation and scholarship rather than red tape and taxation.
As India increasingly emerges as a global art hub, this reform is both timely and transformative. The hope is that private and public institutions alike will now be emboldened to bring rare, meaningful artworks into the public realm—ushering in a new era of cultural engagement, education, and artistic dialogue.