The Russian Federation customs requires official export permits for a number of articles of artwork and all antiques - regardless of whether they were bought in Russia or imported to Russia from another country.
Goods that can be exported without export permit: souvenirs (lacquer boxes, matryoshka dolls, wooden souvenirs, Gzhel and other porcelain articles, etc.); contemporary books (no more than 50 years old); contemporary osters, reproductions, lithographs (no more than 50 years old); posters (reproductions only) and prints (no more than 50 years old).
For the majority of other items an export permit from the Ministry of Culture (MOC) of the Russian Federation is required. The above items include (but are not limited to): icons; paintings; carpets; rugs; samovars (any, except for electrical samovars); musical instruments.
Export permit is also required for any articles that are over 50 years old, such as: posters; furniture; books, newspapers, magazines, postcards, maps; paper money and coins; stamps; precious metals; scientific instruments and household devices; archeological items.
It is very difficult to get export permits for any items that are over 100 years old – unless you brought them into the country from another country and registered them with Russian customs for import.
If you want to buy expensive artwork or antiques in Russia, it is preferable to purchase them from an official art gallery (antique store). Make sure you get a receipt for the purchase. The presence of a receipt will be required while applying for the export permit.
When you are moving to Russia and are bringing artwork and/or antiques into the country from abroad, ask your moving company to register them with Russian customs for import.
You should also register any artwork and antiques with Russian customs when bringing them back to Russian Federation from a business trip or vacation abroad (if the articles are more than 50 years old).
If the owner of his (her) moving company register the artwork and antiques upon entry, the export permit for the items can be obtained from the MOC without any extra expertise and in short period of time (from 1 to 5 working days). | 
