This decree-law builds upon the framework established by Law No. 107/2001, establishing the regime for the classification and inventorying of movable goods of cultural interest, as well as the rules to be applied to the exportation, dispatch, importation and admission of movable cultural goods. It establishes that movable goods of cultural interest can be classified as “of national interest”, “of public interest” or “of municipal interest” and determines the conditions that define each category and the corresponding classification procedure.
As stated in the legislation, cultural interest must demonstrate values of memory, antiquity, authenticity, originality, creativity, rarity, singularity and exemplarity. It refers back to the definition of cultural value established in article 15 of the Law 107/2001, to which it adds other criteria, such as: the original character of the property; the genius of its creator; the interest of the property as a remarkable testimony to historical experiences or facts; the intrinsic aesthetic, technical or material value of the property; the interest of the property as a symbolic or religious testimony; the actual need to protect and enhance the asset; and the state of conservation of the asset.
Decisions related to the classification and inventory of cultural assets are to be published accordingly, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process. The law also includes provisions for the availability of information through online public platforms, promoting accessibility and openness in cultural heritage management.
