Charter & Beliefs

The CINOA Charter defines fine art dealers uncompromisingly as follows:

‘A fine art dealer, member of a national association affiliated to CINOA, is not only a merchant but also a consultant, who is required to respect the rules of his association. He serves a cultural mission by distributing objects of art which he identifies through experience. The relations with his clientele are based on confidence and mutual trust. He is obliged to give his clients correct information concerning the date, the artist and the state of preservation of the objects he sells.’

It is a principal belief of the federation that through trading fairly across international boundaries, sharing knowledge and developing greater expertise in a growing number of varied specialist areas not only members but all parties can benefit from the exchanges of experience, art and ultimately culture.

At an international level as support to the affiliated national associations, CINOA provides an international voice to promote the interests of the art and antiques market. CINOA works with competent authorities to develop solutions and highlight the potential impact of emerging legislation on dealers and collectors as well as the ripple effect it has on all the art-related services and the art and antiques market sector’s economy. As an international federation representing national associations in 22 countries, CINOA represents its membership at international bodies such as UNESCO, at which CINOA has observer status on all art-related discussions. By providing an international perspective, CINOA supports its national associations’ initiatives whether in emerging economies where trading in works of art is less established or in countries with a well-established and thriving art market.

CINOA is resolutely against looting and smuggling. CINOA proactively supports measures which aim to eliminate traffic in stolen antiques and works of art and the illegal export of such objects. CINOA works together with decision-makers and legislators in order to achieve a proper balance between preserving and sharing cultural diversity and proportionate policing of the art and antiques market. CINOA believes that effective national cultural protection systems that take into account the motives of the parties involved and the objects in question can prevent much of the illicit trading. In addition, CINOA works actively with law-enforcement agencies and supports the publicly available databases that assist in the prevention of illicit trading in cultural property. As one form of support for initiatives against illicit trade, CINOA is a shareholder in the Art Loss Register, a private company which maintains a searchable database on allegedly stolen and lost cultural property. It is hoped that such an institution can achieve international recognition from governments and enforcement agencies. CINOA believes that through such initiatives, cultural protection systems, common accords and harsh penalties on those found guilty by due process of law, the market for looted and smuggled art and antiques can be diminished.

CINOA believes that a healthy, thriving art market is essential for preserving and sharing culture. Through a fair and healthy market, international art and antique collections whether owned by public museums or privately can continue to be built, so providing an opportunity to discover the richness and diversity of other cultures. 

To support its beliefs and aims, CINOA takes an active part in speaking on behalf of the profession on many issues which have an impact on the art and antiques market sector’s economy such as, although not limited to, Droit de Suite, Unesco Convention 1970, TVA (VAT), CITES, as well as emerging laws which may potentially impact art professionals and collectors.