FAQs

We do not accept individual dealers as members so to be an affiliated dealer, you need to join one of the dealer trade associations listed on our website (see Associations) Once you identify the dealer association you are interested in joining, we ask you to contact them directly because each dealer association has a different application process. If you are located in a country that does not yet have a member dealer association, please be advised that many of our current associations accept international dealers. Once you have joined a member association that association will handle the process of your membership in CINOA. CINOA’s criteria or if you are not a dealer and would like to be involved with CINOA, please read Membership and Support.

Please contact your dealer association who has the password to update their member list on CINOA.org. The dealer association through which you are affiliated to CINOA is the only organization that can change your listing on the website.

We are not currently hiring but we are open to virtual internships. If you are interested in doing a project for CINOA as an intern, please send us an e-mail through the website contact page with a proposal of what kind of project you think would be most beneficial for both you and CINOA.  Every internship is discussed on a case by case basis.

The CINOA secretariat does not offer advice or appraisals nor do we buy and sell works of art or antiques. We suggest that you either contact your local dealer association, which you can find on our website (see Associations) and ask them  to recommend one of their dealers or look through the directory to find a dealer that sells something similar and contact them directly. Dealer contact details are listed and e-mails can be sent directly via the CINOA website.

Dealers need to conduct due diligence when buying and selling items in order to satisfy themselves that the items are genuine, not looted, stolen or illegally exported, and can be traded with full title.

If a dealer has followed correct due diligence in buying an item, they should be able to pass on all the relevant details when selling it on. Most importantly, dealers should provide buyers with a detailed invoice giving a full description of the item so that it can be identified from the invoice. Relevant details may include its appearance, age, materials, measurements, known past history of ownership and condition, setting out any repairs and restoration that have been undertaken. If certificate of authenticity is appropriate, that should also be provided, along with a warranty and receipt of payment. If export licences are required then the customer should be made aware of these requirements. The dealer should also make any returns policy clear in writing.

It should be noted that data protection restrictions might prevent dealers from passing on some information by law.

Many associations offer conciliation services, but in the first instance it is always wise to contact the dealer themselves as any genuine grievance is usually settled simply and quickly in this way.

Members agree to abide by data protection regulations in all markets in which they operate. Regulations applying to the data of European Union citizens are being tightened significantly under General Data Protection Regulations as of May 25, 2018. These apply to anyone processing relevant data wherever they are in the world, and are not restricted to those operating within the EU. As noted above, these regulations may restrict the information a dealer is able to provide to a client.

As our Code of Ethics stipulates, members undertake to abide by the laws and regulations applicable in his country on the protection of threatened or endangered species. These can be varied and complex, but member associations have a duty to ensure that their own members are kept up to date with the latest regulations on issues such as the trade in ivory.

No reputable dealer wants to take possession of stolen property. They also have a duty, as well as every incentive, to ensure that it does not pollute the legitimate market. Any dealer suspecting that an item they are offered might be stolen will first ask additional questions to try to establish how far their suspicions are justified. They are also likely to check to see if the item is listed on available databases of stolen art and antiques. Depending on the strength of their suspicion and any available evidence, they may then report their concerns to law enforcement authorities.

Most countries now have strict anti-money-laundering regulations, which dealers must follow. These will include creating a clear paper trail for transactions and not accepting payment in cash above limits set by statute. Dealers will also be acutely aware of other risks of money laundering, such as items being bought or sold for prices that far exceed their true value. As with any other suspected crime, dealers will report their suspicions to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.