According to Italian law, fossils are considered cultural artifacts, even if found by private individuals. They are state property, and the right of ownership remains with the state, not the discoverer. If a fossil or stone of possible scientific interest is found, the find must be reported to the relevant authorities (e.g., the heritage office, the police, Carabinieri) within 48 hours.
Procedure for a find:
- The personal details of the discoverer are recorded.
- The specimen is kept or a photo is taken (with a scale reference).
- The photo is forwarded to a paleontology expert for verification.
If the find is scientifically irrelevant, the discoverer may keep the object, but the ownership remains with the state.