Cultural goods constitute an integral part of the world’s cultural heritage and possess supreme artistic, historical, and scientific value. To protect them from illicit trafficking and looting, the European Union has established strict rules for their import and export.
Particular emphasis is placed on the prohibition of importing into the customs territory of the European Union goods that have been illegally exported from third countries, especially from regions affected by armed conflicts, since their illicit commercialization often finances terrorist and criminal organizations.
Import Procedure
To ensure the lawful entry of cultural goods into the customs territory of the EU, a system of enhanced control is applied. The procedure varies depending on the category of the good.
Goods Requiring an Import License
Certain categories of cultural goods, such as products of archaeological excavations or terrestrial or underwater archaeological discoveries older than 250 years, require the issuance of an import license.
- The license is issued by the competent authority of a Member State.
- It must be issued prior to the placing of the goods under free circulation in the EU or under a special customs procedure (with the exception of transit).
- All import licenses must be stored in a digital system.
Goods Requiring an Import Declaration
For categories of goods that do not require an import license, such as rare collections and specimens of fauna, flora, minerals, and anatomy more than 200 years old and with a value of at least EUR 18,000 per item, importers are required to submit an import declaration.
- Through the declaration, they certify and assume responsibility for the lawful export of the goods from the third country.
- They must provide sufficient information to facilitate identification by the customs authorities.
- All necessary information is recorded in a digital system, allowing for risk analysis, the conduct of targeted controls, and the traceability of goods after their entry into the EU internal market.
Export Procedure
For the export of cultural goods from the EU customs territory to third countries, an export license is required.
- The license is issued by the competent Member State before the goods exit the EU customs territory.
- This procedure ensures uniform controls at the Union’s external borders and requires a clear definition of the scope of the measures and of the procedures for their implementation.