export licensing

Anyone exporting items out of the UK, whether on a permanent or temporary basis, must apply for an individual Export License for certain cultural objects, these are objects that are:

Over 50 years old
Valued above a specified financial threshold
Of national importance under the Waverley Criteria, if it does then it may not be granted a License.

Why are exports licensed?
Export licensing helps to balance the need to keep nationally important objects in this country, the rights of owners and the encouragement of a thriving art trade.

We aim to keep this balance when negotiating European legislation on export controls and on the return of unlawfully removed cultural objects.

Apply for an Export License:

Send your application for an Export License for Cultural Goods to:

Export Licensing Unit
Museums, Libraries and Archives Council
Victoria House
Southampton Row
London
WC1B 4EA

Tel: 020 7273 8265 /66 /69/ 73
Fax: 020 7273 1424

Email: elu@mla.gov.uk

Archaeological Goods
If you are interested in exporting archaeological goods you should read the specific DCMS Guidance on this.

Further information