Export Licensing Certain cultural objects more than 50 years of age and valued above specified financial thresholds will require an individual licence for export out of the United Kingdom whether on a permanent or temporary basis. The export licensing controls for objects of cultural interest are designed to balance the need to keep nationally important objects in this country, the rights of owners and the encouragement of a thriving art trade. For further details about which objects require an individual licence please refer to the Guidance to Exporters of Cultural Goods leaflet. You should also refer to Cultural Objects from Iraq. Information about the licensing procedures is contained in Procedures and Guidance for Exporters of Works of Art and Other Cultural Goods. Please direct enquiries to the Export Licensing Unit on 020 7273 8265/66/67/69/73, via email at elu@mla.gov.uk or via post to the Export Licensing Unit, Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, Wellcome Wolfon Building, London SW7 5HD. Related information Guidance This booklet provides guidance on the procedures involved in applying for an export licence for cultural goods. Part 1 sets out the export controls that apply to cultural goods, and when an individual export licence is required. Part 2 details how decisions are reached on licence applications for objects of national importance.
 Procedures and Guidance for Exporters of Works of Art and Other Cultural Goods (PDF 247KB) This leaflet provides an outline of the procedures involved in applying for an export licence for cultural goods.
 Guidance to Exporters of Cultural Goods (PDF 173kb) This note sets out the requirements of the EC Regulation on the export of cultural goods (Number EEC 3911/92) in respect of export outside the European Community of archaeological items.
 Guidance to exporters of antiquities (including numismatic items) (Word 778KB) Notices for Exporters Notice setting out the new EU threshold values, the new thresholds come into force on 1st January 2007.
Notice detailing the new EU thresholds dated November 2006 (Word 55KB) Notice on the provision of provenance to supply when submitting an export licence application form (web version).
Notice on the provision of provenance dated 17 November 2006 (Word 58KB) ELA1 form, mentioned in the above notice; summary sheet to accompany export licence applications (this sheet is not an export licence application form)
ELA1 form (for inclusion with export licence applications) (Word 51KB) Open General Export Licence (Objects of Cultural Interest) dated 1st May 2004 granted by the Secretary of State.
Open General Export Licence (Antiques) dated 1 May 2004 (PDF 47KB) Notice detailing the UN embargo on the import/export of Iraqi cultural items.
Cultural objects from Iraq (PDF 53KB) Notice and application form detailing how to apply for an individual EU Open Specific Export Licence for any musical instruments temporarily exported for a period of less than three months for use in the course of work by a professional musician.
Notice to exporters of musical instruments (22 August 2003) (PDF 50KB)
EU open specific export licence application form (musical instruments) (Word 777 KB) Notice and application form detailing how to apply for an individual EU Open Specific Export Licence for a motor vehicle to enable its temporary export outside the EU for a period of up to three months for use for pleasure purposes.
 Notice to exporters of vehicles (1 February 2006) (Word 40 KB)
EU open specific export licence application form (vehicles) (Word 792 KB) Definition of when the presence of marginalia means that printed matter should be treated as a manuscript for the purposes of export
Notice to Exporters of Manuscripts (19 July 2006) (Word 38KB) Other Bodies Exporting requirements of other EC countries
DTI Export Control Organisation
CITES Licensing More information on export licensing can be found on the Cultural Property Advice website.
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