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Apply for export license for cultural property

  • Auslandsgeschäft 



    	    

		    
Procedure

            			
To apply online for a license to export a cultural property, you can use an online procedure that is currently being piloted. The online procedure includes an optional pre-check to determine whether an export license is needed based on a few questions. In general, you no longer need to select the correct application - it is determined automatically based on the information you provide. The pilot operation serves to further test and optimize the procedure. At the same time, the procedure is to be expanded by the end of 2022 so that it will also be possible to issue the license digitally. 

To apply in writing for a license to export a cultural object, the following steps are necessary: 


  • Use the Authority Finder to find the competent authority and the PDF form for your federal state: https://www.kulturgutschutz-deutschland.de/DE/Service/Formulare/Behoerdenfinder/behoerdenfinder_node.html
  • Download the correct PDF form.
    
 
    • Export license according to Regulation (EC) No. 116/2009, § 25 or § 26 Cultural Property Protection Act for export to third countries and
    • according to § 24 paragraph 1 number 2, § 25 or § 26 Cultural Property Protection Act for export to member states of the European Union
  • Fill out the PDF form on your PC.
  • Print out the documents.
    
 
    • Export license according to Regulation (EC) No. 116/2009 for export to third countries in 3 copies (the form already contains all copies),
    • Export license according to § 24 paragraph 1 number 2 Cultural Property Protection Act for export to member states of the European Union in 2 copies,
    • Export licenses according to § 25 and § 26 of the Cultural Property Protection Act, each in 2 copies (note: the forms for export to third countries already contain all copies)
  • Sign in the spaces provided, stamp the documents if necessary, and attach the necessary supporting documents to each copy.
  • Send the documents to the competent authority.
  • The authority will review your application and send you
    
 
    • 2 copies (export according to regulation number 116/2009 to a third country) or
    • one copy (export according to § 24 paragraph 1 number 2, § 25 or § 26 Cultural Property Protection Act to a third country or export to member states of the European Union),
    • return the completed, signed and sealed documents, together with a fee notice, if applicable.
    • Copy 1 is the application and remains with the authority. All other copies will be returned to you. In the case of export to a third country in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 116/2009, you must submit copies 2 and 3 to the competent German customs office of export together with the export declaration. The customs office of export fills in box 26 and hands over copy 2 to you. After the actual exit, the German customs office of export confirms it in box 27 and sends copy 3 back to the authority that issued the license.

If your application for an export license is rejected, you will receive a written decision with a statement of reasons and the instructions for appeal.

			
Legal bases
			
More information
A permit under Section 22(1) of the Cultural Property Protection Act obtained by means of threat, bribery or collusion, or obtained by means of incorrect or incomplete information, is null and void under Section 22(5) of the Cultural Property Protection Act. This applies mutatis mutandis to licenses (Section 24(1)(1) and (2) of the Cultural Property Protection Act under Section 24(9) of the Cultural Property Protection Act).