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Applying for authorization for the regular temporary export of cultural goods to EU member states

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If you wish to export a specific cultural good from your collection from Germany to member states of the European Union (EU) on a regular temporary basis, you can apply for a specific open license for export to EU member states.

		    


                					    

						    

							    Competent Department
						    

						    
					    

                        
					    

						    

							    Basic information
						    

						    

							    

								    
As the owner or legal possessor, you can apply for a specific open license for the export of cultural property to EU member states. 

This is useful if you wish to export the cultural property regularly and temporarily from Germany to one or more EU member states. 

An export is regular if the cultural goods are to be imported and exported several times within a certain period of time. 

An export is also temporary if it is to take place for a maximum of 5 years. 

Cultural goods include, for example 


  • Works of art,
  • archaeological objects,
  • archive material,
  • manuscripts or
  • antiques, such as furniture, musical instruments or jewelry.

Annex I of Regulation (EC) No. 116/2009 lists which objects count as cultural goods. 

You must prove the origin of the cultural object with a proof of provenance. Suitable evidence can be, for example 


  • Proof of purchase or other acquisition such as
    
 
    • purchase contracts
    • invoices
    • wills
  • Insurance certificates
  • Excerpts from auction and exhibition catalogs
  • old photographs showing the work

The specific open license can be granted for a maximum of 5 years. 

You can apply for the specific open license from the competent authority of the federal state in which the cultural property is located.

								    

									    Requirements
  • You are the owner or legal possessor.
  • You guarantee that the cultural property will be re-imported undamaged and in good time.
  • You have submitted the required documents.
								    
What documents do I need?
    
    
  • at least one photo of the cultural asset to be exported in 9 x 12 cm format        
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  • Proof of provenance        
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  • optional:        
    • Catalog
    • Catalog
    • Bibliography
    • Proof of value
    • further references
    •