Business.gov.nl uses cookies to improve the website. These functional and analytical cookies do not contain your personal data. Do you want to watch video content? Third parties may place tracking cookies to track your online behaviour. You can refuse these tracking cookies. How cookies are used on Business.gov.nl.

Import and export of cultural objects

Published by:
Netherlands Enterprise Agency, RVO

Do you want to import or export cultural objects? In some cases these objects may not leave their country of origin, or may only do so with official permission from the local authorities. You may need an official permit. Also, sanctions may apply. 

Examples of cultural objects are: 

  • art
  • archaeological objects
  • antiques  

The Information and Heritage Inspectorate (Inspectie Overheidsinformatie en Erfgoed) oversees the import and export of cultural objects

Importing cultural objects

Do you want to import cultural objects from abroad into the Netherlands? You must keep to the rules that exist in the country of origin on the export of cultural objects. You must demonstrate that you have checked if the goods are cultural property. Cultural property cannot be exported without official permission in writing. 

There are severe penalties for the illegal export of cultural property. The objects can be confiscated by Customs on arrival in the Netherlands and you can be fined. 

Import licence or importer statement

For importing specific cultural goods that were found or manufactured outside the EU stricter rules apply. You will need an import licence or importer statement. You also have to register with the European TRACES NT (TNT) digital system. You can find more information on registration and use of the system with the Information and Heritage Inspectorate (scroll down for PDFs in English). 

Exporting cultural objects

Do you want to export cultural objects from the Netherlands to a country outside the European Union? In general you need an export licence. This usually applies to cultural objects:

  • older than 50 or 100 years
  • with a value of €15,000 or more

You can contact the Customs Administration of the Netherlands (Centrale Dienst voor In- en Uitvoer, CDIU) to request an application form for an export licence, or call the Customs Information Line. The Information and Heritage Inspectorate determines if the licence may be issued.

If you want to export cultural objects to a country within the European Union, you do not need a licence. You may need official permission, for example when you want to export cultural heritage or national property.

Sanctions on the import and export for cultural objects

In some countries the import and export of cultural objects is (partly) prohibited. For the following countries sanctions apply: 

This article is related to:

How would you rate this page?(question 1 of max 3)
We are sorry to hear that. How can we improve?(question 2 of 3)
Import and export of cultural objects | Business.gov.nl