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Import Licences

From June 28, 2025, an import licence will be required for the import of cultural goods from third countries that are highly endangered and therefore particularly worthy of protection into the customs territory of the European Union. The Federal Art Administration in Germany is responsible for issuing import licences in accordance with Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2019/880.

Application

Products of archaeological excavations (including regular and clandestine) or of archaeological discoveries on land or underwater more than 250 years old require an import licence. That import licence shall be issued by the competent authority of the Member State in which the cultural goods are placed under one of the customs procedures referred to in point (3) of Article 2 for the first time. Import licences can be applied for digitally via the ICG system.

You can access the ICG system via this link:

https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/tracesnt/login

The application consists of:

  • a detailed description of the cultural good;
  • photographs;
  • export documents;
  • legal export declaration.

The application shall be accompanied by any supporting documents and information providing evidence that the cultural goods in question have been exported from the country where they were created or discovered in accordance with the laws and regulations of that country or providing evidence of the absence of such laws and regulations at the time they were taken out of its territory.

A separate import licence shall be issued for each cultural good.

Processing time

According to Article 4(7) of Regulation (EU) 2019/880, the processing time is up to 90 calendar days after receipt of the complete application documents. The KVdB, as the competent authority, may request further documents and information within 21 days of receipt of the application. It is recommended that the licence be applied for in good time before the planned import of the cultural good.

Validity

Import licences issued by the competent authorities of a Member State shall be valid throughout the European Union. An import licence shall not be construed to be evidence of licit provenance or ownership of the cultural goods in question.

Derogation for art fairs according to article 3 paragraph 5 Regulation (EU) 2019/880

The EU Import Regulation relaxes the rules for art fairs: for the purpose of exhibition at an art fair, cultural goods which, by reason of their category and age, would normally require an import licence may be imported temporarily using the importer statement procedure. Only if the objects concerned remain in the EU (e.g. because they are sold) must the import licensing procedure be completed. There is no requirement to do so if the cultural goods are exported again after the fair, that is to say if they do not remain in the EU.

Derogation for returned goods according to article 3 paragraph 4 lit. a Regulation (EU) 2019/880

Conversely, goods which leave the EU only temporarily (e.g. for prior viewings in Switzerland) and are thus returned goods within the meaning of the Union Customs Code will also be exempt from the import requirements even though, as objects not originally created or discovered in the EU, they would normally come within the scope of the import rules.

Derogation for education, science or research according to article 3 paragraph 4 lit. c Regulation (EU) 2019/880

Public institutions can benefit from a privileged procedure when importing cultural goods for educational, scientific, or research purposes. Provided that the requirements of Article 3 of Implementing Regulation EU 2021/1079 are met, these institutions do not need an import licence or importer statement. Instead, a general description of the object must be submitted in the ICG system. Public institutions require the role of “exemption beneficiary” in the ICG system for this purpose. This exemption applies only to temporary admission and not to permanent residence. Private and semi-public companies or institutions may also benefit from this exemption under certain circumstances.

 

Further information

Service and contact

Department 3 - Protection of Cultural Property and Law
E-Mail: icg-office@kvdb.bund.de
Phone: +49 30 200 513-490 (Monday to Thursday)