A guide to the export and import of cultural goods between Russia ...

Chapter 3: European Union Member States
Ireland
national legislation are somewhat different from the EU categories. In some cases they are more
restrictive, e.g. paintings over 25 years old with a value threshold which originated in Ireland. In
other cases, they are less restrictive, e.g. decorative art objects over 70 years old with a value
threshold which were made in Ireland. However, not all the 1997 Act has been enabled (i.e. the
law is not in force yet), in particular the sub sections describing goods which are restricted for
export. Therefore, you must get advice from the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism whether
the cultural goods you want to export are currently covered by national legislation.
What are my first steps? How do I plan this process and how long might it take?
There are different application forms for export licences, depending on whether the cultural
goods fall under national legislation or EU legislation. You can get the forms from the
Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism (Cultural Institutions Division).
There is no set time period for delivering a licence. You should ask the Division for advice
on how long your application is likely to take.
How do I find out if the art object I want to export is of national significance? Is there a Public
Inventory of cultural goods of special interest or importance?
There is a Register of Cultural Objects, as outlined under Section 48 of the 1997 Act. At
present this covers paintings in the care of the National Gallery of Ireland and the Hugh
Lane Municipal Gallery of Modern Art.
Section 49 of the 1997 Act lists the types of cultural objects which may be subject to export restrictions.
In general, the concern is to control the export of archaeological objects and those
cultural goods (whether paintings, decorative art objects etc.) of a certain age and value which
have been made in Ireland or which have been in the country for a designated length of time.
Do museums and galleries need licences for temporary exports (e.g. a touring exhibition)? Do
non-profit organisations need export licences?
Yes. Museums, galleries and non-profit organisations must apply for licences. Any cultural
goods that fall under any of the categories described in the Irish national legislation and/
or EU export licence regulations must be covered by an export licence, whatever the type
of applicant or purpose.
Museums and galleries applying for a licence for temporary export should follow the same
procedure outlined above. There is no statutory limit on the length of time an object can
remain outside the country.
I am a visual artist. Do I need a licence to export my own work?
No. Art work which belongs to “the originator” (i.e. the artist who created it) does not require
an export licence under the EU export licence legislation, whatever its age or value. The Irish
national legislation (1997 Act) excludes from export restrictions a painting in the ownership
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