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

Chapter 3: European Union Member States
Latvia
For the temporary export of other cultural goods, an application must be made to the
Inspection, and the procedure for issuing the licence is the same as for the permanent export
of cultural goods. The owner or possessor of the goods must also register the object
with the Inspection within a period of 15 days after it has been imported back to Latvia.
There is no statutory limit as to the period of time an object of art can remain out of Latvia.
I am a musician. Do I need to know about export regulations if I am travelling with my
instrument?
Yes. Any musician who wishes to travel with a musical instrument which is over a certain
age and value must obtain an EU export licence (as described in Chapter 2). This applies
whether the export is temporary, e.g. for a concert tour, or permanent.
I am a tourist visiting Latvia. If I buy a work of art, how do I take it home with me?
You will have to check if the object you purchased falls within the categories (plus relevant
age and value criteria) of Council Regulation 3911/92 and/or within the scope of Latvian
legislation on the export of cultural goods.
If it does, you must apply to the Inspection for Cultural Heritage Protection and obtain an
export licence that allows you to take it out of the customs area of the EU from Latvia. Only
then you can proceed for export clearance of the object with the State Revenue Service.
Is there a fee for an export licence?
Yes. The issuing of export licences is a paid service. Fees are regulated in the Order of the
Ministry of Culture No.57 A ‘The forms of paid services and pricing in the State Inspection
for the Heritage Protection’ of 29.04.2003.
Does the cultural object need to be valued? If so, who will do this?
In cases where the object demonstrates a particular historic style or period, has qualities
of national art or where there are few examples of its type in the region, it will need to
undergo expertise. These criteria are sufficient to decide whether an object is of national
importance. The examination is made by experts of the Inspection. If additional expert
examination is required, the Inspection may convene a council of experts.
The applicant must cover all expenses incurred by the relevant institution and related to
the preparation of an opinion.
Can I appeal against the valuation or refusal of an export licence? If so, how do I do this?
The applicant can appeal against the decision on the value/age/national importance of an
object to the Ministry of Culture. The decision of the Ministry of Culture can be appealed in
Court. The same procedure applies for an appeal against refusal of an export licence.
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