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

Chapter 3: European Union Member States
Lithuania
Are there different types of licence? What type of licence do I need?
You may find, when you apply for export of an object out of Lithuania to Russia, that it
falls both under the scope of national legislation and Council Regulation 3911/92. In this
case, you need to apply for both the Lithuanian export permit and the EU export licence
(also called permit in Lithuania).
In addition, you need to state whether the permit or licence is for permanent or temporary
export.
What are my first steps? How do I plan this process and how long might it take?
You (the owner) must apply in writing for the export permit either to the Central Office of
the Department of Cultural Heritage Protection (for the export of movable cultural property
and antiques) or to the Lithuanian Archives Department (for the export of documents).
The application forms and procedure are the same, whether your object is covered by
national legislation and/or Council Regulation 3911/92 on the export of cultural goods.
For the definitive or temporary export of movable cultural property and antiques you must
present the following documents to the Department of Cultural Heritage Protection:
• A written application with details of the applicant and the list of cultural objects intended
for export
• Photographs of the movable cultural property/antiques (measuring at least 8×12 cm);
when exporting from the territory of the European Community – 3 copies for each item
of movable cultural property or antique object
• Available documents about the movable cultural property/antiques (expert appraisals,
invoices, other documents certifying the right of ownership or acquisition)
• A power of attorney (where an applicant submits documents through a representative)
• For temporary export – documents indicating reasons for export (copies of contracts
or invitations to cultural and artistic events)
In order to establish the cultural value of items of movable cultural property and antiques
and to appraise them, the Minister of Culture forms a Council of Experts for the Export of
Movable Cultural Property.
It takes up to 15 days to issue a permit for the export of movable cultural property and
antiques, from the date of request. The Minister of Culture has the right to extend this
period for up to 30 days if the application is for a large number of antique objects intended
for definitive export.
Any permit issued for definitive or temporary export of movable cultural property and
antiques from Lithuania is valid for a maximum of 12 months. If a permit expires without
having been used, the applicant must return it to the Department of Cultural Heritage
Protection.
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