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

Sweden
Chapter 3: European Union Member States
For foreign cultural goods, a permit is only required if the goods have been in Sweden for
more than 100 years.
The Government has made regulations about categories, age and value thresholds and
other determining factors (see the Heritage Conservation Ordinance, sections 24 & 25) concerning
which cultural goods may not be taken out of Sweden without special permission.
In addition to the Swedish national legislation, the EU legislation (as described in Chapter 2)
applies to cultural goods which are exported from Sweden to Russia, or to any other country
outside the European Union. Cultural goods which come under this legislation (relevant
categories apply, plus age and value thresholds) must have an EU export licence.
The regulations for export licences apply to anyone who is exporting cultural goods from
Sweden to another country. They apply, whatever your nationality, citizenship, place of
residence or age. They apply whether you are an individual, a company (commercial or
non-profit), a public institution or other organisation.
They are explained in English and Swedish at: http://www.raa.se/cms/extern/en/cultural_
heritage/legislation_and_responsibility/exportation_of_cultural_objects.html
Are there different types of licence? What type of licence do I need?
There are two different types of licence:
• The ‘export permit’ (under Swedish national legislation)
• The ‘custom permit’, also known as EU export licence (under EU legislation for export
to countries outside the EU)
If you are exporting cultural goods from Sweden to Russia you will need both licences, in
order to comply with national and international regulations. The national ‘export permit’
ensures that the goods are cleared for export from Sweden and is required when they are
part of the national cultural heritage or of other special significance. The EU export licence is
required for cultural goods of a certain age or age and value when they are to be moved from
a member state to a country outside the EU. This is explained in more detail in Chapter 2.
What are my first steps? How do I plan this process and how long might it take?
Whatever the type of cultural object, you only have to deal with one authority – the National
Heritage Board. You can get application forms from the National Heritage Board,
which is also where you send the applications. Different application forms apply for the
national and EU licences but you follow the same application procedure.
First of all, you must complete the application documents. If you want to export the object
outside the European Union, you should note that you need two different forms. Attach
two photographs of the object to the application.
The application procedure is described in more detail with downloadable forms at:
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