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

United Kingdom
Chapter 3: European Union Member States
You can download the Open Specific Export Licence for Musical Instruments Application form
at: http://www.mla.gov.uk/resources/assets//E/eu_open_specific_export_licence_application_
form_instruments_9010.doc.
I am a tourist visiting the UK. If I buy a work of art, how do I take it home with me?
The export regulations apply to anyone who wants to take cultural goods of a certain
age and value from the UK to Russia (or to another country). You must go through the
application process with the UK export licensing authorities for the goods to be cleared
for export.
The Cultural Property Advice website http://www.culturalpropertyadvice.gov.uk/ offers
guidance for all those buying works of art, antiques and antiquities whether for private
collections or a one-off purchase.
If you have bought the art work, antique, furniture or other cultural goods from a reputable
art or antique dealer or auction house, they should know how to apply for the export
licence and are permitted to do this on your behalf.
As soon as you know the goods are to be exported, an application should be submitted.
It can take as little as five working days for the export licence to be issued, although it
will be longer if the application needs to be reviewed by an Expert Adviser. The goods
must remain in the UK until the licence has been granted and you may have to arrange for
transportation at a later date.
If you are in any doubt, check the age and value of the cultural goods. This determines
whether an export licence is required. In general, export controls apply to cultural goods
which are over 50 years old and above a certain value.
Is there a fee for an export licence?
No – there is no fee for the licence.
Does the cultural object need to be assessed? If so, who will do this?
Cultural objects that have been in the UK for at least 50 years before the date of export
and are valued at or above the financial thresholds defined in the OGEL regulation are
thought to be of potential national importance.
If this is the case, the application will be referred to an Expert Adviser in a national museum
or gallery to determine if it is of national importance. An object by a living manufacturer
or producer can be referred for assessment. The Expert Adviser is entitled to view
the object before reaching a decision.
Objects are assessed against three criteria – the Waverley criteria (named after the chairman
of a 1952 committee which was appointed to consider and advise on export policy):
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