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

Chapter 2: The Movement of Cultural Goods from and to
the European Union: the Legal Framework
What types of EU export licences exist?
In its initial version, Commission Regulation 752/93 did not distinguish between types of
licences. Experience showed, however, that objects that are taken abroad frequently for
exhibitions, concerts, etc. needed to be paid specific attention. This is why it now provides
for three different types of licence:
• The standard licence
• The specific open licence
• The general open licence
All Member States issue standard licences which can be for definitive or temporary export.
Open licences (specific and general) are only issued in some Member States, those which
have opted to do so.
In those countries that issue specific open licences, these cover the repeated temporary
export of a specific cultural good by a particular person or organisation for use and/or
exhibition in a third country, for a period of up to five years (in some Member States that
issue such licences, the period is shorter, e.g. three years). For instance, if you are a professional
musician frequently travelling abroad for concerts you may want to apply for a
specific open licence for your musical instrument, if this type of export licence is available
in your country.
General open licences cover any temporary export of those cultural goods that form part
of the permanent collection of a museum or other institution. They are valid for a period
of up to five years, although in some Member States the period is shorter. This type of
licence is intended for cultural goods of this type that are liable to be temporarily exported
from the Community on a regular basis for exhibition in a third country.
The EU country chapters in this guidebook indicate which types of EU export licence are
currently available in each Member State.
What do I do if I want to get a standard licence? What are the steps and formalities involved?
If you want to export to Russia a cultural object covered by Council Regulation 3911/92,
you will need to apply for the standard EU licence (unless you can apply for a specific or
general open licence, as described above).
You will have to apply to one of the competent authorities in the Member State where you intend
to obtain the licence. The list of such authorities is provided through the link given above.
Other relevant links can be found in the chapter on that Member State in this guidebook.
You apply for an EU export licence on an application form conforming to the example shown
in Annex to Commission Regulation 752/93. This form comprises three sheets: the application
(No. 1), a sheet for the holder (No. 2) and a sheet to be returned to the issuing authority
(No. 3). As a rule, all three sheets must be completed by the applicant, although Member
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