Importing cultural objects
To import cultural objects to the European Union (EU), you must apply for an import licence or importer statement. Such cultural objects include archaeological finds, books and art objects discovered or made outside the EU.
Last updated on 27 June 2025
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When to apply for an import licence for cultural objects
You must apply for a licence to import the following cultural objects:
- archaeological objects or parts of monuments;
- made or discovered outside the EU;
- more than 250 years old.
The value of the cultural objects is irrelevant.
When to apply for an importer statement for cultural objects
You must apply for an importer statement for the import of such cultural objects as:
- historical, natural-historical, antique or ethnographic objects;
- art objects, such as paintings, drawings, sculptures and prints;
- manuscripts, books, (postal) stamps, archival material;
- furniture;
- musical instruments.
This only applies to objects made or discovered outside the EU that are more than 200 years old and whose customs value (website in Dutch) is € 18,000 or more.
Applying for an import licence or submitting an importer statement
You must register in the EU TRACES system to make an application. For more information on how to apply for an import licence or submit an importer statement, visit the Information and Heritage Inspectorate website. The website will also tell you which supporting documents you will need to prove that you are importing the cultural object legally.
The Information and Heritage Inspectorate will assess your licence application and inform you of its decision. You need a licence or statement to declare your object to Customs (website in Dutch).
Laws and regulations (in Dutch)
Verordening (EU) 2019/880 over de invoer van cultuurgoederen