Technical article

Export Licences for Art and Antiques: The Value Lines

Many family pieces sit below the value lines, and the age line is the second test.

By Neil Solomon · 3 min read

Picture a retired couple living in the Netherlands. They own a drawing that is 60 years old and worth about EUR 20,000 (approximately US$22,000). They are moving to Thailand and the drawing goes in the suitcase. Does anyone need to give permission?

Under the European Union rule, the answer is yes. The Dutch heritage inspectorate uses this very example: a 60-year-old drawing worth EUR 20,000 needs a licence, because the line for drawings is EUR 15,000 and the age line is 50 years. The inspectorate adds that the same lines apply to permanent and temporary exports, and to items in baggage or the post.

The European Union lines

The regulation sets a value line by type of object. Most categories also need the item to be more than 50 years old and not by a living maker.

A few categories need a licence whatever the value, such as archaeological objects, early manuscripts and archives. Several have their own age lines: books and archaeological objects over 100 years, printed maps over 200 years, means of transport over 75 years. Moves inside the EU do not need the licence unless a national protection applies. Musical instruments over 50 years and over EUR 50,000 do need one, and professional musicians can get a five-year open licence.

The United Kingdom

The Arts Council England lists objects over 50 years old with these lines.

The same page says people moving abroad may need a licence for their own property. There is no separate exemption for individuals. It also says the limits are revised from time to time. Temporary exports of under six months, for a vehicle used for pleasure or an instrument used for professional work, do not need an individual licence.

Canada, Mexico, Australia

Canadian Heritage requires an export permit for controlled cultural property that is 50 years or more old and made by a person no longer living. A foreign-made painting or sculpture is controlled only above CAD 30,000 (approximately US$22,000). The applicant is a Canadian resident, though an application may be made for a non-resident owner. A temporary permit runs under five years. An open general permit lets Canadians take vintage vehicles and instruments out temporarily for personal use.

Mexican law lets private owners export historical or artistic monuments only with a permit. Australian law puts fine and decorative art, coins, stamps and documents in a class that needs a permit, though most artworks under 30 years old need none. One travel guide says Thailand asks for a Fine Arts Department permit for items over 100 years old and for Buddha images of any age.

Voicing the doubt

You might say, "These are my own things, in my own luggage." The sources say the rule follows the object. The Arts Council says the guidance applies to residents moving abroad. The Dutch inspectorate says baggage counts. Many family pieces sit below the value lines, and the age line is the second test.

Who this touches

A permit takes time and sometimes a valuation. That touches whoever holds the paperwork, often an adult child or a spouse. It may touch heirs too, if the pieces move after a death.

Doors you could open

You could look up the date and value of each piece against these lines. You could ask the regulator whether an open licence suits a musician in the family.

Which of your pieces sits near one of these lines? If you have asked for a licence, tell us how long it took. Someone planning a move may benefit from your answer.

Figures are estimates for planning, based on public data. Date read: October 2026.