Antiquities → China

Export of cultural relics strictly controlled

Details

China strictly controls the export of cultural relics under the Cultural Relics Protection Law. Items predating 1949 generally cannot be exported without State Administration of Cultural Heritage approval. Customs actively inspects for cultural property.

Documentation required

• SACH export approval for pre-1949 items

Legal reference

Cultural Relics Protection Law

Leaving with this item

Export of Chinese cultural relics is prohibited under the Law on Protection of Cultural Relics (2002). Items over 100 years old cannot be exported; items 50–100 years old require NCHA permit.

Practical advice

Do not attempt to export items that could be considered cultural relics without SACH approval.

Customs authority

General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) · http://www.customs.gov.cn