Antiquities 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Antiquities may require documentation or declaration
Can I bring Antiquities into United Kingdom?
Antiquities may require documentation or declaration
Full details
Antiquities trade is governed by both domestic cultural property laws and international agreements, including the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Prope
Leaving United Kingdom with antiquities
The Export of Objects of Cultural Interest (Control) Order 2003 requires an export licence for items over specified value and age thresholds satisfying one of the Waverley criteria: (1) closely connected with British history and national life; (2) of outstanding aesthetic importance; (3) of outstanding significance for the study of art, learning or history. The Reviewing Committee (RCEWA) may recommend refusal to allow a UK institution to make a matching offer. Arts Council England administers the LICENCES system.
Carry documentation. Declare proactively at customs.
This page covers destination customs rules in United Kingdom. Whether you can carry antiquities through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Related rules
Antiquities rules in other countries
Antiquities
🇮🇹 Italy
Export of cultural property strictly controlled
Antiquities
🇪🇬 Egypt
Strict export ban on all antiquities
Antiquities
🇨🇳 China
Export of cultural relics strictly controlled
Antiquities
🇯🇵 Japan
Important Cultural Properties restricted
Antiquities
🇺🇸 United States
Antiquities may require documentation or declaration
Antiquities
🇨🇦 Canada
Antiquities may require documentation or declaration