Taking antiquities out of Egypt
Export of Egyptian antiquities is prohibited under Law 117 of 1983. Items predating 1882 cannot depart without SCA (Supreme Council of Antiquities) ministerial authorisation.
Details
Egypt's Law 117/1983 on the Protection of Antiquities prohibits export of any item classified as an antiquity (pre-dating 1882). The Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) maintains a national registry. Unlicensed export carries 5–15 years imprisonment and unlimited fines under Articles 42–44. Temporary export for museum exhibition may be authorised by ministerial decree with a registered guarantee. Egypt is a UNESCO 1970 Convention and UNIDROIT 1995 Convention signatory.
Quantity limits
No antiquities may depart without individual SCA ministerial authorisation
Documentation required
- SCA (Supreme Council of Antiquities) export permit
- Item registration certificate from national antiquities registry
- Ministerial decree for temporary export (museum loans)
The other direction
Bringing antiquities into Egypt(prohibited)