How do I apply for an export authorization?

The procedure differs depending on whether the work is classified as a cultural good or a national treasure.  The temporary or permanent export of a cultural property of historical, artistic or archaeological interest is subject to authorization, depending on its value and age. These criteria define the category of work to be exported.  Whatever its value and seniority, a cultural property qualified as a national treasure can leave France only temporarily, with a mandatory return.

Imports, on the other hand, are subject only to customs control, as are all other goods.

Accessing Forms

This section allows you to access, download and print the forms corresponding to national and European export authorisations.

1. Leaving the national territory

Ass goodsturels

• Cultural property certificate application form (Cerfa n°02 0075) allows a permanent exit or temporary exits without limitation of number and duration.
• Application Form for Authorization to Temporarily Exit a Cultural Property (Cerfa n°02 0083) valid for a period proportionate to the reason for the request (restoration, expertise, cultural exhibition).
• Itinerant sheet for a temporary release of a cultural property
• Extension Sheet / Temporary Release Extension of Cultural Property

Treasures nanational

• National Treasury Temporary Exit Authorization (TSA) Application Form, exceptionally awarded for restoration, expertise, participation in a cultural event, exhibition or deposit in a public collection.
• Roaming sheet for a temporary release of a national treasure
• Extension sheet / temporary extension of a national treasure (Cerfa n°02 0076)

2. Exit du terof the European Union

• Application form for authorization to export a cultural property (Cerfa n°11033*03) from the European territory allows any operator (museum, auctioneer, gallery, private individual, freight forwarder...) wishing to export a cultural property outside the European Union to ask for permission.
• Explanatory note

Who should I talk to?

• Service des Musées de France (SMF) – Sub-dcollections management - Bureau de l'inventaire des collections et de la circulation des biens culturels - 6, rue des Pyramides 75001 Paris - telephone: 01 40 15 34 51
• Service interministériel des Archives de France (SIAF) - Sous-direction de la collecte, de la conservation et de l'archivage électronique - Bureau de la protection du patrimoine archivistique - postal address: 182, rue Saint-Honoré - 75001 Paris - telephone: 01 40 15 82 56
• Book and Reading Service (SLL) - Heritage Office - 182, rue Saint-Honoré 75033 Paris cedex 01 - phone: 01 40 15 75 29
• Heritage Service (PS) – Historic Monuments and Heritage Sites Branch - Bureau de la conservation des monuments historiques mobiliers - 182, rue Saint-Honoré 75033 Paris cedex 01 - phone: 01 40 15 79 97
• Heritage Service (PS) – Archaeology Branch - Bureau de la gestion des vestiges et de la documentation archéologiques - 182, rue Saint-Honoré 75033 Paris cedex 01 - telephone: 01 40 15 76 62

Contact: exportation-biensculturels[at]culture.gouv.fr