9.8 Export of cultural goods

Without prejudice to their privileges and immunities it is the duty of members of diplomatic missions to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State, including any regulations relating to the export of items such as antiquities and cultural treasures.

According to Chapter 5 of the Heritage Conservation Act (1988:950), certain cultural items are prohibited to be exported outside of Sweden without a permit. The rules are intended to protect the national cultural heritage. A permit is often needed for items that are older than 100 years or has a value above 50 000 SEK. Consult the Heritage Conservation Act (in Swedish) or the National Heritage Board for more detailed information.

Heritage Conservation Act

National Heritage Board

If the item is to leave not only Sweden but also the EU, an export licence may be required in addition to the Swedish permit. The criteria differ slightly and for these rules, the value of the item is decisive. The EU rules are found in Council Regulation No 116/2009. Consult the European Commission's webpage on export of cultural goods (including the regulation) or the National Heritage Board for more detailed information.

Council Regulation No 116/2009

To apply for a permit, an application form, which can be found on the website of the National Heritage Board, has to be filled in and sent three copies along with photographs of the object to the National Heritage Board (Riksantikvarieämbetet, Box 1114, 621 22 Visby).