Import of cultural heritage objects into Australia
Section 14 of the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 (the Act) requires that Australia respond to an official request by a foreign government to return objects of their cultural heritage that have been illegally exported from their country of origin.
The Act requires that the foreign country request Australia to return the object, and provide evidence of the following:
- the object is a protected object important to the cultural heritage of their country
- it was illegally exported from their country in contravention of a law of their country relating to their cultural property
- it was imported into Australia.
Importing cultural property - your responsibilities
If you are importing cultural property into Australia you must ensure it has not been exported from the source country in contravention of that country's cultural laws. This includes objects that you did not acquire in the source country, but which were illegally exported from that country prior to you purchasing them.
You must produce a permit issued by the government of the original source country, or such goods may be detained by Customs and/or seized by police if that government requests Australia's assistance in their return. There are substantial penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for persons who are aware that the objects they are importing into Australia are foreign protected objects and have been exported from the source country in contravention of its cultural property laws.
Importers should check with the relevant embassy, high commission or consulate in Australia to obtain advice on applicable foreign cultural laws.
Under the Act, inspectors may seize and remove foreign protected objects imported into Australia.
Importing Australian Protected Objects
Australian protected objects that were legally exported and are currently overseas may be legally imported and subsequently re-exported if a certificate of exemption (PDF 118 KB) has been issued.
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