The National Cultural Heritage Control List
The Control List is divided into nine parts. Each part covers a particular type of cultural object and describes the criteria that an individual object must meet to be an Australian protected object.
It also divides protected objects into two export 'classes':
- Class A - objects that may not be exported
- Class B - objects that may be exported if granted a permit under the Act.
Summary of the Control List
Different classes of objects are defined using different criteria. You should always consult the Control List before deciding whether an object is included in the listed categories. Seek advice from the Cultural Property Section if you are unsure.
- The control list is included within the Regulations to the Act
at Schedule 1
Class A
Comprises objects of such significance to Australia that they may not be exported:
- Victoria Cross medals awarded to Australian service personnel as listed at Part 7.2(A) of the Regulations;
- Each piece of the suit of metal armour worn by Ned Kelly at the siege of Glenrowan in Victoria in 1880 as listed at Part 9.2(A); and
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander objects which cannot be exported. These are:
- Sacred and secret ritual objects
- Bark and log coffins used as traditional burial objects
- Human remains
- Rock art
- Dendroglyphs (carved trees)
Class B
Comprises objects that are of cultural significance to Australia and require permission to be exported. The categories are:
- Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage
- Archaeology
- Natural Science
- Fossils and Meteorites
- Applied science or technology
- Heritage Machinery
- Fine or decorative arts
- Documentary heritage
- Numismatics (coins)
- Philately (stamps)
- Historical significance
Some objects may be included under more than one category. For example, photographs can be assessed under the fine or decorative art, documentary heritage and historical significance categories.
Not all objects are covered by the control list and some are deliberately excluded. For example, most works of art less than 30 years old and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art less than 20 years old do not require permission for export or import.
