Movable cultural heritage
Objects that people create or collect can be an important part of our cultural heritage. These objects can be artistic, technological or natural in origin.
There is increasing trade and exchange of movable cultural heritage between nations. This exchange can enhance international appreciation of cultural diversity, but it can also lead to the loss of significant aspects of a nation's cultural heritage.
There is a wide range of movable cultural heritage objects protected including:
- Indigenous art and artefacts
- Works of fine and decorative art
- Scientific and archaeological artefacts
- Fossils, meteorites and minerals
- Agricultural and industrial heritage
- Books, stamps and medals
- Historic materials
The Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 (PMCH Act) protects Australia's heritage of movable cultural objects and supports foreign countries' right to protect their heritage of movable cultural objects. The PMCH Act gives effect to the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property.
Exporting cultural heritage objects from Australia
The export of Australia's significant cultural heritage objects is regulated under the PMCH Act. It is not intended to restrict normal and legitimate trade in cultural property and does not affect an individual's right to own or sell within Australia.
The PMCH Act implements a system of export permits for certain heritage objects defined as 'Australian protected objects'.
Australian protected objects form part of the movable cultural heritage of Australia and meet the criteria established under the National Cultural Heritage Control List.
Importing cultural heritage objects
If you are importing cultural property into Australia you must ensure its exportation has not contravened the country of origins cultural laws.
Australian protected objects that are currently overseas may be legally imported and subsequently re-exported if a certificate of exemption has been issued.
- Certificate of exemption - application (PDF 51 KB)
- Certificate of exemption - application (Doc 80 KB)
The National Cultural Heritage Committee
The PMCH Act is administered by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts. The Cultural Property Section in the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts provides the Secretariat to the National Cultural Heritage Committee.
The National Cultural Heritage Account
The National Cultural Heritage Account assists public cultural organisations to purchase significant Australian cultural heritage material. The acquisition of nationally important objects for public collections enables Australians to access their valuable cultural heritage.
Annual Reports
Contacts
For advice on exporting cultural heritage objects, for more information about the PMCH Act or if you have information on possible illegal exports and imports, please contact:
Cultural Property Section
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601
Email: movable.heritage@environment.gov.au
Tel: 02 6274 1810
Fax: 02 6274 2731
