Freight forwarding - factsheet
Are you aware that penalties apply for exporting Australian cultural heritage objects without an export permit?
The Federal Government legislates to protect Australia's unique cultural heritage objects from leaving the country and being lost to future generations of Australians.
Under the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 administered by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, cultural heritage objects in the categories mentioned below may be Australian protected objects and require an export permit. As a guide some basic age and monetary thresholds are noted.
- Objects of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage more than 30 years old
- Archaeological objects more than 50 years old
- Natural science objects monetary thresholds apply
- Objects of applied science or technology more than 30 years old
- Objects of fine or decorative art monetary and age thresholds apply
- Objects of documentary heritage more than 30 years old
- Numismatic objects monetary threshold of $15 000 and over
- Philatelic objects
- Objects of historical significance more than 30 years old
The law penalises the person or organisation exporting the object. The responsible freight forwarder could be subject to prosecution where an Australian protected object is exported without a permit. If you are unsure you should check with the owner as to whether they have or require a permit.
