Travelling with cultural goods

Publication date 02-09-2025 | Last update 08-10-2026 | Information page

Are you taking cultural goods, such as art or antiques, abroad or bringing them into the Netherlands? You need permission to take them with you, such as an import or export licence.

What are cultural goods?

Whether an item is considered a cultural good often depends on its value and age. Examples include works of art and antiques.

Examples of works of art and antiques

Various items may be considered works of art or antiques, for example:

• paintings or prints
• mosaics
• old documents and books
• objects made by goldsmiths or silversmiths
• (old) furniture

Unsure whether an item is a cultural good? The Information and Heritage Inspectorate has a useful checklist to help you find out the origin of an item and which export rules apply.

Low prices

Dealers abroad sometimes offer cultural goods at very low prices. There is a high risk that these goods are counterfeit or illegally traded.

Travelling within the European Union

Are you travelling within the European Union (EU)? Rules and restrictions apply to some goods. You can check the export rules for cultural goods in the country of origin. For some cultural goods, you need special permission or a licence to take them out of another EU country.

Travelling outside the European Union

Do you want to bring art or antiques from a non-EU country into the Netherlands? This is not always allowed. In some cases, you need an import licence or an importer’s declaration.
Do you want to take cultural goods from the Netherlands to a country outside the EU? You will often need a licence. The Information and Heritage Inspectorate provides more information about the licences you may need.

Unsure whether you need a licence?

You can ask the following authorities for more information:

• the customs authorities in the country where you buy the item
• the Ministry of Culture in the country where you buy the item
• the Information and Heritage Inspectorate

Declaring cultural goods

Customs may inspect your luggage when you arrive in the Netherlands. Are you carrying cultural goods? Declare them to Customs. At the airport or port, choose the exit marked ‘Goods to declare/Aangifte goederen.

Always declare your goods

You are always required to declare your goods. If you do not , you may receive a fine. If you do not comply with the rules, non-permitted items will be confiscated.