Apply for an Export Permit

Who Can Apply?

Any individual, business or institution that wishes to export controlled cultural property must apply for an export permit. Applications must be made by a resident of Canada.

Types of Permits

Before applying, potential exporters should consult the Canadian Cultural Property Export Control List to determine if an export permit is required.

There are three types of export permits:

  • Temporary Export Permits are for purposes such as exhibition, conservation or research. These are granted automatically, in accordance with the Cultural Property Export and Import Act.
  • Permanent Export Permits are for purposes such as sale on international markets, delivery to foreign buyers, or for owners moving abroad. These permits are not issued automatically and may be referred to an expert examiner for review. Where the review confirms the property is on the Control List and is of outstanding significance and national importance, the permit may be refused. Refused permit applications may be appealed to the Review Board.
  • General Permits may be issued to a business or individual that regularly exports a particular type of controlled cultural property, either on a permanent or temporary basis. General permits are designed to facilitate business activities, and are subject to specific conditions.

Application Guide and Form

Application Guide (HTML Version)
Application forms are available from the Movable Cultural Property Program.

Submitting Export Permit Applications

Permanent and temporary export permit applications are submitted to and issued by the Canada Border Services Agency permit issuing offices.

General export permit applications are submitted to the Movable Cultural Property Program and issued by the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

Returning Cultural Property to Canada

Cultural property that is exported under a temporary export permit must be returned to Canada within five years. Exporters must inform the Movable Cultural Property Program of the property’s return to Canada.

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