The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage regulates the
import and export of cultural goods moving between Malta and EU Member States,
as well as from or to non-EU countries. These cases are frequently referred to
the Superintendence by the Customs Department or by Malta Post.
Review of Export or
Movement of Personal Goods
The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage reviews the export
and movement of personal goods from Malta, reviewing packing lists and Customs
documents, prior to their processing by the Customs Department. This process is
applicable to consignments of personal goods that do not include cultural
heritage items that are subject to the Cultural Heritage Act.
To ensure that the consignment of personal goods does not
contain cultural heritage items, the exporter is required to compile and submit
a declaration form, which is available HERE. A circular on export procedure can also be found here.
Export or Movement of
Cultural Heritage Items
As prescribed in Article 41 of the Cultural Heritage Act, no
person may export or move a cultural heritage item from Malta without the
written permission of the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage.
Any person seeking permission to export or move such items
is advised to address such requests to the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage,
writing on heritage.superintendence@gov.mt.
The request for permission is to include a description of the item or items, as
well as adequate images and information on the provenance of the item or items.
All persons are made aware that such permission may be
refused.
Certification of
Imported Cultural Heritage Items
The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage is frequently
requested to certify items imported from outside the European Union as being
cultural heritage items and to confirm the declared value of these items, so
that the importer may comply with Customs procedures.
Any person who requires the services of the Superintendence
for the certification of cultural heritage items is advised to communicate directly
with its offices on tel. no. 23950000 and to write on heritage.superintendence@gov.mt.
The certification of such imported items will require the
examination of such items at the point of entry, with the purpose of
determining their value. The examination of cultural heritage items is carried
out in keeping with relevant legislation.