Exporting fine art and cultural goods to the European Union

On 28 June 2025, the European Union activated the Import of Cultural Goods (ICG) system, a centralised electronic platform for lodging and processing import licences and importer statements. This marks the full implementation of Regulation (EU) 2019/880 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1079. For customs practitioners, this change means that imports of fine art, antiquities, and other cultural goods now require new documentation, new procedures, and closer risk management at the EU border.