UNESCO - WCO Model Export Certificate

• © UNESCO/A. Vorontzoff
• Funerary urn (mid. 4th cent.), Egyptian Museum

The Model Export Certificate for Cultural Objects was jointly prepared by the Secretariats of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), cooperating to combat illicit trafficking in cultural property.

It is specially adapted to the increasing phenomenon of cross border movements of the cultural objects.

Knowing that currently, in most countries, the same export form is used for "ordinary" objects (computers, clothes, etc.) as for cultural objects, this model fulfils requirements for identifying and tracing cultural objects, yet it is not overly burdensome for exporters and customs officials. UNESCO and the WCO recommend adopting the model, in its entirety or in part, as the national export certificate specifically for cultural objects.

This standard will benefit States and facilitate the work of customs officials.

• Text of the Model Export Certificate for Cultural Objects: English | French | Spanish | Russian| Arabic| Chinese
• Why is the Export Certificate needed ? 
• Contact UNESCO
• The World Customs Organization