Exporting cultural property from Canada: check permits before shipping

Check the federal control list and other applicable rules before a cultural object leaves Canada, even for a temporary trip.

Check the object and the purpose

1. Describe the object, maker, age, material, provenance, value, ownership and reason for export.
2. Consult the Canadian Cultural Property Export Control List and the official permit guide to see whether the object may be controlled.
3. Check other rules that may apply, including archaeological, Indigenous, wildlife or endangered-species requirements.
4. Identify whether a temporary, permanent or other permit process applies and which authority receives the application.
5. Gather photographs, ownership and provenance records, appraisal or conservation documents requested by the official form.
6. Wait for the required written authorization before export and retain the permit with shipping documents.

Do not rely solely on an auction listing, courier or buyer’s assurance. A permit for export is distinct from proof of ownership, import permission in the destination country and any provincial or Indigenous authorization.

Canadian Heritage: cultural-property export permits · Guide to exporting cultural property

Sources and limits

Sources: Canadian Heritage and Canada’s cultural-property export-control process. Controlled-object categories, forms and permit procedures are specific; consult the current official guide before shipping.

General information based on federal and national rules; provincial rules may differ. Confirm with the official body before acting.