Export Permits Outside the
European Union

The export of certain antiques from Spain to countries outside the European Union may require prior authorization from the Spanish cultural heritage authorities.

At Antiguedades.es, we manage the entire procedure, prepare the necessary documentation and keep the buyer informed until the item can be shipped.

Destinations outside the European Union

This procedure may apply to orders shipped to any country that is not a member of the European Union.

Common destinations include the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Canada, Australia, Japan and other countries in the Americas, Asia, Africa and Oceania.

Please note that some countries are geographically located in Europe but are not members of the European Union. These include the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Norway.

When is an export permit required?

Certain antiques intended for countries outside the European Union require an export permit before they can legally leave Spain.

As a general rule, this procedure mainly applies to antiques that are more than 100 years old. However, each item must be assessed individually, as its value, category, materials, characteristics and destination country may also be relevant.

Before shipment, we determine whether the item requires authorization and prepare the appropriate documentation.

We manage the entire procedure

The buyer does not need to submit any application to the Spanish authorities.

Once the purchase has been confirmed and we have received the necessary buyer and recipient details, we take care of:

• Preparing and submitting the export application.
• Providing the required photographs, descriptions and information about the item.
• Paying the corresponding administrative fees and expenses in Spain.
• Monitoring the application until a decision is issued.
• Keeping the buyer informed of any developments.
• Preparing the commercial and customs documentation for shipment.

The export permit procedure and the corresponding fees in Spain are covered by us. The buyer does not have to pay any additional amount for this service.

Processing times

The estimated processing time is normally approximately 2 to 6 weeks.

The application is usually submitted on the day of purchase or as soon as we have all the necessary information, particularly the recipient’s full name and final delivery address.

The committee responsible for examining these applications meets periodically, generally once a month. For this reason, the waiting time depends largely on the date on which the application is submitted in relation to the next meeting.

If the application is submitted after the deadline for the next meeting, it may be necessary to wait until the following meeting. Processing times may also be longer during holiday periods, particularly in summer.

Why is it worth waiting for the export permit?

The main disadvantage of the export procedure is the waiting time. An item requiring authorization cannot leave Spain until the permit has been granted.

However, waiting until the correct export documentation is available can offer an important financial advantage to the buyer. In many countries, genuine antiques more than 100 years old may be imported duty free or may benefit from customs duties and import taxes that are considerably lower than those applied to modern objects or ordinary goods.

The export permit and the documentation accompanying the shipment help demonstrate the age, nature and description of the item to the customs authorities in the destination country. This facilitates its correct classification as an antique and reduces the risk of it being treated as a modern object.

The specific customs treatment depends on the legislation of the destination country, and the Spanish export permit does not in itself guarantee exemption from duties or taxes. Nevertheless, complete and accurate documentation can be very beneficial when the importing country applies preferential conditions to antiques.

For this reason, although the procedure delays shipment, it provides the buyer with official evidence of the antique nature of the item and may result in a considerable reduction in import charges.

When will the item be shipped?

An item requiring authorization cannot leave Spain until the export permit has been granted.

While the application is being processed, the antique remains reserved and carefully stored in our shop.

As soon as we receive the authorization, we prepare the final documentation, pack the item and arrange shipment to the address provided by the buyer.

The customer is informed when the permit has been granted and receives the tracking number as soon as the package has been collected by the carrier.

Customs duties and taxes in the destination country

The Spanish export permit and the import procedures in the destination country are separate processes.

Depending on the destination country and the age of the item, antiques may be exempt from customs duties or may benefit from reduced rates. However, other charges may still apply, such as local VAT, import taxes, customs clearance fees or carrier handling charges.

We are responsible for the procedures, fees and obligations applicable to us in Spain. However, the destination country may impose:

• Import duties or tariffs.
• VAT or other local taxes.
• Customs clearance fees.
• Administrative or carrier handling charges.

When applicable, these amounts are the responsibility of the buyer and are not included in the price of the item or in the shipping cost.

The amount depends on the legislation, customs classification, declared value and procedures of each country. For this reason, it is not always possible to know in advance the exact amount that may be charged by customs in the destination country.

Documentation included with the shipment

When applicable, the shipment may be accompanied by the commercial invoice, the export permit, documentation confirming the age of the item and the customs documents required for importation.

We prepare the documentation clearly and in detail in order to correctly establish the nature, age, description and value of the item and to facilitate customs clearance.

Special restrictions

The existence of a Spanish export permit does not in itself guarantee that every type of item can be imported into every country.

Certain categories may be subject to additional restrictions, particularly:

• Antique swords, edged weapons and militaria.
• Items containing coral, ivory, tortoiseshell or other protected materials.
• Objects of particularly high value, weight, size or fragility.
• Items that are not accepted by certain transport companies.
• Countries with specific legal, customs or transport restrictions.

Before shipment, we check both the applicable regulations and the carrier’s conditions. If there is any important restriction, we inform the customer as soon as possible.

What happens if the permit is refused?

Export permits are normally granted. However, the final decision rests with the competent Spanish authorities.

If authorization were exceptionally refused, we would immediately inform the buyer and refund the corresponding purchase amount.

Required information

To begin the application process, we need the full name of the buyer or recipient and the final delivery address.

The permit is issued for a specific transaction and destination. It is therefore important that the details provided are correct and up to date before the application is submitted.

Do you have any questions?

If you would like to confirm whether a particular item requires an export permit or can be shipped to your country, please contact us before placing your order.

Telephone: +34 976 45 39 31
WhatsApp: +34 617 46 85 03
Email: info@antiguedades.es
Contact form: Contact us