Cultural relics refer to material remains created by humans or associated with human activities that possess historical, artistic, and scientific value. As global cultural exchanges become increasingly frequent, an expanding number of Chinese cultural relics are going overseas, making appearances on the international stage and narrating China's history and culture to the world. The overseas exhibition of cultural relics has not only deepened global understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture but also established a vital bridge for cultural exchanges and collaborations among various countries and regions. In recent years, to inherit the exceptional historical and cultural heritage of the Chinese Nation and advance scientific research efforts, China has continuously enhanced the supervision and protection of cultural relics. This article will discuss the regulations related to the overseas exhibition of cultural relics.
1. How are cultural relics classified in China today?
Cultural relics are classified into two categories: immovable relics and movable relics. Immovable cultural relics encompass ancient cultural sites, ancient tombs, historic structures, grotto temples, ancient stone carvings, murals, significant modern and historical landmarks, and exemplary buildings. Movable cultural relics comprise critical artifacts, artistic works, decorative arts, documents, manuscripts, literary materials, and representative objects from various historical periods. These movable relics are categorized into ordinary and precious cultural relics, with precious ones further sub-divided into first-class, second-class, and third-class relics.
2. What regulations govern the outbound exhibition of cultural relics?
In accordance with applicable provisions such as the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Cultural Relics, the Regulations for the Implementation of the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Cultural Relics, and the Administrative Measures for the Examination and Approval of Cultural Relics Entry and Exit, the state endorses international collaboration and exchange on cultural relics protection to promote the interaction and mutual enrichment of global civilizations.
Organizers of outbound cultural relic exhibitions must submit an application to the cultural relics administrative authority under the State Council at least six months prior to the exhibition. Applications for exhibitions featuring over 120 pieces (sets) of first-class cultural relic items, or where such items constitute more than 20% of the total exhibits, must be submitted to the State Council for approval. The duration of cultural relics export exhibitions shall not exceed one year. Extensions may be granted under exceptional circumstances with the original approving authority's consent, but may not exceed an additional year.
The catalogue of cultural relics prohibited from outbound exhibitions is periodically issued by the cultural relics administrative authority under the State Council. Unique and fragile items among first-class cultural relics are forbidden from outbound exhibitions. Cultural relics that have not been formally exhibited domestically are prohibited from being exhibited abroad.
3. How do relevant authorities oversee the outbound exhibition of cultural relics?
The exit of cultural relics for outbound exhibitions must be reviewed and registered by the Cultural Relics Entry and Exit Review Agency. After approval, cultural relics permitted for exit will be marked with the Cultural Relics Exit Mark and issued a Cultural Relics Exit Permit by the Cultural Relics Entry and Exit Review Agency. Cultural relics not approved for exit will be registered and returned by the same agency.
The Cultural Relics Exit Permit is issued in triplicate. The first copy is retained by the Cultural Relics Entry and Exit Review Agency, the second by customs at the point of exit, and the third by the individual carrying the cultural relics abroad. Customs will release cultural relics after verifying the Cultural Relics Exit Mark and the Cultural Relics Exit Permit. The re-importation of cultural relics after an overseas exhibition is subject to review and inspection by the original Cultural Relics Entry and Exit Review Agency that conducted their initial review and registration.
4. What precautions should be taken for the outbound exhibition of cultural relics?
Cultural relics not declared according to regulations during entry or exit will be subject to penalties imposed by customs or maritime law enforcement agencies in accordance with the law. During the outbound exhibition of cultural relics, should a situation arise that could jeopardize the safety of these items, the original review agency has the right to suspend or terminate the exhibition. If cultural relics are exhibited overseas beyond the approved duration in violation of relevant regulations, the cultural relics administrative authority under the State Council shall order corrections within a specified timeframe. Those responsible, including supervisors and directly liable individuals, will face administrative penalties according to law.
(Author Affiliation: Shenyang Customs)
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of China Inspection and Quarantine Times. The China Inspection and Quarantine Times version shall prevail.
