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About the scheme

About the scheme

The conditions which must be met are:

  • the object is usually kept outside the UK
  • the object is not owned by a person who is resident in the UK
  • the import of the object does not contravene any law
  • the object is brought into the UK for the purpose of a temporary public exhibition at an approved museum or gallery
  • the museum or gallery has published information about the object where required to do so by regulations

The authority responsible for approving a museum or gallery is:

  • England – The Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport
  • Wales – Welsh Ministers
  • Scotland – Scottish Ministers
  • Northern Ireland – The Department for Culture, Art and Leisure

These authorities must take account of the institution’s procedures for establishing the provenance and ownership of objects. They will also consider compliance with guidance on procedures published by the Secretary of State.