Exports to EU Art and Antiques 2021-03-18

2021-03-18

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Context
There are issues affecting small businesses in the art and antique market when exporting goods to EU countries. The question arises from concerns about delays and difficulties faced by these businesses.
What steps his Department is taking to help ensure that art and antiques can be easily exported to EU countries?
The UK has one of the world's leading art markets and the free trade agreement we negotiated with the EU will allow it to flourish. We have taken steps to facilitate the export of cultural goods to EU countries. We have developed a new inland pre-clearance process for export licences for works of art, and we are digitising the export licensing system for cultural goods. Those steps will reduce border friction and avoid delays and security risks.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Context
Small businesses in the art and antique market, such as Dart Gallery in Dartmouth, are experiencing difficulties due to teething problems with exporting goods to EU countries.
Notwithstanding the Minister's incredibly helpful response, there are small businesses in the art and antiques market that are suffering from these teething problems, such as Dart Gallery in Dartmouth in my constituency. So what further steps are the Government going to take to ensure that there is a streamlined approach to exporting art and antiques in future years?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to champion the businesses in his constituency. We care deeply about supporting them. That is why the Secretary of State met representatives of the art market only earlier this month to discuss issues. We will continue to work closely with the sector to ensure that it can keep trading smoothly with the EU. We recognise that this means a period of change for business at a time when everyone has been responding to the unprecedented pressures of the pandemic, but this is an unparalleled opportunity for the UK to do business differently and prosper. We will continue to support businesses to allow them to take all the opportunities.
Assessment & feedback
The specific steps for streamlining export processes in future years were not provided.
Working Closely With The Sector Recognising The Period Of Change
Response accuracy