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ACE launches digital portal for export licences
New system will permanently replace current email process
Arts Council England is launching the new digital portal for those applying for export licences to permanently or temporarily export cultural objects from the UK.
The arts council has developed the portal with support from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and has been working closely with other government agencies to allow a smooth transition to digital export licences at the UK border.
The new system has been developed and tested with the help of those in the art, antiques and antiquities trade and the museum sector.
The new portal is intended to be user-friendly and simple. It uses drop down menus and prompts to help applicants through the process and allows them to check the status of their applications online.
Digital licences will be issued removing the need to send a paper one through the post. The portal also improves how expert advisers receive and review licence applications.
The arts council will stop accepting applications sent by email using the current process at 12.00pm on 9 August to allow for staff training. It will reopen for new applications using the online portal at 9.00am on 13 August.
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The link to the online portal will be available on the Arts Council's website from 13 August, along with guides on how to register and use the new system. Its customer service team will provide additional support.
Further information and updates about the changes will also be available on their website.