(EU) Regulation 2019/88 and (EU) 2021/1079

[Lexvdjagt]

Dear NMB,

I wanted to make a dedicated post regarding the new EU regulation that went into effect today, the 28th of June 2025, and affects any antique object older than 250 years. In short, the legislation will require all objects over 250 years old to have an import license approved before the object is imported *EDIT* ONLY NEEDED FOR OBJECTS EXCEEDING 18.000 EURO IN VALUE. This can only be done if you have an EORI number, which is only given to VAT-registered businesses, as far as I know. I have personally submitted a request to have my business registered under this system and will keep you updated. The current issue is that the regulation will likely require you to have official government documentation indicating the object is not stolen and can be exported legally into the EU.

 

I believe this type of documentation already exists for Japanese swords. A dealer will provide you with the full statement of the Japanese Cultural Board on any sword you want to export personally by plane. This documentation, however, is taken from the exporter upon approval by police and customs.

 

The description of the goods that fall under the legislation can be found in the document listed below in the ANNEX:

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/880/oj/eng

 

And the implementation of this legislation can be found in Article 8 of 2021/1079:

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2021/1079/oj/eng

 

 

I think it is important to track the actual implementation of this legislation, to know if this will actually be a risk for Nihonto trade to the EU. To me, the legislation seems hard to implement or to check.

 

 

Greetings,
Lex van der Jagt

[Rawa]

Annex part B

-products of archaeological excavations (including regular and clandestine) or of archaeological discoveries on land or underwater;

Looking like more trouble for tsuba collectors, swords won't be an issue I suppose as long as they don't look like "swamp find" and any sword have their own torokusho.

[Lexvdjagt]

1 hour ago, Rawa said:

Annex part B

-products of archaeological excavations (including regular and clandestine) or of archaeological discoveries on land or underwater;

Looking like more trouble for tsuba collectors, swords won't be an issue I suppose as long as they don't look like "swamp find" and any sword have their own torokusho.

The actual implementation of the legislation according to my country (the Netherlands) simply generalised that everything over 250 years old regardless of value will need to have import documents that need to be approved through the European system. 

[Alex A]

At last, a plus about leaving the EU, sad to say.

 

Hoping we don't adopt it, bad news.

[Rawa]

We are still alloved to import/purchase white weapons but you gettong harder with every year.

[Rawa]

Please inform us when you will work out eori application

[Lexvdjagt]

42 minutes ago, Rawa said:

Please inform us when you will work out eori application

I have used my EORI number (from my VAT-registered company) to register with the EU. I will hear back about this registration next week.

Greetings,

Lex

[jsv]

[Mikaveli]

On 6/28/2025 at 11:56 PM, Lexvdjagt said:

In short, the legislation will require all objects over 250 years old to have an import license approved before the object is imported. This can only be done if you have an EORI number, which is only given to VAT-registered businesses, as far as I know.

 

So, at least in the UK, the government allows individuals - I've just done my application, and will let you know the results:

 

https://www.gov.uk/eori

 

Previously, when dealing with Parcelforce and customs, their reference included an EORI number (I'm assuming Parcelforce's) - so it's not entirely new.

 

Some Japanese sellers using private forwarders are saying I need one for the forwarder to be able to deliver.

 

I don't know if that changes if I fly back with a purchase by myself, but I'm getting plugged in, in any case. 🙂

[Mikaveli]

The gov site says:

Quote

When you’ll need your EORI number

You’ll need your EORI number if you:

 

• appoint someone to deal with customs on your behalf and are ‘established’ in the country you’re importing to or exporting from
• make customs declarations - check if you’re eligible to make a customs declaration
• use customs systems, such as the Customs Declaration Service and the Import Control System Northern Ireland (ICS NI)
• apply for a customs decision

 

Checking the "if you need to make a customs declaration" site, it says "maybe" for both freight forwards and when travelling with the goods. 🤷

[Rayhan]

And as of today this:

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd0vkl31085o

 

And this adds to the confusion:

 

In an article last updated in May 2024, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection outlined antiques, specifically proven to be 100 years old or older, are classified under Chapter 9706 in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), which means they are “duty-free, provided the importer has proof of the goods age (i.e. the year of manufacture).” However, Brockway points out there are a lot of factors to consider when bringing in antiques and vintage furnishings, and dealers and customers should always be prepared to pay additional costs.

 

So I'm guessing no tariffs then?

[Lareon]

On 7/7/2025 at 1:54 PM, Mikaveli said:

 

So, at least in the UK, the government allows individuals - I've just done my application, and will let you know the results:

 

https://www.gov.uk/eori

 

Previously, when dealing with Parcelforce and customs, their reference included an EORI number (I'm assuming Parcelforce's) - so it's not entirely new.

 

Some Japanese sellers using private forwarders are saying I need one for the forwarder to be able to deliver.

 

I don't know if that changes if I fly back with a purchase by myself, but I'm getting plugged in, in any case. 🙂

I've actually started to fly and collect my purchases instead of shipping and the process has been a lot lot easier.
(flying to the USA and back at least)
I'm using a proxy these days for Japan to the UK


 

[stephan_hiller]

I am from Germany and received my latest acquisition (Edo period wakizashi) today from Japan without any issues. I was concerned if there are any deviations to the known import procedure but the process was just like normal:

Shipping via Japan Post -> handed over to DHL in Frankfurt -> Checked by customs in Frankfurt (calculate tax/customs fee) -> DHL ships it to me and I have to pay the normal fees

 

At least this time there was no hassle and I hope also future purchases will be processed in a smooth manner.