German lawmakers approve new rules on art exports

BERLIN – German lawmakers have approved legislation that is meant to regulate more tightly the export of national art treasures and has drawn criticism from dealers and collectors.

Parliament’s lower house approved the bill Thursday with the votes of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s governing coalition, news agency dpa reported. Upper-house approval is still required.

Under the new rules, people will have to obtain permission for the export of works that are over 75 years old and worth more than 300,000 euros ($338,000). Until now, permission is only required for exports to countries outside the European Union, though it applied to works over 50 years old and worth over 150,000 euros.

Authorities could block the export of works that “contribute to the identity of Germany’s culture” and whose departure would constitute a “significant loss.”