How are cultural goods categorized under EU Regulation 2019/880?

Cultural goods are categorized under EU Regulation 2019/880 in a systematic manner that reflects their significance and the associated risks of their trade. The regulation establishes a framework for categorizing cultural goods based on the degree of risk they pose to cultural heritage. This can be broken down into three key categories: prohibited items, which cannot be imported or exported; high-risk items, which are subject to restrictions and require careful scrutiny before they can be traded; and low-risk items, which face minimal regulatory barriers.

This classification aims to protect European cultural heritage while also facilitating lawful trade. By differentiating between these categories, the regulation ensures that the movement of cultural goods is conducted in a manner that safeguards cultural significance and prevents illicit trafficking. For instance, prohibited items may include items that have been removed unlawfully from their country of origin, whereas high-risk items might require documentation proving their provenance.

In contrast, other options misinterpret the framework established by the regulation. The first choice suggests that cultural goods can enter the EU without restrictions, which does not reflect the regulatory oversight intended to protect cultural heritage. The second choice oversimplifies classification by focusing solely on the age of items, while the significance and context of these goods matter more in determining the risk they pose.