Explanatory note

These Regulations are made in exercise of the power in section 8(1) of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 in order to address deficiencies (in particular under section 8(2)(c) of the Act) arising from the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union.

They revoke the Return of Cultural Objects Regulations 1994 and the Return of Cultural Objects (Amendment) Regulations 2015, which made provision for reciprocal arrangements between the United Kingdom and EU member States relating to the return of cultural property unlawfully removed from the territory of EU member States.