Did you know? It is illegal to take metal detecting finds out of the UK without the relevant export license. It is also illegal to take items into your own country without the correct import paperwork being completed.
You must abide by UK Treasure Laws when metal detecting in the UK, whether in Scotland or the rest of the UK, each area has different laws.
Please ensure you familiarise yourself with these before you arrive to detect. Our Videos and Detecting Advice section can help you understand these better.
It is best practice for finds to be recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) before they are exported. Whilst the Finds Liaison Officer (FLOs) will welcome the opportunity to record finds prior to export and can provide advice on the export licensing process, they are not able to make applications on your behalf.
You must make arrangements either with the landowner or a metal-detecting rally organiser for them to deposit your finds with the FLO for recording. It is then their responsibility to collect the finds from the FLO, apply for an export licence, and post them to you.
IMPORTANT: All UK archaeological objects found in the ground or in UK territorial waters that are at least 50 years old will need an Export Licence before they can be exported overseas. There is no cost in applying for an export licence.
Your NCMD membership will give you up to 7 days detecting insurance at a time. There is no restriction on the number of trips you can make in any one year. You will also need to have permission to detect on any land. (Unless you are attending an organised rally event). For beach detecting please visit the Crown Estate Website
