While an object is protected under this section it may not be seized or forfeited under any enactment or rule of law, unless—
it is seized or forfeited under or by virtue of an order made by a court in the United Kingdom, and
the court is required to make the order under, or under provision giving effect to, an EU obligation or any international treaty.
Protection under this section does not affect liability for an offence of importing, exporting or otherwise dealing with the object, but (subject to subsection (1)) any power of arrest or otherwise to prevent such an offence is not exercisable so as to prevent the object leaving the United Kingdom.
In this section, references to seizure or forfeiture in relation to an object include references to—
taking control of the object under Schedule 12 (in England and Wales);
execution or distress (in England and Wales or Northern Ireland);
diligence or sequestration (in Scotland);
seizure, confiscation or forfeiture, or any other measure relating to the custody or control of the object, in the course of a criminal investigation or criminal proceedings (against the owner, the museum or gallery or any other person);
the making or enforcement of an order relating to the custody or control of the object in civil proceedings (against the owner, the museum or gallery or any other person).