The UK's export controls of objects of cultural interest are aimed to strike a balance between the need to protect the heritage, the rights of owners and the encouragement of a thriving art market. This is the eighth annual report on the operation of export controls on objects of cultural interest which covers the period 1 May 2011 to 30 April 2012. As well as the Reviewing Committee report, it includes descriptions of individual export cases that were referred to the Committee by expert advisors.