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Legislation/legal issues
What national legislation governs cultural property issues?
The Dealing in Cultural Objects (Offences) Act 2003 is of primary importance. It is intended to criminalise anyone dealing dishonestly in cultural property from anywhere in the world. It is essential that you understand and comply with this legislation when purchasing an item of historical, architectural or archaeological interest. Checklists Acceptable evidence and Due diligence processes, together with the Buying with confidence section of this site, will help you to comply with the legislation. Factsheet Legislation provides further information.
What international legislation governs the prevention of illicit trade?
UNESCO has produced a Cultural Heritage Laws Database. The database is reliant on member states submitting their own national legislation to the database and it is rather poorly populated at present. Factsheet Legislation lists legislation given by countries in English. An understanding of the export licensing restrictions for other countries so that you can bring an item back to the UK is essential but often very hard to do. Over time this site will contain more information on this; for the moment the information that is available is contained in Factsheet International export control.
Who can advise me further?
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has produced guidance to help people understand the Dealing in Cultural Objects (Offences) Act 2003. Guidance on export licenses and legislation is available from the Export section of this site. Advice can also be sought from museums, conservators, dealers and their trade associations (see Factsheet Professional trade associations).
