UNESCO Database of National Cultural Heritage Laws
In 2003, UNESCO devised an international solution to combat the illicit traffic of cultural property: the UNESCO Database of National Cultural Heritage Laws.
By compiling on the Internet the national laws of its Member States, UNESCO offers all stakeholders involved (Governments, customs officials, art dealers, organizations, lawyers, buyers and so forth) a complete and easily accessible source of information. In the event of a legal question about the origin of an object (which may have been stolen, pillaged, or illegally exported, imported or acquired), it is useful to have rapid access to the relevant national laws.
Key Numbers
- National laws related to cultural heritage (in their original language, along with an official or unofficial English translation, if available).
- Import/export procedures and sample certificates (available upon request).
- Contact details for national authorities responsible for cultural heritage protection.
- Official cultural heritage website addresses for countries that have provided their national laws.
- Law- and policy-making institutions (states, other governments, and international intergovernmental organizations).
- Institutions preserving and promoting cultural heritage (museums and cultural heritage organizations).
- Law enforcement bodies.
- Research centers and researchers (universities, scholars, archaeologists, students, and legal experts).
- The global market in antiquities and other cultural property (dealers, importers, exporters, and collectors).
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Testimonials
INTERPOL welcomes the creation of UNESCO's Database of National Cultural Heritage Laws and its user-friendly online access. For the international law enforcement community, this database constitutes an important and useful tool that helps speed up investigations on an international level and makes international cooperation more effective. That is why INTERPOL recommends that its 187 member countries contribute to UNESCO's cultural heritage laws database and regularly update its information.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) and UNESCO have been working together for many years in the fight against the trafficking of cultural property. The efforts made by UNESCO in developing the Database of National Cultural Heritage Laws represent a significant step forward in raising public awareness about the need to protect our cultural heritage. The Database is, moreover, a fundamental tool for customs and law enforcement agencies engaged in the fight against crimes involving cultural property.
The information contained in the NATLAWS database is compiled on the basis of data submitted by UNESCO Member States. Such information is intended to serve as a preliminary reference and introductory overview of each respective Member State’s legal framework pertaining to cultural property protection.
While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information provided, UNESCO makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the reliability of such information. Accordingly, no liability shall be incurred by UNESCO, for any loss, damage, or other consequence arising directly or indirectly from reliance upon the information contained in the NATLAWS database.
Users are hereby advised that national legal frameworks are subject to amendments or repeal at any time. It is the sole responsibility of users to verify the applicable legal provisions and regulatory requirements in force prior to undertaking any action involving the acquisition, importation, exportation, trade, or transfer of ownership of cultural property.