U.S. Weighs Artifact Protection Pacts With Three Nations
Published Date: 6/4/2026
Notice
Summary
The Cultural Property Advisory Committee is meeting July 14-16, 2026, to review extending agreements that protect cultural treasures from Albania and Nigeria, plus a new request from Romania for help. These agreements help stop illegal import of important artifacts, keeping history safe and respecting other countries. The public can join a virtual session on July 14 to learn more and share their thoughts.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Proposed Extension: Albania Import Limits
The Department of State proposes extending the Memorandum of Understanding with Albania that concerns the imposition of import restrictions on categories of Albanian archaeological and ethnological material. The Committee will review the proposed extension during its July 14-16, 2026 meeting and copies of the agreement and the Designated List of currently restricted categories are available on the Cultural Heritage Center website.
Proposed Extension: Nigeria Import Limits
The Department of State proposes extending the Memorandum of Understanding with Nigeria that concerns the imposition of import restrictions on categories of Nigerian archaeological and ethnological material. The Cultural Property Advisory Committee will review this proposed extension at the July 14-16, 2026 meeting and the agreement and its Designated List are posted on the Cultural Heritage Center website.
Romania Request Could Trigger Import Limits
Romania submitted a request on October 3, 2024, for U.S. assistance under the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act; the Committee will review that request at the July 14-16, 2026 meeting. The Cultural Heritage Center website will provide information on categories of Romanian material that may be included in any import restrictions if the request proceeds.
Public Can Observe and Comment — Deadlines Set
The public may observe the Committee's virtual open session on July 14, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (EDT) and registered participants may give oral comments. To register to speak or request accommodations, email the Cultural Heritage Center by July 5, 2026; written comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on July 5, 2026 via regulations.gov (Docket DOS-2026-0628) or confidentially by email as directed in the notice.
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