Title 19, Customs DutiesRelease 119-102
§2608 Temporary Disposition of Materials and Articles Subject to This Chapter
Title 19 › CHAPTER 14 — CONVENTION ON CULTURAL PROPERTY › § 2608
Summary
While it is being decided whether archaeological, ethnological, or other cultural objects were imported in violation of sections 2606 or 2607, the Secretary must allow a U.S. public museum or similar scientific or cultural institution to keep those objects if the museum applies, will keep them safe, and posts a bond to guarantee they will be returned.
Full Legal Text
Title 19, §2608
Customs Duties, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Pending a final determination as to whether any archaeological or ethnological material, or any article of cultural property, has been imported into the United States in violation of section 2606 of this title or section 2607 of this title, the Secretary shall, upon application by any museum or other cultural or scientific institution in the United States which is open to the public, permit such material or article to be retained at such institution if he finds that—
(1)sufficient safeguards will be taken by the institution for the protection of such material or article; and
(2)sufficient bond is posted by the institution to ensure its return to the Secretary.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the 90th day after Jan. 12, 1983, or on any date which the President shall prescribe and publish in the Federal Register, with exceptions, see section 315 of Pub. L. 97–446, set out as a note under section 2601 of this title.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
19 U.S.C. § 2608
Title 19, Customs Duties
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102