New Import Restrictions on Iraqi Artifacts

The Department of State announced that it is imposing import restrictions on Iraqi cultural heritage material under the Emergency Protection for Iraqi Cultural Antiquities Act of 2004. The import restrictions apply to cultural property that has been illegally removed from Iraq since 1990. The restrictions will hopefully stem the trade of an estimated 32,000 artifacts looted from Iraqi archaeological sites and 15,000 items stolen from the Baghdad National Museum. Illegal trade continues throughout the US, Europe, and other parts of the world, and additional action is needed to prevent further looting and protect the culture and history of past civilizations.

Links:
Dept. Homeland Security Announcement