CINOA Submits Comments on US Cultural Property Agreements with Cyprus, Guatemala and Peru
CINOA has submitted its comments to the US Cultural Property Advisory Committee (CPAC) concerning the proposed extensions of bilateral cultural property agreements between the United States and Cyprus, Guatemala and Peru.
In its submission, CINOA reaffirms its support for the protection of cultural heritage and efforts to combat illicit trafficking, while emphasising the importance of ensuring that import restrictions remain proportionate, evidence-based and appropriately targeted.
A central concern is the treatment of cultural objects with longstanding histories of legitimate ownership and international circulation. Many such objects have moved between countries and collections over centuries, making it difficult to reconstruct their complete provenance, particularly where historical documentation is incomplete or unavailable.
CINOA also highlights the practical challenges arising from the interaction between European export legislation and US import requirements. Objects lawfully exported from EU Member States may nevertheless face restrictions upon entering the United States, creating uncertainty for professional art and antiques dealers.
With regard to Cyprus, Guatemala and Peru, CINOA encourages a careful review of the existing designated categories to ensure that restrictions remain justified by evidence of illicit trafficking risks and distinguish appropriately between recently removed objects and those with established histories of lawful circulation.
CINOA remains committed to constructive engagement with policymakers and relevant authorities to promote effective cultural heritage protection alongside a responsible and legitimate international art market.
Read CINOA’s full submission in the PDF below: