A new European Union law, Regulation 2019/880, aimed at preventing the sale of looted antiquities, is set to go into effect on June 28. The law imposes heightened due diligence requirements on anyone importing cultural goods from outside the EU, including fine arts, antiquities, and decorative arts. It categorizes cultural goods into three groups, with the strictest rules for archaeological items over 250 years old, which require an import license and proof of legal export. Non-compliance could lead to seizures or criminal consequences for art dealers, collectors, and professionals. While there is a partial exemption for temporary exhibitions, it primarily benefits museums outside the EU, leaving private collectors without the same protections.
The law matters because it represents a significant regulatory shift in the global art market, aiming to curb the illicit trade of cultural heritage from conflict zones like Syria and Iraq. However, art professionals warn it may hinder international loans and exhibitions due to administrative burdens and incomplete documentation. Museum directors like Eike Schmidt and Tone Hansen have expressed concerns about a lack of infrastructure and potential disruptions to cross-border cultural exchange. The law also mandates digital records through an International Cultural Goods database, adding another layer of complexity for institutions and private collectors alike.