RECEIPT: A request sent through diplomatic channels to the United States by a State Party to the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property is received by the U.S. State Department on behalf of the President of the United States.  

REVIEW: The U.S. State Department transmits information about the request to the Cultural Property Advisory Committee for its review. The committee reviews information provided in the request with reference to the criteria set forth in the law. During the evaluation period, the committee may examine additional documentation regarding the request. The committee may hold sessions open to the public. The committee's findings and recommendations are submitted to the U.S. State Department. The committee may recommend that certain terms and conditions be made part of an agreement.  

DECISION: The U.S. State Department must consider the committee's findings and recommendations when the committee's report is submitted within 90 days of referral of a request to the committee to take emergency action or within 150 days of referral of a request to the committee for an agreement. Before reaching a final decision, the U.S. State Department consults with the Department of Treasury.  

• If the final decision calls for an agreement, the U.S. State Department leads the negotiation.
• If the final decision calls for emergency import restrictions, the U.S. Customs Service takes immediate action.
• If the recommendations made by the committee are not adopted, the U.S. State Department must report its reasons to the U.S. Congress.

Background 

Cultural Property Advisory Committee 

Procedures for Cultural Property Advisory Committee Sessions Open to the Public

Frequently Asked Questions 

Glossary and Definitions