Illicit traffic of cultural property

Canadians travelling abroad appreciate and respect the culture, customs, history and traditions that help to define the countries they visit. To prolong the memories and the experience, and to share them with others, many Canadians often bring home various souvenirs. In doing so, travellers must be careful not to participate in the illicit traffic of protected cultural property, such as antiques and archaeological objects, whose sale or export, in many countries, is either banned or controlled.

All over the world, there are numerous cases of looting, theft, sale and export of objects of archaeological, historical, artistic or scientific significance that contribute to defining a country's identity. Strict penalties may be imposed on individuals who are involved in these illicit activities, including travellers simply looking to bring home a few souvenirs.

As a signatory state to the UNESCO Convention on the illicit traffic of cultural property, Canada is dedicated to the fight against this traffic: penalties may be imposed on individuals who import into Canada cultural property that has been illegally exported from a fellow signatory state. Such property can also be confiscated and returned to the country of origin.

In order to implement the provisions of the Second Protocol to the UNESCO Convention concerning protection of cultural heritage during armed conflict, Canadian law now prohibits the illegal export of certain cultural property from occupied territories that are party to that Protocol.  This means that even when such objects are not subsequently imported to Canada, Canadians that take part in such exports may be prosecuted under Canadian law.  A range of other acts against significant cultural property outside Canada, including theft and vandalism, are now also offences under Canada’s Criminal Code.

Get the facts!

Before travelling abroad, Canadians should be aware of the rules regarding the protection, sale and export of cultural property of the countries they will be visiting. If they have not familiarized themselves with these rules before leaving Canada, travellers should seek out the relevant information from the proper local authorities. At all times, they should be sure that the people or businesses they deal with when they shop are familiar with and respect the laws of the country.

Whom to contact?

Before leaving Canada, travellers should contact the embassy or consulate of the country they will be visiting. They may also consult the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Web site where general country-specific travel assistance information for Canadians is provided. When abroad, travellers can contact their Canadian embassy or consulate who will direct them to the proper local authorities.