Requirement to declare cultural property when goods are imported, in transit or exported or stored in a customs warehouse or bonded warehouse
Since the introduction of the CPTA (Cultural Property Transfer Act), cultural property must be declared as such and in detail at customs.
The requirements regarding the import, transit and export, which were introduced by the CPTA, allow cultural property which crosses national borders to be controlled and followed more closely.
The document “FAQ” published by the Specialized Body for the International Transfer of Cultural Property provides answers to the most frequent questions surrounding the import, transit and export of cultural property to and from Switzerland.
The storage of cultural property in a customs storage facility is considered an import in the terms of the CPTA and requires also a written declaration to the customs authorities (art. 19 KGTG, art. 26 CPTO).
Last modification 11.01.2024
Contact
Federal Office of Culture
Specialised Body for the International Transfer of Cultural Property
Hallwylstrasse 15
3003
Bern
Phone
+41 58 462 03 25