What is considered cultural property under the Federal Act on the International Transfer of Cultural Property (CPTA)?
To qualify as cultural property in terms of the CPTA (art. 2 para 1 CPTA), the object must:
- be meaningful property from a religious or secular point of view for archaeology, pre-history, literature, art or sciences; and
- belong to one of the categories provided for under article 1 of the 1970 UNESCO Convention; and
- belong to one of the categories provided for under article 1, paragraph 1, letter a of the 2001 UNESCO Convention.
Decision-making tools
The checklist assists in determining whether or not property is considered cultural property.
Examples of cultural property
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) publishes so-called red lists of cultural property categories from various countries and regions, which are particularly affected by looting and illicit trade. The goal is to combat looting and illicit trade, to increase public awareness, to support affected circles and to promote international cooperation in maintaining and protecting cultural heritage.
Federal Office of Culture
Specialised Body for the International Transfer of Cultural Property and looted art
Hallwylstrasse 15
3003 Bern
Hallwylstrasse 15
3003 Bern