| On January 15, 2016, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published in the Federal Register a final rule [CBP Dec. 16–02] amending the CBP regulations to reflect the extension of import restrictions on certain categories of archaeological material originating in Italy and representing the pre-Classical, Classical, and Imperial Roman periods of its cultural heritage, ranging in date from approximately the 9th century B.C. through approximately the 4th century A.D. The restrictions, which were originally imposed by Treasury Decision (T.D.) 01–06 and extended by CBP Decision (CBP Dec.) 06–01 and CBP Dec. 11–03 are due to expire on January 19, 2016. The Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, United States Department of State, has determined that factors continue to warrant the imposition of import restrictions and no cause for suspension exists. Accordingly, these import restrictions will remain in effect for an additional five years, and the CBP regulations are being amended to reflect this extension until January 19, 2021. These restrictions are being extended pursuant to determinations of the United States Department of State made under the terms of the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act that implemented the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. CBP Dec. 11–03 contains the Designated List of archaeological material originating in Italy and representing the pre-Classical, Classical, and Imperial Roman periods to which the restrictions apply. The Designated List and accompanying image database may also be found at the following Internet Web site address: http://eca.state.gov/cultural-heritage-center/cultural-property-protection/bilateral-agreements/italy. The final rule is effective January 19, 2016. |
