Nepal and the United States have formalised a new framework to curb the illegal trade of antiquities, marking a significant step in protecting Nepal’s cultural heritage from trafficking and unauthorised export.
The two countries signed a bilateral Cultural Property Agreement (CPA) on Thursday that will impose stricter controls on the movement of Nepalese archaeological and ethnological materials into the United States.
The agreement was signed by Dean R Thompson and Suresh Suras Shrestha, joint secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.
Import restrictions on specific antique shipments
Under the pact, the United States will apply import restrictions, in line with its domestic legislation, on specified categories of cultural property originating from Nepal unless shipments are accompanied by valid export certificates issued by the Nepal government.
The agreement covers a broad historical span, including archaeological materials dating from the Palaeolithic period – approximately 32,000 BCE – through 1770 CE, as well as ethnological materials from the 13th century to 1950 CE.
Items subject to protection include religious architectural elements, ceremonial and ritual objects, and manuscripts, which will be detailed in a designated list to be published by the US government.
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Protective, preventive measures vs illegal artefact smuggling
Ambassador Thompson said that the agreement underscored the United States’ respect for Nepal’s cultural heritage and its commitment to preventing illicit trafficking.
Officials in Kathmandu framed the deal as both a protective and preventive measure, aimed at discouraging looting while strengthening institutional co-operation between the two governments.
Mukunda Prasad Niroula, secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, described the agreement as a reflection of strong Nepal-US collaboration in safeguarding heritage for future generations.
In a separate statement, the US Embassy said, “This agreement strengthens bilateral co-operation to combat looting and illegal trade of artefacts, ensuring Nepal’s cultural treasures remain preserved for future generations.”
CPA as a legal basis
Nepal has long raised concerns about the loss of historical artefacts through illegal excavation and overseas trafficking, with many objects resurfacing in foreign markets decades later.
Cultural experts say the CPA provides Nepal with a stronger legal basis to seek the return of stolen items and deter future smuggling.
By tightening import controls at one of the world’s largest art markets, the agreement is expected to reduce incentives for traffickers while reinforcing Nepal’s efforts to protect its archaeological legacy and religious heritage.
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