US border agents can now seize ancient artifacts from Uzbekistan

The US has imposed new import restrictions on archaeological and ethnological materials from Uzbekistan. This means US Customs and Border Protection can now seize certain cultural items at the border.

For decades, the trade in looted or illegally exported cultural artifacts has flourished, often with little recourse for countries trying to reclaim their heritage. This agreement gives US authorities a clear legal basis to intercept and return items that are part of Uzbekistan's cultural patrimony. It shifts the burden of proof onto importers to show an item was legally acquired.