The U.S. Customs and Border Protection, under the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of the Treasury, has extended import restrictions on certain archaeological materials from Italy. These regulations, originally set to expire, have been extended until January 12, 2026, to prevent the illicit importation of cultural heritage items. This extension is part of a new Memorandum of Understanding with Italy, aimed at protecting historical artifacts from being looted or illegally sold. The import restrictions are part of efforts aligned with international agreements to safeguard cultural property.
Simple Explanation
The U.S. decided to keep certain old things from Italy (like artifacts) protected by not allowing them to be brought into the country without permission, to stop them from being stolen or sold illegally. This rule will last until 2026 to help keep these treasures safe.