Kathmandu [Nepal], August 16 – The United States has imposed import restrictions on certain archaeological and ethnological materials from Nepal in a move aimed at protecting the country’s cultural heritage from illicit excavation, trafficking and illegal export.
The new rule, issued by the US Department of State and published by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the Federal Register on August 12, 2026 took effect the same day.
The restrictions follow a bilateral agreement signed by Nepal and the United States on January 8, 2026. Nepal had formally requested the measures on May 23, 2023 seeking stronger international protection for its archaeological heritage.
The restrictions do not amount to a blanket ban on Nepalese art, sculptures or antiques. They apply only to specific categories listed in the official Designated List accompanying the rule.
Covered archaeological materials include stone, ceramic, metal, plaster, paintings, ivory, bone, glass, leather, parchment, paper, palm leaf, wood, shell and other organic materials, as well as human remains. The archaeological objects covered date from approximately 32,000 BCE to 1770 CE.
Ethnological materials include religious architectural elements, religious and ceremonial objects and manuscripts with certain categories dating from around the 13th century to 1950.
Saubhagya Pradhananga, director general of Nepal’s Department of Archaeology said the agreement recognises the importance of protecting Nepal’s cultural heritage while allowing legitimate cultural, scientific and educational exchanges.
She said the agreement could also strengthen efforts to recover cultural objects illegally removed from Nepal and prevent further trafficking of its archaeological and religious heritage.
