USCBPFinal Rule

Extension of Import Restrictions on Archaeological Material of Costa Rica

OtherEnvironment

Summary

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency is extending restrictions on importing ancient artifacts and archaeological items from Costa Rica. This means people cannot legally bring these items into the United States without special permission, helping protect Costa Rica's cultural heritage from being taken out of the country.

Key Points

  • 1The U.S. is continuing a ban on importing archaeological artifacts from Costa Rica, including ancient pottery, tools, and other items of historical significance
  • 2Anyone trying to bring Costa Rican archaeological materials into the United States without a permit will have their items seized by customs officials
  • 3The restriction applies to items from all time periods of Costa Rica's history and helps Costa Rica preserve its cultural treasures for future generations
  • 4Collectors, dealers, and tourists need to be aware that purchasing or attempting to import these items is illegal and can result in loss of the items and potential fines
  • 5The regulation was extended in January 2026 and remains in effect as part of a cooperative agreement between the U.S. and Costa Rica

Key Dates

Published

January 14, 2026

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.

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