US extends Afghan archaeological import restrictions through 2029
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has extended emergency import restrictions on archaeological and ethnological material from Afghanistan through April 28, 2029. The restrictions, originally imposed under CBP Decision 22-04, have been formalized in updated regulations to align with CBP's standard cultural property restriction procedures. This extension affects shippers and importers bringing Afghan cultural artifacts into the U.S.
Photo: Kadir HOŞ / PexelsU.S. extends emergency restrictions on Afghan cultural artifacts through 2029
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection published a final rule on April 28, 2026, extending emergency import restrictions on archaeological and ethnological material from Afghanistan. The restrictions, originally established under CBP Decision 22-04, now remain in effect through April 28, 2029.
Who is affected and what is restricted
The restrictions apply to archaeological and ethnological material originating from Afghanistan. The CBP has updated its regulations to provide specific language describing the restricted material in a manner consistent with how CBP lists other cultural property restrictions. This ensures clear and uniform treatment across all such import controls.
Shippers, freight forwarders, and importers bringing goods from Afghanistan—particularly those in the antiquities, art, or cultural heritage trade—must be aware that certain items classified as archaeological or ethnological material will be subject to these restrictions and cannot be freely imported into the United States without proper authorization.
Extension timeline
According to the Federal Register notice, the emergency import restrictions have been extended specifically "through April 28, 2029." This three-year extension provides continuity with the original restrictions while formalizing the regulatory language to prevent ambiguity at the border.
Regulatory updates
Beyond extending the restriction period, CBP has amended its regulations to clarify the scope and description of restricted material. The updated language aligns these Afghanistan-specific restrictions with CBP's broader framework for cultural property controls, making enforcement more consistent and transparent for importers and their agents.
What this means for shippers
If you're moving goods from Afghanistan or handling shipments that may include archaeological or ethnological items, verify with CBP or consult the updated regulations before shipment. Attempting to import restricted cultural property without authorization can result in seizure and penalties. For guidance on how these restrictions affect your specific product classifications and landed cost calculations, see /sanctions.
