The art market offers a vast range of objects, although not all items (e.g. endangered species or elephant ivory) can be legally offered for sale due to various national, European or international legislation.
The question also arises for human remains, including those from colonial contexts, the marketing of which poses ethical problems.
The upcoming Belgian transposition of the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the theft and illicit export of cultural property (ratified in 2009) will also impose additional obligations.
The law governs the sale of artistic and cultural objects, particularly with the aim of protecting or preserving national heritage.
To what extent is the market adapting to these regulations?
