Have you inherited, collected or are in possession of any books, statues, coins, manuscripts, sculptures etc.? Because if you have, then there are some compliance obligations upon you under law before you can ‘lawfully’ own the same and/or deal with them.

Antiquities (identified as ‘antiques’ in common parlance) in India are governed by The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 (hereinafter referred to as the “Act“) read with The Antiquities and Art Treasures Rules, 1973 (hereinafter referred to as the “Rules“) which falls within the purview of the Archaeological Survey of India (“ASI“), Ministry of Culture.

“In order to export product more then 100 years out of India you need Government approval.“

The Act was brought into force with effect from 5th April, 1976 in order to regulate the export trade in antiquities and art treasures, and to provide for the prevention of smuggling of, and fraudulent dealings in, antiquities, to provide for the compulsory acquisition of antiquities and art treasures for preservation in public places and to provide for certain other matters connected therewith or incidental or ancillary thereto.