Expertise

In April 2014, the Belgian federal government implemented the Convention into law, instigated by 11 shipwrecks that came under the law’s protection at the time (see our newsflash of 30-05-2014). In 2021, the Convention came under scrutiny, where procedural gaps and ambiguities therein became apparent. As such, Belgium reintroduced the law on 23 April 2021 which addressed these, designed to improve upon and protect shipwrecks in Belgian maritime zones. The law of 23 April 2021, implementing the Convention on the protection of the underwater cultural heritage and the protection of valuable wrecks (hereafter the New UCH Law) came into effect on the 4 June 2021. It abolishes the previous law that was transposed in 2014.

Published on 08/09/2021

Which laws and legislative projects should art dealers and collectors keep in mind?

Published on 08/05/2020

The Court of Justice of the European Union recently delivered a particularly interesting judgment regarding the liability of sale intermediaries.

Published on 24/03/2017

Directive EU 2014/60 on the return of cultural objects unlawfully removed from the territory of a Member State finally implemented in Belgian law

Published on 23/05/2016

Alternative financing for the museum and cultural sector in Flanders

Published on 24/02/2016

New Flemish nautical heritage regime in force

Published on 28/12/2015

Nieuw topstukkendecreet in werking

Published on 16/12/2015

The Khurvin case in a nutshell (Iranian archaeological objects)

Published on 31/08/2015

'Topstukkendecreet' amended

Published on 08/09/2014