New categories of ancient items have been added to the Vietnamese list, prohibiting the exportation of archaeological artifacts and historical documents from the country that are not meant for research, preservation of exhibition use.

Nguyen Dynasty Wood Block, Saigon Giai Phong 20130117

Nine categories of ancient items banned from leaving country
Saigon Giai Phong, 17 January 2013

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has issued a circular that will ban nine categories of antiques and valuable ancient items from leaving the country’s borders.

As per the circular, antique items not allowed to leave the country include prehistoric fossilized human, animal and plant species; prehistoric items of various materials of both historical and cultural value; research documents pertaining to the country’s history, culture and sovereignty as well as on the country’s heroes and cultural celebrities.

Full story here.