Swiss Art Market Association

The umbrella organisation of the four major Swiss art trade associations

The Swiss Art Market Association (SAMA), the umbrella organisation of the three major Swiss art trade associations (Gallerists’ Association, Auctioneers’ Association and Art Dealers’ Association), with its headquarters in Zurich, aims to safeguard the interests of art market participants in the trade vis-à-vis the authorities, associations, private individuals and the media. The SAMA actively promotes a dialogue in politics, business and law that does not ignore the special features of the art market. All this with the aim of defending the advantageous framework conditions of the art market in Switzerland and leading it into the future.

Autumn Conference – November 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM
Galerie Kornfeld Auction House, Laupenstrasse 41, Bern

We will discuss—together with the Federal Office of Culture (FOC) and its specialized unit for the Cultural Property Transfer Act (CPTA) — the practical implications of the amendments to the Ordinance on the International Transfer of Cultural Property (CPTO), which came into force on January 1, 2026. We will also examine international developments regarding the protection of cultural property (specifically, the impact of a new EU regulation on Switzerland). Regarding anti-money laundering, we will report on preparations for the upcoming FATF country assessment of Switzerland’s anti-money laundering measures, which private-sector industries must successfully navigate in the spring of 2027. Additionally, we will take stock of the progress made by the newly established Commission on Historically Tainted Cultural Heritage (KHBK). We will address practical matters – such as the rarely discussed issue of damage to artworks – while also broadening our focus to include forward-looking and positive topics, such as the vital collaboration between museums and the art trade. The conference concludes with an intergenerational dialogue: a conversation between a young collector/art dealer and a legendary collector/dealer will explore potential future directions for this dynamic and complex field. How do the younger generation buy and collect? To what extent are technological developments shaping our industry? Does the archetype of the art collector still exist, or will the art trade soon cater exclusively to art investors?
You can find the program here (in german).

Interested? We look forward to hearing from you regarding your participation: info@kunstmarktschweiz.ch

The revised Ordinance on the International Transfer of Cultural Property (CPTO), which entered into force on January 1, 2026, introduces stricter rules for trade, the auction sector, and transport.

The website of the Specialized Body for the International Transfer of Cultural Property www.bak.admin.ch/kgt provides links to the relevant updates. To help you keep track of the changes, we have prepared a mark-up document that tracks all the changes, which you can find here (in german). Here is the new regulation in English. The new Here is a brief summary of the most important changes:

1. Due diligence and documentation requirements
The due diligence requirements of the Cultural Property Transfer Act (CPTA) previously obliged sellers and, where applicable, the person consigning the cultural property to sign a declaration confirming their right of disposal over the cultural property. This declaration must now clearly state who the owner of the cultural property is (Art. 18 revCPTO).

Persons engaged in the art trade and auction business must inform their customers about the existing import and export regulations of the UNESCO member states. According to the new Art. 18a revCPTO, this information must be provided in writing and confirmed by the customer’s signature. Cultural property must also be documented using “meaningful” photographs, which must be retained (Art. 19 revCPTO).

2. New requirements for customs declarations
When importing, transiting or exporting cultural property, the date and dimensions of the object must now also be stated in the customs declaration (Art. 24 para. 1 lit. c and d revCPTO). Furthermore, when importing, transiting or exporting cultural property, it must be stated whether it is cultural property and whether it is subject to authorisation under Art. 24 CPTO (Art. 24 para. 2 revCPTO). Swiss law only provides for a permit for the export of Swiss cultural property (Art. 24 para. 1 and 2 CPTO). Foreign cultural property that is subject to a bilateral agreement (Art. 7 CPTA) may be subject to a foreign export permit requirement.

More news

Protection of cultural property

In the field of the protection of cultural goods, the EU has adopted a new Regulation (EU) 2019/880 on the import of cultural goods, which has now definitively entered into force on 30 June 2025. The aim of the regulation is to further tighten the import of cultural objects unlawfully exported from their countries of origin to the EU, regardless of whether objects are imported directly from the countries of origin or via third countries. Archaeological cultural property is indeed the particular focus of the new EU regulation, but now all cultural property created outside the EU that is over 250 years old (or 200 years old with a minimum value of €18,000) requires an import license or an import declaration. The Specialized Body for the Transfer of Cultural Property of the BAK has set up a round table with the industry/SAMA to find a suitable solution for the Swiss art market in response to the tightening of EU regulations. This constructive dialog between legislators/administrators and practitioners will continue.

looted art

Based on the Pult motion, the Federal Council decided in 2023 to create an independent expert commission for contaminated cultural heritage. On 21 March 2025, the Federal Parliament reached a decision on the appeal procedure. The SAMA welcomes the fact that legal certainty has now been restored with the agreement on the independent expert commission for historically contaminated cultural heritage. The commission to be set up by the federal government can be unilaterally invoked in the case of cultural property in the context of National Socialism that is located in state-funded museums or collections in order to obtain a recommendation from it for the future handling of these objects. For all other works, those in private ownership and possession, and in general those from colonial contexts, the consent of both parties is required. The SAMA expects that the proceedings will raise extremely complex issues, both historically and legally, and therefore continues to advocate for the appropriate involvement of the Swiss art trade in the independent expert commission to be formed.
On 28 January 2026, the Federal Council appointed the members of the Commission (here).

Anti Money Laundering Prevention (AML)

As part of the fifth evaluation round of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Switzerland will undergo a country evaluation in 2027/2028 (last evaluation in 2016). The preparations, which will involve the private sector and the VKMS for questions concerning the art market, have been initiated. At the invitation of the State Secretariat for International Finance (SIF), the SAMA office has already initiated initial measures and is working towards the audit. The mechanism for combating and preventing money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing is to be audited. The country review offers Switzerland the opportunity to present its effective mechanism for combating financial crime internationally. In view of its status as an international financial center, a globally networked economy and, not least, a well-functioning internationally important art market, a good result is of strategic importance for Switzerland. Effective coordination and cooperation between all parties involved (federal administration, law enforcement authorities, supervisory authorities, self-regulatory organizations, associations, private sector, etc.) is crucial to the success of the country evaluation. The VKMS is aware of the importance of the country evaluation and its specific role for the industry.