Non-governmental initiatives
In addition to the measures undertaken by governments for the purpose of protecting cultural heritage – such as the adoption of national laws, EU legislation and international agreements – professional bodies and organizations representing particular groups, such as the German Art Dealers’ Association (Kunsthändlerverband Deutschland) or international associations, have undertaken to abide by the rules they have adopted themselves outlining the conduct expected of their members. These voluntary commitments may also impose due diligence requirements (which are more stringent in certain cases) and penalties in the event of infringements. The Red Lists published by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), which specify categories of cultural objects at particular risk, constitute a further non-governmental initiative. As soon as an entry has been made on these lists, heightened due diligence requirements must be met by anyone intending to deal in the relevant cultural objects on a commercial basis.