Policy on Illegal Souvenirs, Cultural Artefacts, and CITES-Regulated Materials

Last updated: February 8, 2026

Document Code: LC-ISC-15
Version: V1.0
Effective Date: 15/11/2025
Approved By: Managing Director

1. Objective

Lux Crafter is committed to protecting India’s cultural heritage and biodiversity by ensuring that travellers are fully informed about laws and international conventions governing the purchase, possession, and export of souvenirs. This policy aligns with the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).

2. Policy Statement

Lux Crafter adopts a proactive, preventive approach to illegal souvenir trade. We educate clients on restricted items, discourage purchases of uncertain provenance, and actively promote lawful, ethical, and culturally respectful alternatives. Our objective is to ensure travellers avoid legal violations while respecting India’s heritage, wildlife, and ecosystems.

3. Applicable Legal Framework

This policy is governed by national and international regulations that prohibit or restrict trade in cultural artefacts and wildlife-derived products.

Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 (India):
Prohibits the sale, purchase, or export of antiquities over 100 years old without authorisation. Restricted items include idols, sculptures, manuscripts, coins, paintings, and archaeological artefacts. Lux Crafter does not promote markets associated with illicit antiquities trade.

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (India):
Strictly prohibits possession, trade, or transport of animal skins, ivory, bones, claws, feathers, or derivatives of protected species, regardless of intended domestic use or export.

CITES:
Regulates international movement of endangered species and derivatives, including coral, ivory, turtle shell, certain orchids, medicinal plants, and protected marine shells. Violations may result in confiscation, fines, and prosecution at borders.

4. Traveller Communication & Awareness

Lux Crafter ensures consistent and clear communication through:

Pre-Arrival Advisory:
Travellers receive responsible travel guidance highlighting prohibited items, Indian laws, and CITES obligations prior to arrival.

Itinerary Documentation:
Confirmed itineraries include a dedicated section on Responsible Shopping & Legal Restrictions, outlining prohibited souvenirs and high-risk informal markets.

On-Ground Guidance (where applicable):
Travellers may receive reference lists of commonly illegal items and recommendations for verified artisan cooperatives and ethical retail outlets.

5. Common Prohibited Souvenirs (Indicative)

Travellers are advised to strictly avoid:

Ivory, coral, tortoise shell, or wildlife-derived products
Tiger, leopard, or other animal skins, claws, bones, or teeth
Antique idols, manuscripts, coins, or artefacts over 100 years old
Sandalwood logs or unlicensed products
Artefacts removed from protected monuments or archaeological sites

6. Encouraged Ethical Alternatives

Lux Crafter promotes:

Government-certified handicrafts and GI-tagged products
Ethically produced textiles and handlooms
Tribal and indigenous art sourced via authorised cooperatives
Locally crafted items using legally sourced materials

7. Monitoring & Review

This policy is reviewed annually to reflect updates in Indian legislation, CITES listings, and enforcement practices. Supporting communication records are retained for compliance and audit purposes

For detailed policy guidance, clarification, or implementation support, please contact:
Vijay Karen
Managing Director
📧 md@luxcrafter.in