A neutral monitoring company is now controlling any new entry of archaeological objects at the Geneva Free Ports.

How freeports developed, work, are (mis)used, is quite clear; a recent article from The Economist gives further details. Freeports are also well known in relation to storing archaeological items – see for instance the Symes case and the involved Geneva Free Ports. However, there may be change on the way, at least in Switzerland. Since 2009 nothing can be hidden, so its director Yves Bouvier (now also accused of fraud), since the customs will check every object entering and leaving the Free Port. Objects stored in the Geneva Free Ports longer than 2009 have to be catalogued until the end of 2016 (see here for what is part of the catalogue). The question remains of why a neutral monitoring company is now controlling this in addition to custom controls every new entry of archaeological objects at Geneva Free Ports. Also: what is their scientific background?

Read more: article by Cahal Milmo, inews.co.uk