The commercial sale or authentication of archaeological objects and other data for profit must not be practiced by archaeologists. Archaeology should engage with the community to deter looting, marketing, and the selling of artifacts by framing the archaeological record as an invaluable and nonrenewable resource for telling the story of the past and present.
Archaeologists should educate others of the scientific and heritage values of the archaeological record and ensure that heritage is not used inappropriately for profit. Archaeologists should be respectful of others’ interests in archaeological materials and to the extent possible assist with the repatriation, conservation, and curation of archaeological materials obtained contrary to international conventions or otherwise obtained inappropriately. Archaeologists working in the cultural heritage commercial sector should provide services in an honest and transparent manner that yields objective and trustworthy information. Heritage professionals should know and abide by prevailing legislation and regulations and follow business norms and best practices that apply to the heritage field.