The Organization's mandate

The first mission is to know the market. The Organization collects and analyzes data, publishes an annual barometer and tracks major trends by segment and region. The global market reached €67.8 billion in 2024, up 5.8%.

These observations inform the decisions of States and help professionals place their activity in context. They are published in the activities section.

To regulate is to provide shared rules. The seven OIMAP Directives of 2019 are binding on members. Directive No. 2019-07 governs the authentication of cultural property.

The Organization also produces non-binding recommendations, which guide practice without imposing it, and technical guides for administrations.

Protection covers the fight against trafficking, the BIOP database of stolen works, which holds 48,200 works, and operations coordinated with customs and police: twenty-three in 2024. It includes restitutions, numbering 847 to date.

Protection draws on the 1954 Hague Protocol, the 1970 UNESCO Convention and the 1995 UNIDROIT Convention.

The Desk issues certificates of authenticity, provenance and condition: 12,847 certifications to date. The OIMAP Academy trains staff and professionals, with 8,940 staff trained. The arbitration mechanism has resolved 342 disputes.

These three missions give the Organization a concrete presence among stakeholders, beyond its normative work.

Each year, the Secretary-General presents to the General Assembly an activity report measuring progress on the six missions. Simple indicators are tracked: number of certifications, staff trained, coordinated operations and disputes resolved.

The Finance and Audit Committee verifies the proper use of resources. Any discrepancies are discussed in session and may lead to a reorientation of priorities.