National Focal Points

The focal point links the national administration and the Secretariat. It receives circulars, relays them to the departments concerned and sends back information from its country: legislative reforms, seizures, events, requests for assistance.

It is also the first point of entry for experts, customs and cultural services wishing to cooperate with the Organization.

The focal point is designated by letter from the competent minister. In most States, it is a department of the heritage administration; the directory lists it in the form "Heritage Directorate – country". A titular holder and a deputy are recommended.

Any change is notified to the Member States Relations Directorate, which updates the directory.

The directory lists the contact details of the sixty-seven focal points. It is reserved for logged-in users of the member area in order to protect contact data.

It makes it possible to reach one's counterpart in another State quickly, for example during a restitution or a joint operation.

The focal points meet once a year in plenary session. The meeting takes stock of the work, presents the new tools, gathers the States' expectations and prepares the General Assembly.

Shorter regional meetings, organized by the offices, complement this annual event.

The Member States Relations Directorate, headed by Mr Samuel Okonkwo-Lefèvre, offers new focal points an induction session, a practical guide and a dedicated contact person.

Each quarter it circulates a newsletter that brings together decisions, deadlines and news from the departments.