Identification sheets

Each sheet comprises a banner (name of the property, period, region), reference photographs, a box "To recognise" listing the main criteria, a box "Not to be confused with" flagging common copies, indications of price and documents, and a box "What to do" with the action to take.

A QR code links to the BIOP database to display the corresponding alerts. The sheets are designed to be read in under two minutes.

Faced with a suspect object, the officer identifies the category, opens the sheet, compares the criteria and decides whether to seize or ask for an opinion. The most used sheets concern archaeological objects, masks, statuettes, coins and manuscripts.

An officer can also photograph the object with the application and obtain a suggested sheet, which displays the criteria to check. This function does not replace an expert's opinion but speeds up sorting.

The sheets are revised every two years, or sooner if new trends emerge. Officers can propose corrections and additions through the application or via their referent. States may request the creation of sheets for property specific to their heritage.

In 2024, twenty-four sheets were revised or created, notably on objects from South-East Asia, ancient musical instruments and liturgical objects. Each change is validated by an editorial committee.

The sheets are at the heart of the training modules: trainees learn to read them, to complete them and to use them in exercises. Trainers use them as a medium to get across a type of property in a few minutes.

They are also used to raise awareness among other professions: police officers, magistrates, market operators, freight forwarders. Several sheets are published in these professions' guides.