| Department | Department for the Economy |
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| Start date | 28/07/2025 |
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| End date | 08/09/2025 |
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| Type of consultation | White paper |
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| Deadline for comments | 08/09/2025 |
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| Responses publish date | 30/01/2026 |
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About the consultation
We want your views on the draft Heritage (Jersey) Law 202– (the ‘Draft Law’).
Jersey has recognised the need for heritage legislation since the late 1990s to protect archaeological objects and the information linked to them. This followed the introduction of the Treasure Act 1996 and the Portable Antiquities Scheme in England and Wales. Other jurisdictions have since introduced similar laws, and Jersey also has commitments as a signatory to several international treaties and conventions.
At present, Jersey relies heavily on customary law and unwritten conventions. These do not give enough clarity or protection. The discovery of the Le Catillon II Hoard, and the absence of a clear legal framework to manage it, has highlighted the need for comprehensive legislation.
The Draft Law aims to address this gap, and we welcome your feedback.
The Draft Law aims to:
- ensure that Jersey complies with international standards and conventions
- ensure robust legislation for the protection and management of finds of national, archaeological, and historical significance to Jersey, is in place
Consultation Paper: Draft Heritage (Jersey) Law
Draft Heritage (Jersey) Law 202-
Draft Heritage (Jersey) Law 202- Code of Practice
Draft Heritage (Valuation of Reward) (Jersey) Regulations 202-
Draft Heritage (Licensing of Archaeological Excavations) (Jersey) Regulations 202-
About the Draft Law
Key provisions of the Draft Law include:
Mandatory reporting
You must report all archaeological objects you find, whether by chance or through activities like metal detecting, to the Finds Liaison Officer at Jersey Heritage within 14 days.
Historic Environment Record (HER)
Jersey Heritage will record all significant reported finds in a statutory HER.
Inquest process
The Viscount will carry out inquests for the most significant finds to decide whether they qualify as Treasure Trove or Jersey National Antiquities.
Ownership
Treasure Trove will be held in trust for the Crown by the Minister.
Jersey National Antiquities will become the property of the Public of the Island.
Preservation
The Minister will make sure Treasure Trove and Jersey National Antiquities are preserved and accessible to the public by depositing them with Jersey Heritage.
Reward system
A fair reward system will recognise both the finder and the landowner.
Rewards will be based on expert advice and linked to the object’s market value.
Expert advice
The Minister must consult qualified experts in archaeology, history and numismatics when deciding rewards.
Licensing of archaeological work
You will need a licence to carry out intrusive archaeological investigations on non‑designated sites.
How to submit comments to the consultation
This consultation is now closed and the response paper published.
Data protection
The information you provide will be processed in compliance with the Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2018.
Find more information in the Department for the Economy privacy notice.
The Government of Jersey may quote or publish responses to this consultation but will not publish the name and addresses of individuals without consent.
Types of publishing may include:
- sending to other interested parties on request
- sending to the Scrutiny Office
- quoting in a published report
- reporting in the media
- publishing on the Government website
- listing on a consultation summary
Confidential responses will still be included in any summary of statistical information received and views expressed.
Under the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011, information submitted to this consultation may be released if a Freedom of Information request requires it, but no personal data may be released.
Child Rights Impact Assessment
The decision to publish the consultation does not have a direct effect on children and young people.
Responses to the consultation
Draft Heritage (Jersey) Law 202- Consultation Summary and Response
gov.je