Preventive Archaeological Excavation by a Company

Preventive archaeology is a public service mission aimed at ensuring the conservation or safeguarding through scientific study of archaeological heritage elements threatened by public or private works. When an archaeological diagnostic reveals the presence of an archaeological site, the State may prescribe an excavation to preserve the heritage and scientific information.

Excavations are carried out under the project ownership of the developer who may call upon Inrap (the national institute), a territorial archaeological service, or a public or private entity holding an accreditation issued by the State. This accreditation certifies the operator's scientific competence and is granted by the Minister of Culture after consultation with the National Council for Archaeological Research.

Accreditation Requirements

  • Scientific competence: Qualifications, specialties and professional experience of personnel in archaeological research and heritage conservation
  • Financial capacity: Certified accounts and proof of filing with the commercial court
  • Technical resources: Presentation of technical and operational means to carry out preventive excavations
  • Scientific project: Scientific project to be developed for the duration of the accreditation
  • Good standing: Declaration on honor according to article 48 of decree n° 2016-360 of March 25, 2016
  • Independence: The operator cannot be controlled by the private person carrying out the works

Application Procedure

  • Application submission: The accreditation request must be addressed to the Minister of Culture via the online service on the Ministry of Culture website
  • Processing time: The minister decides within six months after consultation with the National Council for Archaeological Research. No response equals approval
  • Validity period: The accreditation is valid for five years and may be renewed
  • Scope: The accreditation allows excavations throughout the national territory, but may be limited to certain fields or periods of archaeological research
  • Annual report: The accredited entity must submit an annual scientific, administrative, social, technical and financial report of its activity

Obligations and Restrictions

  • Scientific oversight: The activity is subject to scientific and technical control by the State
  • Risk assessment document: Obligation to provide the document required by article R. 4121-1 of the Labor Code
  • Prevention program: An annual occupational risk prevention program within the meaning of article L. 4612-16 of the Labor Code must be submitted
  • Public service mission: The activity is a public service mission governed primarily by scientific rather than economic considerations