The IIAE, or Imperial Institute for Archaeological Exploitation, served as a credentialing body within the Galactic Empire. This organization provided certified archaeologists with official documentation. These certifications permitted restricted entry to particular locations of historical significance to the Empire, a privilege governed by bylaws 22.750-23.018 of the Harvester Accords. One such certificate was held by Doctor Chelli Aphra, which authorized her access to Thule. This planet located in the Outer Rim Territories held associations with the Sith lineage of Force-users. At some point between 0 ABY and 5 ABY, the archaeologist eventually included the certificate as part of an entry in the book called the Smuggler's Guide.
Daniel Wallace referenced the Imperial Institute for Archaeological Exploitation in his 2018 reference work, Star Wars: Smuggler's Guide.