The changes mean that exports from and imports into the EU of any rosewood works of art – not just those made from the most endangered Brazilian rosewood (Dalbergia nigra) – are now regulated and subject to documentary requirements.
The decision to upgrade more than 300 types of rosewood plus several palisander species to CITES Appendix II was taken at the so-called Conference of the Parties held in Johannesburg last year.
The change was implemented at EU level on February 4 with the guidance published on March 6 to answer questions.
Appendix II status (translating to Annex B of the EU list) dictates that future trade in a species can only happen subject to evidence that it will not be detrimental to its survival in the wild.
No CITES certificate or permit is needed to trade these woods within UK borders or the confines of the EU. However, to legally buy from or sell to any country outside of the EU, any Annex B species needs an import or export certificate issued by the Animal & Plant Health Agency.
When filling out an import or export form, objects should, as far as possible, be identified at species level. However, in the absence of such specific information, the guidance notes says the product may be identified on CITES permits and certificates at genus level (Dalbergia).
The market for musical instruments and furniture made by the Scandinavian modernists are expected to be most impacted by the changes.
East Indian rosewood and Honduran rosewood, cocobolo and African blackwood are widely used in the manufacturing of musical instruments.
CITES regulations impose a further restriction on Annex A species that must have an Article 10 certificate prior to sale.
First listed in 1992, Brazilian rosewood remains on the most endangered list and all items worked post-1947 should be sold with an Article 10 certificate.
The law does not apply to musical instruments carried internationally for non-commercial use or repair providing not more than 10kg of the protected timber is being shipped.
