News 05 September 2019

CITES Update: common sense at last!

Sarah BuchananDirector

CITES has just had its triennial conference (17 – 28 August) and we’re delighted to say that there is good news for musicians and musical instrument traders.

Rosewood

A proposal, submitted by Canada and EU to exempt all commercial and non-commercial movement of finished musical instruments, parts and accessories containing rosewood, has been agreed. Although permit requirements remain in place for Brazilian rosewood (Dalbergia nigra) and for unfinished items, so please refer to the CITES website for precise details.

The exemption is expected to come into force 90 days after the agreement, so sometime in late November. We shall keep an eye out for the exact agreed date and update you.

Mammoth

As expected, Israel’s proposal to add mammoth to Appendix II of the CITES list was rejected because regulating an extinct species is beyond the CITES remit. However, for more mammoth updates please read about the UK Ivory Act.

Sarah Buchanan

Director

Sarah runs the day-to-day operations of the Amati business. She oversees our large single owner collection auctions, some of which have achieved sales of an incredible 100%.