| Effective January 2, 2017: The entire genus Dalbergia spp. (except for Brazilian rosewood (Dalbergia nigra), which is listed in Appendix I), the three bubinga species of Guibourtia demeusei, Guibourtia pellegriniana, and Guibourtia tessmannii, and kosso (also called African rosewood) (Pterocarpus erinaceus) have been listed in CITES Appendix II and CITES documention may be required for import and re-export of these species and items made from them. For additional information on this listing, please read this letter to U.S. timber importers and re-exporters and refer to our Q&A. Additionally, we encourage you to view one or both of the informational webinars recently hosted by the International Wood Products Association (IWPA) and League of American Orchestras (LAO) on this topic. The webinars cover critical updates and provide guidance on how to comply with the laws that protect wildlife and plants. To view the International Wood Products Association webinar, which features guidance for commercial timber and wood products traders, please visit the following URL: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/825012870722049 To view the League of American Orchestras webinar, which features guidance for traveling musicians, please visit the following URL: https://1sourceevents.adobeconnect.com/p9505cbidb6/ |
Forests support a variety of human needs around the world. Tree species are traded internationally primarily as timber, but also for horticulture, traditional medicines and ornamental plants. To ensure that this international trade does not endanger these species, regulations were put in place to monitor and regulate the harvest and trade of woods and other tree products.
Laws & Regulations
Monkey Puzzle Tree
Credit: Duncan Brown, CC-BY 2.0
Many species of trees are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), with species listed in each Appendix based on their conservation status.
Some woods that are commonly traded, such as bigleaf mahogany, are listed in CITES Appendix II. Some trees, such as the monkey-puzzle tree and Guatemalan fir, are listed in Appendix I and therefore commercial trade is prohibited.
You may research what tree species are listed under CITES by visiting the CITES Species Database.
The Parties have adopted a resolution on CITES and timber species. The Parties agreed that before introducing a proposal to list a tree species under CITES, the proposing country should consult with other international organizations that deal with timber and forestry issues. They also agreed that any proposal to include timber in Appendix II or III should indicate what parts and derivatives of that species will be regulated.
For information on importing or exporting CITES listed tree species, including Mahogany, visit our Branch of Permits page.
For older articles and reports on timber, visit Archives page.
