We recently reported on proposals that Pernambuco wood, used for some violin bows, should be covered under tighter CITES regulations to protect the coastal rainforest where it is grown in Brazil. The proposals understandably caused unease so we’re delighted to join the Musicians Union, ISM, Association of British Orchestras and UK Music in welcoming the decision to not place these restrictions.
The original proposals would have placed additional administrative burdens on touring violinists and would also have had a significant impact on bow making and the sale of antique instruments, so this news from COP19 offers relief to both musicians and those working in the strings sector of MI retail, manufacture and distribution.
The requirement for certification will now be placed only upon Pernambuco bows leaving Brazil for the first time and not, as was proposed, every time one crosses an international border.
This decision is accompanied by a determination to explore the most sustainable ways of using Pernambuco, and so there are good outcomes for both musicians and environmentalists. We will continue to keep an eye on this legislation and on any other which relates to species used in the making of musical instruments during this quickly shifting landscape of CITES regulations.
In related news, the most recent update from DEFRA and APHA shows that 100% of permit applications are being turned around within 30 days, 80% of them within 15. There was a significant peak in applications for Ivory Registration around the time the UK Ivory Act 2018 was introduced in June, hopefully including any of you with instruments containing ivory getting things in order following our feature earlier in the year. If you have any remaining questions over the Act, or if you have any application and/or inspection experiences to share, please drop Matt a line.
