8th December 2025
An international conference considering the regulation of endangered flora and fauna has reached a compromise on a proposal that would have severely impacted users of stringed-instrument bows containing pernambuco wood. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates international movement of many listed species, and proposals can be made by any country that is a party to the Convention at the Conference of the Parties held every three years. CITES CoP20 concludes today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
The Brazilwood tree (Paubrasilia echinata) has been used for centuries in bow-making based on the unique properties of its dense heartwood, commonly known as pernambuco. A proposal from Brazil to move the species to the highest level of protection (Appendix I) would have restricted trade and prohibited all exports of the wood from Brazil, as well as imposed permit requirements on musicians travelling internationally with bows for any reason. The species has been CITES listed since 2007, and until now permits have been required mainly for trade in raw wood rather than finished bows.
Music stakeholders – including musical instrument distributors and retailers, orchestras, musicians, and bow makers – raised concerns about the Brazilian proposal, highlighting the significant impact it would have on musicians travelling with bows.
A compromise was reached that strengthens permit requirements and regulation of international trade but stops short of creating new permit requirements for musicians simply travelling across a border with a bow for non-commercial purposes. The existing CITES permit system was designed for listed species that, in many cases – such as African elephants – do not frequently cross international borders. Musical instruments present a unique challenge with many older instruments and accessories containing species that were legally sourced at the time but subsequently gained protection.
“This is good news for the Brazilwood species and good news for musicians,” said Alex Masso, CEO of the Australian Music Association which represents wholesalers, retailers and manufacturers of musical instruments. “The species needs protection; the music sector is a constructive partner in finding solutions and this is a constructive outcome.”
“The new proposal sets out a clear exemption from CITES permits for musicians travelling with a bow for non-commercial purposes, clear regulation of all international trade in bows, and other initiatives to combat illegal trade and protect the species,” said Masso. “The most immediate impact in Australia will be felt by bow makers and importers of bows, with permit requirements for all international trade to take effect in 2026. We will work through that as an industry.”
During CoP20, which ran from 24th November -5th December 2025, the AMA stayed in contact with international partners, Australia’s CITES delegation, AMA members and other Australian stakeholders.
What next?
On 4th March 2026, the new version of Annotation #10 will take effect. We will be in contact with the CITES Management Authority and members to discuss its implementation.
