The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has voted on a proposal on the trade of pernambuco wood (brazilwood), commonly used in the construction of string instrument bows.

The wood will not be reclassified from Appendix II to greater Appendix I protections, which would require all musicians with pernambuco bows to hold a permit to take them across international borders.

Photo © SHVETS production/Pexels

Passed on Friday 5 December, CITES’ decision adds additional restrictions for the international travel and trade of pernambuco, but offers an a exemption for “musical instruments and accessories” crafted with pernambuco for non-commercial reasons, including paid and unpaid performances, competitions, teaching and repair.

Bows made from pernambuco harvested before 2007 (the year the tree fell under CITES protection) can be bought and sold internationally with a permit. All new restrictions will be implemented in March 2026.

An endangered species, pernambuco is currently facing both illegal harvesting and overexploited, as highlighted in Brazil’s original proposal to CITES, submitted in June. The propsal sought the reclassificaation of pernambuco wood under Appendix I protections to prevent criminal exportation of the speices and to “reduce...