PEARLE * AND FIM LAUNCH JOINT CITES-GUIDE FOR MUSICIANS AND ENSEMBLES

At the European sectoral social dialogue meeting of the live performance today, 2 March 2018, Pearle * and FIM presented with musical instruments and ensembles traveling with musical instruments containing species protected under the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora  (CITES) .

A musical instrument certificate (MIC) is needed for international travels, such as ivory, tortoiseshell, whalebone. Traveling with those instruments can become complicated when crossing international borders for touring activities. The guide provides hands-on information on how to apply the CITES MICs through a step-by-step approach. At the meeting, the joint publication was handed over to the European Commission, which has been arranged in French, German and Spanish. 

 

"CITES and the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations are both international and transport-related products, including musical instruments containing protected species such as ivory and rosewood, and both are sustainable and legal. work on this excellent guide which explains the practical implications of these rules and provide clear guidance for musicians and ensembles traveling with musical instruments. "

Gaël de Rotalier, team leader on International Wildlife Trade

Geza Kovacs, President of Pearle * said: "I am convinced the guide will help musicians and ensembles in going through the jungle when preparing their touring activities. We have seen that over the last few years, rules have become increasingly complex for our orchestras and music groups and the application process is cumbersome. A longer validity of the MIC - 10 instead of 3 years - would have been a great help. " FIM General Secretary, Benoît Machuel added: 


"Given the complexity of the CITES over the years, it was urgent to provide musicians and ensembles with accurate information and guidance. This handbook is the result of a fruitful cooperation between FIM and Pearle *, in the mutual interest of our respective members. We will make sure it is updated, should any change occur in CITES regulations. "

The two associations also thank the German and British CITES authorities for their support in the drafting process of the CITES guide. 

The joint guide is available online on the websites of FIM and Pearle *.