The 20th CITES Conference of the Parties concluded on December 5 in Samarkand with decisions of critical importance for the future of musical craftsmanship and movement.
Our organisations welcome the decision that Pernambuco (Paubrasilia echinata), an irreplaceable wood for professional bow making, will remain listed in Appendix II of CITES, therefore avoiding a full restriction on sale and travelling cross-border with bows under Appendix I, as it was initially called for by Brazil. After two weeks of intense negotiations, Parties adopted a balanced solution that reinforces conservation measures while safeguarding the continuity of musical life. As of February 2026, new provisions will apply to Pernambuco, including a revised Annotation No. 10 that strengthens traceability and stock management requirements and makes international commercial imports and re-exports, including bow purchases and sales outside the European Union, subject to CITES permitting procedures. These measures aim to support preservation of the species, combat illegal trade, and maintain legitimate artistic and industrial uses.
Important progress was also achieved on issues central to musicians’ international mobility. Per the request of the music sector, the mandate to work on the rapid movement of musical instruments was broadened. The relevant CITES Resolutions (on the Musical Instrument Certificate, personal effects, and touring equipment) will now be examined for potential revision with a view to presenting a consolidated package for consideration at CoP21. In the meantime, guidance will be developed to assist musicians and organisers in navigating existing procedures.
A significant outcome was the confirmation of Annotation #15. The report reaffirming the effectiveness of the exemption for finished musical instruments, parts, and accessories was adopted without debate - a clear recognition of its importance to the sector.
Another important step at this CITES conference was the confirmation of the current quota for the export of grenadilla wood (Dalbergia melanoxylon) from Mozambique. This issue remains open, as the Significant Trade Review (RST) procedure is still ongoing for this species and further discussions are planned at the Standing Committee meeting in July-August 2026. However, this decision comes as a relief to the musical instrument industry, especially the wind instrument sector, for which this wood is indispensable.
These results were secured thanks to coordinated advocacy and constructive dialogue across regions, on which all stakeholders from the music community worked hand-in-hand. We acknowledge the constructive engagement of the Brazilian delegation in allowing detailed negotiation within a working group, and we welcome the shared commitment to protecting the species in its natural habitat while enabling musical practice worldwide.
The decisions adopted at COP20 demonstrate that conservation and culture are not opposing goals. By strengthening controls on Pernambuco while preserving sustainable use, Parties have provided a pathway that supports both forest protection and artistic life.
Work now continues toward implementing the revised measures, improving mobility procedures for musicians, and preparing ground for further progress at CoP21.
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Confederation of European Music Industries (CAFIM). The Confederation of European Music Industries used to gather European musical instrument manufacturers only. On May 5, 1977, as unification within Europe gradually progressed, the confederation came to cover the entire branch. Today, CAFIM represents the music trade in the whole of Europe, including wholesalers, retailers and importers. Its general objectives are to promote and safeguard the interests of the European musical instrument industry as well as those of practising musicians in every conceivable way.
Chambre syndicale de la facture instrumentale (CSFI). The CSFI is a French professional organization that has been bringing together manufacturers and craftsmen who make, repair, restore, distribute, and export musical instruments and related accessories since 1890. It also welcomes retailers, five professional associations of artisan luthiers (Aladfi, Glaaf, Aplg, Unfi, Uffip) and the professional organisation of piano technicians (Europiano France).
Its key missions include defending the interests of its members and, more broadly, protecting the instrument-making profession; developing instrumental practice for all; and monitoring international, national, and European regulations on the woods and chemicals used in instrument making.
The International Federation of Musicians (FIM), founded in 1948, is the only body representing musicians’ unions globally, with members in 65 countries covering all regions of the world. FIM is recognised as an NGO by various international authorities, including WIPO, UNESCO, the ILO, the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of Europe.
IPCI France-Europe. In 2000, bowmakers from France, Germany, and the United States formed the International Pernambuco Conservation Initiative (IPCI) in response to the severe depletion of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and pernambouc tree populations. Pernambuco is essential for crafting bows used by professional musicians. Without it, string music and cultural heritage around the world would not exist as we know them. The IPCI's mission is to preserve the genetic diversity of Paubrasilia echinata, restore the species, and establish a framework for its sustainable future use. With over 400 artisan members from 24 countries, IPCI is funded by its members to support long- term conservation efforts. There are 4 IPCI international organisations collectively known as IPCI: IPCI-Canada, IPCI France-Europe, IPCI-Germany and IPCI-USA.
https://www.ipci-france-europe.org/
PEARLE*-Live Performance Europe is the ‘Performing Arts Employers Associations League Europe’. Pearle* represents through its member associations the interests of more than 14 000 organisations in the music, performing arts and live entertainment sector. This includes profit as well as non-profit organisations, ranging from micro-enterprises to organisations with over 250 employees. As a European employers’ association, Pearle* takes part in the European sectoral social dialogue. www.pearle.eu