This statement was drafted by an international music industry stakeholder group, including associations of orchestras, musicians, bow makers, musical instruments makers and sellers. Our aim is to give input to the CITES Standing Committee taking place from 7 to 11 March in Lyon, France. 

We ask for simplified procedures when travelling with musical instruments containing CITES-protectes species, as for the moment musical instrument certificates (MIC) must be credentialed by CITES enforcement officials at each designated port through which an instrument travels. 

We also advocate harmonisation of CITES rules to facilitate non-commercial travel with instruments. The process of issuing and credentialing permits is extremely variable from country to country.

Read the full statement: