Details for CITES Rosewood Exemption Announced

The MU has learnt today that the CITES rosewood exemptions – which were agreed on at the last CITES meeting in Geneva – will take effect from 14 December 2019.

Published: 06 December 2019 | 12:00 AM Updated: 09 June 2021 | 11:15 AM

Photograph of a mandolin — Mandolins are one of the instruments that may contain rosewood. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Musical instruments with under 10kg of rosewood (Dalbergia), except Brazilian Rosewood (Dalbergia Nigra), can now be sold. There are further details on the Music Industries Association website.

Dalbergia Nigra remains on the CITES appendix I list with no exemptions. All other Rosewood species are exempt.

Further actions

The MU, alongside the ABO and the MIA, are calling for a blanket exemption for musical instruments should the government introduce further bans on ivory substitutes such as Mammoth.

Read advice and guidance on travelling with instruments.

See all news

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

Get public liability insurance for musicians
Access expert legal support
Be represented in your profession
Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Continue reading

Musician playing acoustic guitar, facing the setting sun and a crowd, performing at a festival. Flags and fairy lights are out of focus in the background.

UK Artist Touring Fund Announces Second Phase Artists

The UK Artist Touring Fund (UKAT) has announced the 49 artists receiving support in its latest funding round, following the expansion of the scheme to help more UK artists navigate the ongoing cost-of-touring crisis.

Published: 06 November 2026

Black background with wooden stick figures placed on top in different colours, some also represent wheelchair users.

Attitude is Everything Publish the State of Access Report 2026

This week, Attitude is Everything published the State of Access Report 2026, the charity’s first major research report in eight years, revealing persistent and widespread barriers to accessibility across the UK music and live events sector, despite signs of progress in access provision.

Published: 05 November 2026

Woman sat on a bench in front of water at sunrise, with her head back, eyes closed, listening to over ear headphones. Woman sat on a bench in front of water at sunrise, with her head back, eyes closed

BAPAM Launches StageFit — A New Online Health Training Platform for Performing Arts Professionals

BAPAM, with funding from PPL, has launched StageFit, a free online health training platform designed to help everyone working and studying in the performing arts protect their health and wellbeing.

Published: 04 November 2026

A calculator and pair of glasses on top of a sound mixing desk.

Member Benefit: Discounted Tax Advice for Musicians

From royalties and advances to self-employment, PAYE and international work, musicians often have unique tax needs. MU members can access discounted advice from qualified tax professionals with experience of the music industry.

Published: 01 November 2026

MU Redesigns Organists and Ceremonies Rates

Sector expertise, including contributions from the Royal College of Organists (RCO) and MU/RCO joint members, helped shape the new rates, which introduce new categories, updated guidance and a 3% uplift for 2026 to better reflect organists' working practices and responsibilities.

Published: 30 October 2026

All news and features

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Popular searches