skip to main content
Search

CITES Survey: Does your Instrument Contain Endangered Species

Help DEFRA check what additional efforts may be required as the end of the transition period approaches, by completing this short survey.

Published: 12 November 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 09 June 2021 | 11:16 AM
Photograph of a ferry leaving a port and heading out to sea, the photograph includes an image of the dock we are looking out to the ferry from.
DEFRA are interested in responses from as wide a range of stakeholders as possible. Photo credit: Shutterstock

If you are planning on travelling outside of the UK in the future, and your instrument contains endangered species then you will need to have a musical Instrument Certificate.

Previously we sent out a preparedness survey from DEFRA to help them determine the level of awareness amongst stakeholders of the requirements for moving CITES specimens from 1 January 2021.

Thank you to those of you who completed it then. To help DEFRA further they have created another survey with a couple of additional questions which will enable them to check what additional efforts may be required as the end of the transition period approaches.

It should take no longer than five minutes to complete. They are interested in responses from as wide a range of stakeholders as possible.

This survey closed on 20 November, thank you to those who completed it.

Further information on CITES and the Transition Period

Our latest update on CITES contains further information on the end of the transition period.

Please forward any questions or concerns about CITES during and after the Transition Period to euexitcites@defra.gov.uk

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

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

John Shortell wearing a Musicians' Union t-shirt with rainbow logo, holding a flag, during a Pride march in 2023. He is joined by colleagues and other members who are performing as they walk.

MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List

The MU congratulates John Shortell, Head of ED&I, on being named one of IQ Magazine’s outstanding queer professionals in the international live music business. John is a driving force for change, and the Union is exceptionally proud to have him working on behalf of musicians.

Published: 03 July 2025

Read more about MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List
An empty conference stage, lit up multi coloured blocks.

Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025

The MU will be attending and sponsoring a workshop at this year’s We Make Music Scotland Conference, taking place on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

Published: 02 July 2025

Read more about Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025
Wooden blocks with speech bubble graphics on them against a blue background, a single block with a red stop sign is in front of them, blocking the line, representing free speech restrictions.

MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance

The MU reiterates its anti-censorship position and support for the organisation ‘Freemuse’, following the issues around the broadcasting of Glastonbury sets this weekend.

Published: 01 July 2025

Read more about MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance
All news and features