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

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

Read more about UK Artist Touring Fund Announces Second Phase Artists
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

Read more about Attitude is Everything Publish the State of Access Report 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

Read more about Member Benefit: Discounted Tax Advice for Musicians
Close up hands playing an organ.

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

Read more about MU Redesigns Organists and Ceremonies Rates
All news and features