skip to main content

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

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

A person at a lectern speaking to a room of people in the background out of focus. In the foreground a sign says

UK Music Launches Our BBC, Our Music Campaign

The campaign, led by UK Music and backed by the music industry, calls on Government to protect and strengthen music’s place at the heart of the BBC and deliver a sustainable funding model for generations to come.

Published: 27 October 2026

Read more about UK Music Launches Our BBC, Our Music Campaign
Naomi sat on stage with Allistair Elliott (Canada) and Juho Viljanen (Finland) during the panel event.

MU General Secretary Opens FIM International Freelance Conference 2026

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl opened the FIM International Freelance Conference in Brighton, hosted by the Musicians' Union, welcoming delegates from around the world and highlighting the opportunities and challenges facing freelance musicians today.

Published: 23 October 2026

Read more about MU General Secretary Opens FIM International Freelance Conference 2026
The five panellists sat on stage, in purple lighting, with FIM logo behind them.

International Delegates Gather for Day One of FIM Freelance Conference

Delegates at FIM's International Freelance Conference explored collective bargaining, organising freelance musicians and tackling discrimination, sharing international perspectives on improving working conditions and building a fairer, more inclusive music industry.

Published: 23 October 2026

Read more about International Delegates Gather for Day One of FIM Freelance Conference