skip to main content

MU and Partners Release New Guide for Musicians With Pernambuco Bows

The guide provides tips and important information for owners in relation to the Control of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) permits.

Published: 02 June 2023 | 12:09 PM Updated: 05 June 2023 | 4:13 PM
Close up of hand on bow playing violin.
"It's important that we all do what we can to take an active part in the conservation of this important wood". Image credit: Shutterstock.

Music Industry bodies have joined forces to provide a guide for musicians to understand the outcome of the recent CITES Conference of the Parties (CoP) 19, held in Panama in November 2022.

It was decided at the CoP that Brazil’s proposal - to move its indigenous tree that produces the only wood in the world used for string instrument bow manufacture, from a CITES Appendix II listing to Appendix I - should not be agreed, however certain safeguarding provisions were put in place to ensure Pernambuco is protected in the future. What was agreed however, was that any Pernambuco or finished bows as a finished product leaving Brazil for the first time will require an export permit.

The International Federation of Musicians (FIM) and the League of American Orchestras in association with the MU and other organisations, have now produced this useful guide for musicians as to how they can protect themselves and their bows when moving and working around the globe.

A really useful guide for members with Pernambuco bows

Dave Webster MU Head of International says:

“This is a really useful guide for members with Pernambuco bows. Following our successful campaign to keep Pernambuco on CITES Appendix II, it's important that we all do what we can to ensure that it stays that way, and that we take an active part in the conservation of this important wood. Our thanks to FIM and the League of American Orchestras in producing this guide”.

Get support as a musician working overseas

The MU helps musicians with many aspects of working overseas - from everything on touring in Europe, visa issues for working in US, to travelling with musical instruments.

Get support as a musician working overseas

Continue reading

The UK and EU flags, waved together in front of Big Ben in London.

MU Backs Petition Urging UK to Rejoin Creative Europe Programme

The EU/UK Culture Forum has launched a petition calling on the UK Government to rejoin Creative Europe from 2027. The programme supports funding and cultural collaboration across Europe, and the MU is encouraging members to sign and show their support.

Published: 26 February 2026

Read more about MU Backs Petition Urging UK to Rejoin Creative Europe Programme
A crowd with their hands raised at a music festival.

MU to Attend FOCUS Wales 2026 in Wrexham

Taking place from 7-9 May, FOCUS Wales is an international showcase spotlighting over 250 artists and featuring industry sessions, arts events, film screenings and more. The MU will be hosting a series of coffee morning drop-in sessions, as well as an afternoon mixer event.

Published: 24 February 2026

Read more about MU to Attend FOCUS Wales 2026 in Wrexham
Empty music classroom with seats and sheet stands.

Changes to Enhanced AccessNI Disclosure Checks

From 17 February 2026, legislative changes in Northern Ireland allow self-employed musicians working with children and vulnerable adults to apply for an Enhanced AccessNI disclosure check through a registered Umbrella Body.

Published: 23 February 2026

Read more about Changes to Enhanced AccessNI Disclosure Checks