The CITES FAQs drawn up by LCB and ATIBT have recently been updated to include the new obligations concerning trade in South American species, Ipé and Cumaru. These two species, which are highly prized in the timber industry, will be subject to stricter regulations from 25 November 2024, following their listing in Appendix II of the CITES Convention.
CITES Appendix II includes species whose trade, while allowed, must be strictly controlled to avoid them becoming threatened with extinction. From now on, exporting and importing companies will have to obtain export permits and, in the case of companies trading with the European Union, import permits.
Key Points of the FAQ Update
The updated FAQ answers the most frequently asked questions from stakeholders in the sector, clarifying the administrative procedures to follow, the required documents, and the transitional measures for South American wood (ipe and cumaru) harvested before the new regulations take effect. A clear distinction is made between wood harvested before and after November 25, 2024, the date of the new rules' implementation.
Pre-Convention vs. Post-Convention Wood: What Are the Differences?
Pre-convention wood refers to wood felled before November 25, 2024, and traded after November 25, 2024. For its import, only an export permit or a re-export certificate mentioning the source code "O/W" is required.
Post-convention wood, on the other hand, refers to wood cut after November 25, 2024. Its importation will require a CITES export permit or a re-export certificate and an import permit.
Steps for Importing Ipe and Cumaru into France
For Pre-Convention Wood (harvested before November 25, 2024, and traded after this date):
To determine the shipping date, the authorities will rely on the "bill of lading."
Registration on the i-CITES Application:
You must first register on the i-CITES application to obtain a personal ID and password.
The i-CITES application is used to complete the necessary import notifications and permits.
Required Documentation:
Proof of Pre-Convention Harvesting: You must provide documentary evidence that the wood was harvested before the regulation's implementation date (for ipe and cumaru, before November 25, 2024). These documents may include logging certificates.
CITES Export Permit: If the wood is shipped after being listed in Annex B of the EU, even if it is pre-convention, an export permit may be required (documentary evidence such as the bill of lading).
Submission and Validation of Documents:
Import notifications must be completed online via the i-CITES application, then printed and presented to customs offices at the EU entry point for validation.
Customs Control and Clearance:
Present all required documents (import notifications, export permits, proof of harvesting) to the customs office for control and clearance.
Customs will check that the documents are in order and that the wood is indeed pre-convention.
Useful Resources:
General Directorate of Customs and Indirect Taxes Portal
Service-Public.fr for CITES procedures
i-CITES Application
For Post-Convention Wood (Ipe and Cumaru) in France:
Harvested after November 25, 2024, and traded from November 25, 2024, to determine the shipping date, the authorities will rely on the "bill of lading."
Registration on the i-CITES Application:
You must first register on the i-CITES application to obtain a personal ID and password.
The i-CITES application is used to complete the necessary import notifications and permits.
Required Documentation:
CITES Export Permit: You must obtain a CITES export permit issued by the competent authority of the exporting country. Ensure all the information indicated on the permit (scientific name and common name of the species, quota, origin of the wood, etc.) is correct.
CITES Import Permit: You must also obtain a CITES import permit issued by the DREAL (Regional Directorate for Environment, Development, and Housing) in France.
Scientific Opinion: A scientific opinion from the exporting country (Non-Detriment Finding) may be required for the issuance of the export permit.
Other Documents: An approved management plan by the authorities of the country of origin (ensuring the species is mentioned in the plan), a copy of the certificate of origin or equivalent document, and any document attesting to the sustainable origin of the wood.
Submission and Validation of Documents:
Complete the import notifications online via the i-CITES application, then print them to present to the customs offices at the EU entry point for validation.
Obtain the necessary CITES permits from the DREAL well in advance.
Customs Control and Clearance:
Present all required documents (import notifications, export permits, import permits) to the customs office for control and clearance.
Customs will check that the documents are in order and that the wood complies with post-convention regulations.
Useful Resources:
General Directorate of Customs and Indirect Taxes Portal
Service-Public.fr for CITES procedures
i-CITES Application
LCB and ATIBT are working closely with the competent authorities to facilitate the transition to these new regulations. Their goal is to support businesses in ensuring full compliance while preserving the commercial opportunities associated with ipe and cumaru. These initiatives also aim to combat the stigma that sometimes surrounds the trade of these species, reminding that their exploitation remains authorized under certain conditions.
