U.S. SUPPORTS INTERNATIONAL EFFORT TO ENSURE SUSTAINABLE TRADE IN BIGLEAF MAHOGANY

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced, effective November 15, 2003, it is implementing new international permit requirements to regulate trade in neotropical bigleaf mahogany under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Valid CITES import and re-export permits are now required for logs, sawn wood, veneer sheets, and plywood. Permits are not needed for other parts, derivatives or products.

Last year the 160 CITES member nations decided to list the species on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to help ensure that harvest is legal and trade sustainable.