What is CITES and how will it affect builders?
If you work with tropical hardwoods like Ipe and Cumaru, there are some important changes on the horizon that you'll want to be aware of.
Starting November 25, 2024, both of these timber species will be newly listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). CITES is an international agreement that regulates the global wildlife trade to ensure it doesn't threaten the survival of plants and animals.
An Appendix II listing indicates that Ipe and Cumaru may become threatened with extinction if their trade isn't properly monitored and controlled.
A Little about Ipe and Cumaru
Ipe (Handroanthus spp., Roseodendron spp. and Tabebuia spp.) - also known as Brazilian walnut or lapacho - is prized for its extreme durability, hardness, and weather resistance, making it a top choice for outdoor projects like decks and wood siding. Cumaru (Dipteryx spp.), often called shihuahuaco or tonka, is another Amazonian hardwood with similar desirable properties.
What will CITES do?
As the largest exporter of both Ipe and Cumaru, Brazil will be implementing new CITES measures starting November 25, 2024:
1. Pre-Convention Certificates
For timber harvested before November 24, 2024, Brazil will issue these certificates if the wood was sourced from Sustainable Forest Management areas.
2. CITES Export Permits
For anything harvested on or after the 25th, Brazil will only grant CITES permits if the trade is deemed non-detrimental to the species' survival and the legality of the shipment is confirmed.
So what does this mean for deck builders and contractors?
If you build with Ipe or Cumaru regularly or have a project coming up, you'll need to work closely with your suppliers to ensure they are getting the proper paperwork for any shipments arriving after the new CITES regulations take effect. Receiving lumber without the right certificates could mean delays or issues at customs, which delay your project for weeks or months.
Luckily, TimberTown's importers have been doing this for decades and preparing for this transition for the last 18 months. If you have a large project needing delivery in late November, let us know so we can make sure the product arrives on time and ready for delivery.
