Chiff and Fipple Forums

Need to know, thanks

Well, I reckon cocus must be protected. It's
exactly the endangered wood CITES is
meant to protect. I've checked online but can't
confirm, but it makes sense to assume it's
protected.

I couldn't find brya ebenus on https://www.cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php, so I think it's clear.

No, not on the CITES list of restricted woods. Good to go for international sale.

Thanks

Cocus is not on the list. However, a problem may occur if a flute is sent in Cocus or similar wood (such as well aged and oxidized Mopane) is mistaken for a Rosewood. Thus it is important to mention the wood species on the export documentation. For Mopane I state "Mopane (Colosphernum mopane)". So far I haven't had any problems, but the potential for misidentification is there.

Casey

Yes, the fact that a flute is exempt from duty is no guarantee that it won't be charged
a hefty duty. Getting the money back is much good fun. Musical instruments over 100 years old are exempt. Imagine trying to prove to the government, after they've mistakenly charged duty,
that the flute was over 100 years old.

jim stone wrote:Yes, the fact that a flute is exempt from duty is no guarantee that it won't be charged
a hefty duty. Getting the money back is much good fun. Musical instruments over 100 years old are exempt. Imagine trying to prove to the government, after they've mistakenly charged duty,
that the flute was over 100 years old.

Duty has nothing to do with CITES. CITES affects whether a material can even be shipped or carried across borders. Restricted material without offsetting documentation is subject to impound & destruction without recompense.

As you have heard under the other postings cocus is not a restricted under Cites II. But do make sure the seller lists the wood species on the import documentation, or if you are the seller do the same. Years ago I purchased a cocus R&C that was clearly cocus to my eye, but listed as Rosewood by the seller. Pre Cites II such mislabeling didn't matter, but now it does, (though the antique status of that flute would make either OK). If it is an antique get an estimate of the year range made as well if you can. Also don't be surprised if there is a delay in shipping. I had 2 day shipping on a new concertina that sat in Memphis for 4 days clearing customs even with a detailed listing of the woods used in construction, and I just received a brass whistle from Spain that took close to two weeks to get to my door. Things seem to be moving slower these days. U.S. Fish and Wildlife is responsible for checking to see if the wood matches the description. And in the case of my concertina, I do believe it was opened and inspected.

Thanks Kevin. I was sleepy, and I have been dealing with a double whammy--a flute that might be charged a hefty duty and also be thought to violate CITES, though it turns out to be exempt on both fronts. What I was dimly gesturing at was the general fallibility of the people who make either of these judgments. I really went through the mill with an Olwell flute sent me from England--I did manage to get the duty refunded, but, oh my....dealing with these bureaucracies.... And it went on for a long time. I do take the point that, on both of these fronts, an ounce of prevention may be worth a pound of cure. Thanks to all.

Jim, BTW, regarding your 2nd post at the top of the thread, as I understand it there is no issue with brya ebenus being endangered - by all accounts Jamaican Rain Tree is in adequate health as a species. The problems are with there being any larger specimens to produce work-viable timber. That's why Cuba controls the timber. Mature trees have long been largely logged out. But unlike some of the other valued hardwoods which only grow in large tree form and are therefore endangered by logging, the JRT is quite happy in shrub and hedge form and apparently is common thus in Jamaica and Cuba etc. You can quite readily buy seedlings or seeds, I believe, as it is used for bonsai and other decorative plantings.

Ah! That's good news. I had thought the stuff had
been overused to near extinction. This explains, I reckon,
why it isn't being protected.

jemtheflute wrote:JYou can quite readily buy seedlings or seeds, I believe, as it is used for bonsai and other decorative plantings.

And can be used for tiny, high-pitched flutes?

Best wishes.

Steve

Steve Bliven wrote:

jemtheflute wrote:JYou can quite readily buy seedlings or seeds, I believe, as it is used for bonsai and other decorative plantings.

And can be used for tiny, high-pitched flutes?

Best wishes.

Steve

... or bonsai bansurai.