I Mahogany really on the CITES list?

[Quickstep192]

I heard that mahogany is now on the CITES list. Is this really true?

Since most guitars have mahogany necks, it seems unrealistic to think that a person will be held up at customs with a mahogany necked guitar.

Or, am I completely off base?

[Rodger Knox]

Yes, some species of mahogany have been added to Appendix II.

Here's that last thread about CITES.
http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=490343

[Shuksan]

to quote from another previous thread:

"Mahogany is listed on CITES Appendix II. See USF&WS web page: https://www.fws.gov/international/plants/mahogany.html

Also, the Appendix II listing only applies to mahogany from the "neotropics" which include Central and South America tropical regions. It doesn't apply to mahogany or other species called mahogany from other locations. From the above web page: "The listing of bigleaf mahogany includes only populations in the Neotropics. Therefore, bigleaf mahogany grown on plantations outside of the Neotropics is not regulated under CITES. Today most plantations are located in Indonesia and Fiji."

As I understand it, the restrictions on the mahogany from the neotropics apply to import/export for commercial purposes, not for personal use.

Regarding your concern about carrying a mahogany neck guitar through customs, I think the following applies (also from USF&WS):

 Personal or Household Effects:
The United States recognizes the
CITES personal and household effects
exemption for wildlife and plants, or
their parts and products, when the
import or export is part of a household
move or accompanying the owner and
intended for personal use (does not
include specimens mailed or shipped
separately). This applies only under
the following conditions:
 Appendix-II and -III specimens
may be imported and exported without
CITES documents, provided the
foreign country does not require a
CITES permit.

[John Arnold]

I heard that mahogany is now on the CITES list.

Bigleaf (Honduran) mahogany has been on the CITES Appendix II list since 1995. That is when the price started shooting up.

[peter.coombe]

Mahogany certainly is on CITES Appendix II, but unlike the rosewood listing, finished items are exempt. Raw wood such as logs, sawn planks, guitar sets, etc are included. So a mahogany neck on a finished guitar is no problem.