On 16 December 2021 the European Commission adopted a revised Guidance Document on the EU regime governing trade in ivory, replacing the “Guidance on the EU regime governing intra-EU trade and re-export of ivory” document adopted in May 2017.

Following the adoption of the revised Guidance document, the Commission received a number of comments and questions from the musical instruments sector regarding its interpretation.

The CITES Expert Group composed of DG Environment and the CITES Management Authorities of the EU Member States have therefore developed an informal Q&A document which you will find attached to the message.

We much hope that this document will help you to better understand and apply the new rules.