CITES and Antique Furniture: What Collectors Need to Know

The world of antique furniture and decorative arts is full of rare and beautiful materials — from exotic woods such as rosewood, kingwood, and calamander to inlays of ivory, tortoiseshell, and mother-of-pearl. Yet many of these materials are now tightly regulated under international law to protect endangered species. The most important framework governing this trade is CITES — the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

What is CITES?

CITES is an international agreement, signed in 1973 and now ratified by over 180 countries, that regulates the trade of endangered animals, plants, and their derivatives. It divides species into three “Appendices” depending on the level of protection required:

• Appendix I: the most endangered species, such as elephant ivory and hawksbill turtle shell. Trade is heavily restricted.

• Appendix II: species not necessarily threatened with extinction but where trade must be controlled, such as rosewoods (Dalbergia species) and mahogany (Swietenia species).

• Appendix III: species protected in at least one country that requires international cooperation.

For antiques, this framework means that the use, sale, and — most importantly — the export or import of objects containing such materials may require licences and permits.

Why is CITES Relevant for Antique Furniture?

Many of the timbers and materials beloved of 18th- and 19th-century cabinetmakers now fall under CITES. Examples include:

• Rosewoods (Dalbergia) – including Brazilian rosewood, kingwood, and tulipwood, used in Georgian and Regency marquetry and veneers.

• Mahogany (Swietenia) – the classic timber of Georgian England, now tightly monitored.

• Ivory – common in inlay, key escutcheons, and miniature carvings.

• Tortoiseshell – especially in Boulle marquetry and small boxes.

• Ebony – widely used in veneers and stringing.

While these materials were used legitimately centuries ago, the protection of endangered species today means that their modern circulation must be carefully monitored.

Exemptions for Antiques

CITES recognises that antique objects are not contributing to the modern exploitation of endangered species. As such, many jurisdictions — including the UK, EU, and US — have exemptions for items made and acquired before certain cut-off dates (often 1947 for EU/UK legislation). However, these exemptions are not automatic: proof of age and authenticity may be required, and paperwork must accompany cross-border movement.

For example, exporting an 18th-century bureau veneered with Brazilian rosewood to the United States requires a CITES re-export certificate, even though the furniture is centuries old.

Advice for Collectors and Designers

1. Know what materials are in your piece. Dealers and auction houses should identify woods and inlays correctly.

2. Check whether permits are needed. Domestic sales may be unrestricted, but export or import almost always requires CITES paperwork.

3. Work with experienced dealers. At Nicholas Wells Antiques, we are accustomed to handling these requirements and can guide clients through licensing, provenance, and shipping.

4. Value the heritage. CITES ensures that the treasures of the past can still be appreciated, while safeguarding natural resources for the future.

Conclusion

For collectors, interior designers, and museums, CITES is not a barrier but a framework. It reassures us that when we admire a Chippendale armchair with rosewood inlay or a Regency work table veneered in tulipwood, we are celebrating craftsmanship of the past in a way that respects and protects endangered species today. With expert guidance and the correct paperwork, antique furniture and works of art continue to move across borders legally, safely, and sustainably.

CITES & Antiques: Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a CITES permit to buy an antique?
Not usually if you’re buying and keeping it within the same country. The rules mainly apply when exporting or importing antiques across borders.

What materials are covered by CITES?
Many exotic woods and natural materials, including:

• Rosewood (Dalbergia species, including Brazilian rosewood, kingwood, tulipwood)

• Mahogany (Swietenia species)

• Ebony (Diospyros species)

• Ivory (elephant)

• Tortoiseshell (hawksbill turtle)

Are antiques exempt?
Yes — most antiques are exempt if they were made and acquired before a set cut-off date (often 1947 in the UK/EU). However, you must be able to prove age and authenticity.

When is a permit needed?
If you are exporting or importing an antique containing CITES-listed material, you will need the appropriate paperwork (such as a re-export certificate).

Who handles the permits?
Specialist dealers like Nicholas Wells Antiques can guide clients through the process, ensuring all paperwork is correct for safe, legal shipping worldwide.

Why does this matter?
CITES protects endangered species today while allowing collectors and museums to continue appreciating antiques that were made centuries ago.