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I am once again stricken by the dreaded wood acquisition syndrome and am looking at a large block of Honduras Mahogany offered by a private party in Canada. What do I/they need in order for me to drive it across the border or for them to send it to me. Is it possible or is the cost and regulation prohibitive?
Craig

I believe you'd have difficulty due to CITES getting it across the border. As far as I know, it can't be shipped across the border in raw wood format.

I know Josh House at Canadian Lutherie Supply brings mahogany into Canada from Hibdon Hardwoods. You could probably talk to either of those 2 parties to figure out what you need to do.

Steve

Ed, lumber is not raw wood, logs are. I have had H mahogany lumber shipped to me from Philly area to Windsor with Bill of Lading stating it is H Mahogany with no problems.

Bob

From Thompsons?

Regarding CITES requirements, http://www.cites.org is your golden reference and you can search species directly on the database at http://www.speciesplus.net/.

Honduran mahogony (Swietenia macrophylla) has been on Appendix II since 2003, restricting export and re-export of "logs, sawn wood, veneer sheets and plywood". Legally crossing the border to the US requires CITES paperwork issued by Canada -- probably not something you want to do for a single piece.

Re-export permit exemptions for Appendix II species MAY be available for "personal effects and tourist souvenirs". This area is tricky, but covered by https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/res/13/E-Res-13-07R16.pdf Since the quantity is small, I would think you can expect this exemption to apply if your bring the piece across the border in your personal baggage, but I won't accept responsiblity if you hit a snag.

This block is rather large, 44" x 19" x 4". Perhaps it is too much trouble for me. I will look into what's required to get a permit. If I choose to pass on it may be of interest to some of our Canadian members.

As well, you have the Lacey Act to deal with at the US end...

Sounds like it's not worth it for me, but might be good for one of our Canadian members.
Here's the link to the craigslist ad. The seller is near lake Huron but travels often to Toronto.
http://toronto.craigslist.ca/tor/mat/5185703080.html

Did you see it in person, or just the ad?

Just the ad, but he emailed me pictures too showing the end grain

Buying wood is always a risk...

I'll just chime and and say that yes you would need CITES permits to move a chunk of wood like this across international boarders. And from my experience the cost would not be worth it in this case. And it is the exporter that would have to provide the paperwork on the Canadian side, including a paper trail back to when the wood was harvested. My guess is the seller would not be interested in doing this. If the Mahogany is in a finished form (guitar, table, etc) than no permit is required.

As other have said buying wood like this is risky. I'd never buy wood like this without seeing detailed pictures from every angle. Or as your were planning to go look at it in person.

_________________
Josh House

Canadian Luthier Supply
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House Guitars - Custom Built Acoustic Instruments.
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He acquired the wood years ago in Jamaica and has no paperwork. I will try to post a few pictures but am sure that he would send some more if requested.

Put some legs on it and call it a coffee table. It is legal to import finished goods made of mahogany. You will still have to deal with any possible import duties on a coffee table. I'm not a lawyer so take what I suggest with a grain of salt.

Would just like to thank Craig G for this post.
I had a hockey tournament close to where this wood was located and the gentleman generously drove an hours time to let me look at it.
From a beginners eye it all looks fine, 3 pieces in all that look and smell the part.
It seems really light weight, but then again he said he purchased it in 1973 while in Jamaica.
$250 cdn for all three pieces; didn't think I could go wrong.

My 8yo son is hiding behind the larger piece for perspective, well really he was just annoying me but it worked .
Thanks again Craig.

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Wake up and smell the rosewood!

Congratulations on the great buy Gregorio! I'm glad that someone was able to snatch it up. Build ho!