If you buy African hardwood, sooner or later you will need to understand CITES timber species. Order the wrong wood without the right permit and your container can be stopped at the port, seized, or sent back. We see it happen to buyers who worked with less careful suppliers, and it is always expensive.
The rules are not as complicated as they look. In this guide we explain which African woods are listed, what Appendix II really means for you as an importer, which documents you need and how we handle permits at Global Timber Trade Hub. This is practical guidance from an exporter, not legal advice, so always confirm the current rules with your own authorities.
In short
- CITES controls international trade in some threatened species, including timber.
- Most listed African timbers are in Appendix II: trade is allowed with a permit.
- Key listed species include African mahogany (Khaya), Padouk, Doussie, Afrormosia and Bubinga.
- The exporter needs a CITES export permit from the country of origin.
- Some importing countries, including the EU, also require an import permit.
- Always check the current CITES lists before you order: they change.
What is CITES?
CITES is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. It is an agreement between more than 180 countries. Its aim is simple: make sure international trade does not threaten the survival of wild species.
For timber, CITES does not ban most trade. It makes sure that what is exported has been harvested legally and sustainably, and that the trade is recorded.
The three CITES appendices
| Appendix | What it means | Timber examples |
|---|---|---|
| Appendix I | Commercial trade generally prohibited | Very few timbers, such as Brazilian rosewood |
| Appendix II | Trade allowed with an export permit showing it is legal and not harmful to the species | Most listed African timbers |
| Appendix III | Listed by one country that asks others for help in controlling trade | Some species listed by specific countries |
Almost all African timbers you are likely to buy that are listed fall under Appendix II.
Which African timbers are CITES listed?
The list changes over time, so treat this as a guide and always check the official CITES Checklist before ordering. At the time of writing, the African species we supply that are listed in Appendix II include:
| Trade name | Scientific name | Main uses |
|---|---|---|
| African mahogany (Khaya) | Khaya spp. | Furniture, joinery, boats |
| Padouk | Pterocarpus soyauxii | Decking, flooring, turning |
| Doussie (Afzelia) | Afzelia spp. | Decking, flooring, joinery |
| Afrormosia (Assamela) | Pericopsis elata | Furniture, boat building, flooring |
| Bubinga | Guibourtia spp. | Furniture, tabletops, instruments |
Species such as Sapele, Iroko, Azobe and Okoume are not CITES listed at the time of writing, but they still need legality documents under other rules.
Why were these species listed?
Most were listed because demand was high and populations in some areas were falling. Bubinga, for example, was listed after a surge in demand for large slabs. Listing does not mean the species is about to disappear. It means trade must now be checked so that it stays sustainable.
What does Appendix II mean for you as a buyer?
In practice, Appendix II means three things:
- The exporting country’s CITES authority must issue an export permit for each shipment.
- Before issuing it, the authority checks that the timber was obtained legally and that the export will not harm the species. This is called a non-detriment finding.
- Your country’s customs will check the permit on arrival, and some countries also require an import permit.
As long as the permit is valid and matches the shipment, CITES timber clears customs like any other timber.
Annotations: which products are covered?
Each listed timber species has an annotation that says which products are covered. For many African timbers, it covers logs, sawn wood, veneer sheets and plywood. Some annotations also cover finished products, while others exclude them.
This is why the product form matters. A permit for sawn timber may not cover a different product. When you ask us for a quote, we check the annotation for your species and product.
Documents you need for CITES timber
- CITES export permit from the country of origin, issued for the specific shipment;
- CITES import permit where your country requires it, for example in the European Union;
- commercial invoice and packing list matching the permit exactly;
- certificate of origin;
- phytosanitary certificate;
- legality and chain-of-custody documents for EUDR, UK Timber Regulation or Lacey Act due diligence.
Importing CITES timber into the EU
The EU applies CITES through its own Wildlife Trade Regulations. For most Appendix II timbers, you need an EU import permit from the CITES management authority in your member state before the timber arrives. The authority may ask to see a copy of the export permit when you apply. Apply early, as processing can take several weeks.
Importing CITES timber into the UK
Since leaving the EU, the UK runs its own CITES system through the Animal and Plant Health Agency. Rules are similar. Check whether an import permit is required for your species before shipment.
Importing CITES timber into the United States
In the US, CITES timber must enter through designated ports and be declared to the US Fish and Wildlife Service. You also need a Lacey Act declaration, as for all plant products. Your customs broker will guide you through the forms.
Other markets
China, the Middle East, India and other markets all apply CITES at the border. Requirements for import permits vary. Always ask your broker before the shipment leaves Africa, not after it arrives.
How we handle CITES permits
For every shipment of a listed species, we:
- source only from concessions with valid harvesting permits and quotas;
- apply for the CITES export permit with the national authority;
- make sure volumes, species names and product descriptions match the permit exactly;
- send you a copy of the permit before loading, so you can apply for any import permit;
- send the original with the shipping documents.
Our export process page shows where the permit fits in the timeline.
How long do CITES permits take?
Allow extra time for listed species. An export permit can take from one to four weeks, depending on the country and the time of year. If you also need an import permit, apply as soon as you have a copy of the export permit or a confirmed order. We plan permits into the delivery schedule from the start.
Does CITES make timber more expensive?
A little. Permit fees, extra paperwork and tighter quotas all add to the cost. That is one reason why Padouk, Doussie and Afrormosia sit at the higher end of our African hardwood prices. In return, you get timber with the strongest legal paper trail in the trade.
Non-listed alternatives
If your project cannot wait for permits, or you want to avoid the extra paperwork, these non-listed species can often replace listed ones:
- Instead of African mahogany: Sapele or Sipo. See our guide to Sapele vs mahogany.
- Instead of Doussie or Padouk for decking: Okan, Tali or Iroko. See the best hardwood for decking.
- Instead of Afrormosia: Iroko for outdoor work.
Common CITES mistakes to avoid
- Buying from a supplier who “does not need” a permit for a listed species. That timber is illegal to import.
- Permit and invoice not matching: species names, volumes and products must agree.
- Forgetting the import permit: in the EU, the timber can be held until you have it.
- Using old lists: CITES lists are updated at each Conference of the Parties.
CITES and the EU Deforestation Regulation
CITES and EUDR are separate rules. CITES covers listed species. EUDR covers all timber placed on the EU market, listed or not, and requires proof that it is legal and deforestation-free, with geolocation of the harvest area. A CITES permit helps your due diligence, but it does not replace it. Read more in our guide on how to import timber from Africa and on our sustainability page.
How to check that a CITES permit is genuine
Fake or reused permits do exist in the timber trade. Protect yourself with a few simple checks. The permit should carry the official stamp and signature of the exporting country’s CITES management authority, a unique permit number and a security stamp. The species, product, quantity and the names of exporter and importer must match your invoice and packing list. The permit must also be valid on the date of export. If you have any doubt, your national CITES authority can verify a permit with the issuing country before the shipment leaves.
How CITES lists change
CITES member countries meet at a Conference of the Parties, usually every three years. At each meeting, they can add species, move species between appendices or change annotations. Recent meetings have added several African timbers and adjusted annotations for others. Changes normally come into force about 90 days after the meeting. We follow these updates closely and tell our customers in advance when a species they buy is affected.
What happens if a shipment arrives without the right permit?
Customs can hold the container, refuse entry, seize the timber or fine the importer. Storage charges at the port add up quickly while the problem is sorted out. In many cases, a missing permit cannot be fixed after the timber has left Africa. That is why we never load a listed species before the export permit is issued.
Sources
Related guides
- How to import timber from Africa
- Sapele vs mahogany
- Best hardwood for decking
- African hardwood prices per m³
- Timber buying FAQ
Frequently asked questions about CITES timber species
Is it legal to buy CITES timber?
Yes. Appendix II timber can be traded legally with a valid CITES export permit, and an import permit where your country requires one.
Is Sapele CITES listed?
At the time of writing, Sapele is not listed in CITES. It still needs legality documents for EUDR, UK Timber Regulation or Lacey Act compliance.
Who applies for the CITES export permit?
The exporter applies to the CITES authority in the country of origin. We handle this for every listed shipment.
Is Bubinga still CITES listed?
Bubinga (Guibourtia) remains in Appendix II, but annotations have changed over time. We check the current annotation for every order.
Get a quote for CITES-documented timber
Tell us the species, product and volume through our quote form. We will confirm the permit route, lead time and price before you commit.