Ipe and Cumaru: What Architects and Builders Need to Know
Effective November 25, 2024, significant changes are coming for Ipe and Cumaru wood sourcing in the USA.
In light of the upcoming changes to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix II listing, we want to provide you with essential information regarding Ipe (Handroanthus spp.) and Cumaru (Dipteryx spp.) wood.
Why the Change?
Ipe and Cumaru are being added to CITES Appendix II due to concerns about over-harvesting and illegal logging. These practices threaten the long-term survival of these species and their ecosystems. The goal is to ensure that any international trade involving these woods is sustainable and legal.
What is CITES?
CITES is an international agreement between governments to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Appendix II includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but for which trade must be controlled to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival.
What does this mean for you?
Starting November 25, 2024, all imports of Ipe and Cumaru into the United States will require CITES documentation. This means that suppliers and importers will need to demonstrate that their wood was sourced legally and sustainably.
Important Considerations
- If Ipe and Cumaru do not have the correct CITES documentation, it could be confiscated upon import into the United States.
- This could cause delays in the supply chain, costing time and money.
- Companies found importing Ipe and Cumaru without proper documentation could be subject to fines or other penalties.
Additional Factors
Along with CITES uncertainty, port strikes in Brazil are affecting the availability of Ipe and Cumaru as well. Shipments are being delayed, and there is a potential for increased prices due to supply chain disruptions.
What should you do?
- If you are using Brazilian hardwoods within the next couple of months, double check that the product is on the ground in the US right now.
- If you are currently specifying or quoting Brazilian hardwoods for a project, be aware that pricing could become volatile as imports are delayed and importers get penalized or shut down completely.
- If a sustainable alternative to Ipe can be used, consider it. Kebony is a great place to start!