§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to increase international protection for big leaf mahogany; and if he will ban its import. [75301]
§ Mr. MealeAll populations in the Americas of Big-leaf mahogany(Swietenia macrophylla) are already listed on Appendix III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and Annex C of the EC Wildlife Trade Regulation, which implements CITES within the European Union. Imports of Big-leaf mahogany therefore require an export permit or certificate issued by the country of origin before they can enter the EU. In addition, the importer has to provide a notification form. By this close monitoring, the EU aims to ensure that international trade remains at sustainable levels.