Increasingly manufacturers who use exotic woods are turning to woods from certified and audited forests which come with certification from the FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) or similar body. The rules for the FSC are complex and involve chains of custody etc and add a little to the price of the wood.

If, as is happening, makers of kitchen woodware (for example) are moving to FSC woods (and using it as a marketing tool) I don't see why instrument makers shouldn't do the same. On an expensive instrument it will add very little to the cost.

When I use exotics for puzzles I now use FSC woods and indeed my local timber yard (John Boddy's at Boroughbridge) is moving to a system where ALL woods they offer will be certified.

ALl the best

Steve