It will discuss the impact of new European Commission guidance on the selling of antiques that include the parts of endangered species.
The speaker at the Royal Thames Yacht Club in Knightsbridge is Kim McDonald whose firm Taxidermy Law provides specialist advice to a number of auction houses.
As reported by ATG in June, new European Commission guidance on the application of the "worked specimens" derogation - that has traditionally exempted most antiques from controls on the trade in endangered species - was quietly issued to CITES Management Authorities on May 9.
Although no trade bodies were alerted, the changes amounted to a fresh interpretation of the law and a volte face on a raft of items previously considered "worked". Many items are now effectively banned or require licences from DEFRA before they can be sold.
The seminar (scheduled from 12.30-4.30pm including a sandwich lunch) will be offered to SOFAA members first at £20 and then to non members at £50 if numbers allow.
Contact: chairman@sofaa.org
SOFAA Changes
Meanwhile, Halls' fine art director Jeremy Lamond is among the new-look committee of The Society of Fine Art Auctioneers (SOFAA).
After the latest changes the committee line-up is now:
Chairman - Helen Carless of Lawrences, Crewkerne.
Committee - South-West-based valuer Robin Barlow; Chris Ewbank of Surrey saleroom Ewbank's; Jeremy Lamond of Halls; Jonathan Pratt of Bellmans in Sussex; Guy Schooling of Sworders in Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex; and Clive Stewart-Lockhart of Salisbury's Woolley & Wallis.
Secretary - Robbie Barry.
The next meeting is at the Royal Thames Yacht Club, London on September 2.
