Yeah, depending on where you live, that can be a major consideration. The hassle of buying/importing is one thing, but the problems in the event of a return can be INSANE! I know, I've been there... Even if an item has been damaged during transport and is completely useless upon arrival it will still need a new CITES export and import license before it can be returned. And don't expect Thomann, or any other dealer, to be able to help you with obtaining a new CITES export permit for the return shipping. That process would probably be between you and some government agency in YOUR country. I expect there are differences in laws around the world but as a general rule I would say: Don't buy CITES from a dealer in a different country!!! (with some exceptions like between two countries within the EU).
If the instrument is old stock (or used) and was manufactured/imported pre-CITES it get even worse... good luck with providing the necessary "paper trail" for further import/export (like warranty repairs).
But why anyone would want to buy a NEW instrument containing CITES listed woods today is beyond me. Ok, if you NEVER need to cross borders for touring, studio work, etc, you'll be fine. But the instruments that still use rosewood are generally the more expensive ones, targetted at professionals. Why would a pro bass player want to buy a NEW instrument with CITES restrictions today? Just a lot of potential hassle. And even if you have the patience for all the paperwork involved to LEGALLY bring a CITES instrument across international borders... people make mistakes, it only takes ONE stupid customs officer to lose you precious instrument forever.
There are perfectly good alternatives to rosewood available. It's a shame that companies like Fender keep using rosewood for their more expensive series and replace it with Pau Ferro on the cheaper series. It creates the impression that Pau Ferro is of lesser quality. It isn't. Different? Sure, but the difference in sound is marginal. Far less than rosewood/maple IMO. And half the people around here don't even think rosewood vs maple has a significant difference. Plus, some would even argue that Pau Ferro sounds BETTER than rosewood.
Just buy CITES-free, problem solved. If that means ditching instruments from backwards thinking manufacturers that keep using endangered woods out of tradition, then so be it.
As for Thomann: Their customer service is above and beyond any other dealer I've ever used!! Truly excellent! They cover full return shipping for warranty repairs/replacements (and in some cases even cover the costs for you to get items repaired locally). On one occasion (warranty repair) they even covered UPS pickup for a oversized item, even though the item didn't originally cost more than around 400 EUR. I'm outside the EU so shipping both ways must have cost them considerably more than the profit of selling me the item in the first place. And that was not a unique experience, Thomann customer service is consistently excellent!
Just don't expect them to assist you with CITES if you need a warranty repair 2 years down the road... I'm sure they will do whatever they can to help but I don't think their customer service extends to applying for export permits from foreign environmental authorities.
