: Thanks for the warning Malcolm, I might try getting it in through
: the UK
: Simon

While I also subscribe to Malcolms warning, the devil might be not so black as painted;
First , UK, France, Italy are UE countries so there should be a similar approach of the customs to such import made under the same tarriff
CITES reffers to species of animals or plants protected by CITES against over-exploitation through international trade.
Course if importing wood as such you should be able to present a pest treatment certificate prior to boarding but as far as I know this dosn't reffers to WRC if you would import this.
You are actually importing a good that emerges through so called "substantial transformation" from more materials than only wood . The tariff heading for the kayak will not be the same with the one for wood or other materials that you use in building the kayak. I think the 4-th protocol reffers to this matter of "substantial transformation" So, the Customs should not make you any problems in this respect. You're not importing fresh cut wood, Nylon, paint sinew and so on, you import a kayak.
You might be asked to pay import duties while the product comes from the USA( 10to 16 % ? depends on the tarriff heading) .
Concerning tariff headings for EU please check this: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric/taric_consultation.jsp?Lang=it&Taric=&QuotaAuthorities=false&EndPub=&MeasText=&Area=&Regulation=&LangDescr=&MeasType=&SimDate=20120731&StartPub=&OrderNum=&GoodsText=&ContextPath=&Level=&Expand=false
But, you made this kayak by yourself (even when under supervision of Brian) so it should not be considered as an industrial product or product manufactured for purpose of further sale. Further more you might use it in the States and be able to provide evidence that it is a used boat.
I also am sure you can find LTL Companies that "collect" goods with destination Italy( I live in Romania and had once an offer from east coast of USA to Genoa but prefered Hamburg for shorter time ) I received a few times goods from my relatives from California and Vancouver this way. It takes a time but my brother sent even a Subaru Forester this way : )
wish you good luck and let us know how you solved , might be of interest for others .

Cheers,
bg