Wednesday, May 21, 2009 – 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. EDT

Last year’s Farm Bill recently required more detailed customs declarations for imported wood products as a way of combating illegal logging in foreign countries. Congress originally specified that enforcement of the declarations requirement would begin last December. However, the federal agencies overseeing enforcement concluded that they were not prepared to collect and process Lacey Act declarations electronically.

U.S. authorities now plan for an implementation timetable that will stretch into next year. Furniture falls in the fourth grouping of products requiring declarations beginning April 1, 2010, while declarations for imports of particleboard and plywood will be required beginning October 1, 2009. The staging is based on the rationale that importers of more complex, highly processed wood products need additional time to develop reliable declarations. In preparation for that deadline, you will need to gain familiarity with interactive reporting software being developed by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and with the factors that could “flag” a shipment for inspection.

Presented by:
Brigid Shea
Director of Government Affairs
International Wood Products Association (IWPA)
Elizabeth Baldwin
President of Compliance Specialists
International Wood Products Association (IWPA)
Jon Kent
Partner at Kent & O'Connor
Board Member for National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association
Russell Batson
Vice President of Government Affairs
American Home Furnishings Alliance

VIEW WEBINAR / Download Podcast

The Lacey Act: Implications for the Industry
Brigid Shea – View PDF

A Quick Look at Lacey Due Diligence Actions
Elizabeth Baldwin – View PDF

Complying with the Lacey Act: A Real-World Guide
Elizabeth Baldwin – View PDF