Thursday, January 21, 2010

Laurence Lasoff

The Lacey Act Amendments of 2008 have imposed a number of new requirements on importers of plant and plant products, including importers of wood and wood products. Few industries have been as affected by these new requirements as the wooden furniture manufacturing and distribution industries. Importers of wood and wood products must now take steps to ensure that the materials or finished products they purchase are not produced in violation of any laws (domestic or foreign) intended to address the illegal sourcing of plant or plant products. Certain products are also subject to, or will soon be subject to, burdensome declaration requirements. A company that violates these laws and the regulatory requirements could face both civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance.

The requirements implementing the new law are evolving, as the relevant enforcement agencies attempt to balance the broad statutory requirements of the amendments with what is practical from a business perspective. Despite the current regulatory uncertainties, however, enforcement is already beginning to take place as reflected, for example, in the recent raid against Gibson Guitar Corporation's manufacturing facility.

Mr. Lasoff presents an up-to-date general overview of the legal and regulatory requirements of the new amendments with additional emphasis on how these requirements might specifically relate to AHFA members.

Presented by: Laurence J. Lasoff
Partner – Kelley Drye & Warren
He is a partner in the firm's Washington, D.C. office and has nearly three decades of experience helping clients navigate the complex regulatory hurdles of international trade and customs.

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