As the enforcement deadline approaches, importers must familiarize themselves with the new declaration requirements to ensure compliance.
Starting December 1, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will implement new Lacey Act declaration requirements for specific imported plant and wood products.
This will affect U.S. importers handling furniture, cork products, certain essential oils, and other plant-derived goods.
Phase VII of the Lacey Act broadens the scope of import declarations to cover an extensive range of plant product categories that previously did not require reporting.
It specifically mandates import declarations for all Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes involving plant products that are not made entirely of composite materials.
The Lacey Act, established in 1900, addresses the trafficking of illegally obtained wildlife, fish, and plants. In 2008, the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act modified the Lacey Act, mandating that importers provide a declaration upon importing specific plants and plant products.
First implemented on April 1, 2009, APHIS maintains the declaration requirement to protect the health and value of U.S. agriculture and natural resources.
As regulatory measures advance, APHIS constantly works to improve sustainable trade practices and support legal trade in plant-based products.
You will need to file a Lacey Act declaration if all of the following apply to your product or shipment:
You will need to provide the following data on your declaration form:
The importer of record or their agent can file the declaration using one of these options:
As an importer, here is what you can do to ensure compliance with the new requirements:
If you need more information or help completing your declaration form, please reach out to one of our trade professionals.