Since last week was taking a quick look on the impact of Lacey and illegal logging around the world, I thought this week it was good to catch you up on what’s new with Lacey here at home.
Again, a shout out to APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) for providing more and more information and tools about Lacey on their website. Make sure you are using the most current declaration form (I’ve seen many companies making filings using very old versions). Also, check out check their special designation options and species look up system.
These tools will be very much in demand as they are adding up to 20 new tariff lines.
These tools will be very much in demand as they are adding up to 20 new tariff lines that will require Lacey Act import declaration upon entry. These should go in effect from late summer and include quite a few types of furniture as well as wood used by the wine/whiskey industries. Other items are also being added—if you handle more than flooring, check it out.
But most importantly, have you looked into LAWGS?
LAWGS is the “Lacey Act Web Governance System.” It allows importers to file their declarations online—and you can save templates for regular shipments. APHIS is clear that this “tool does not replace the Automated Broker Interface process currently used by the vast majority of importers to file Lacey Act declarations electronically.” It’s designed, for the moment, to stop the flow of paper copies, but it is going to be an option for users to save broker filing fees and ensure accuracy. If you’re sending in paper, click on LAWGS.
