Next Phase of Lacey Act Declaration Enforcement Slated to Begin April 1

(World Trade Interactive)

The next phase of enforcement of the import declaration requirement under the Lacey Act is slated to begin April 1.

Under the amendments to the Lacey Act that included in the 2008 Farm Bill, imports of certain plants and plant products must be accompanied by an import declaration that contains, among other things, the scientific name of the plant, the value of the importation, the quantity of the plant and the name of the country from where the plant was harvested. For paper and paperboard products containing recycled content, the declaration also must include the average percent of recycled content without regard for species or country of harvest.

The import declaration requirement currently applies to items classified under HTSUS headings 4402 (wood charcoal); 4412 (plywood, veneered panels), except 4412.99.06 and 4412.99.57; 4414 (wooden frames); 4419 (tableware and kitchenware); and 4420 (wood marquetry, caskets, statuettes).

Beginning April 1, this requirement will be expanded to include items classified under the following HTSUS headings.

• 4421 (other articles of wood)
• 6602 (walking sticks, whips, crops)
• 8201 (hand tools)
• 9201 (pianos)
• 9202 (other stringed instruments)
• 9302 (revolvers and pistols)
• 9305.10.20 (parts and accessories for revolvers and pistols)
• 9401.69 (seats with wood frames)
• 9504.20 (articles and accessories for billiards)
• 9703 (sculptures)

USDA has previously stated that for any future enforcement phases it intends to provide at least six months’ notice to affected persons and industries to facilitate compliance. Last fall USDA indicated that the next phase would begin no earlier than Sept. 1.