Understanding the Lacey Act

In 2008, the Lacey Act was amended by the U.S. Congress so as to greatly expand its role in environmental regulation. The increased influence of the Lacey Act is primarily a result of passage of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 that added provisions pertaining to importation of plant and animal products, including wood products. For firms involved in importation, processing, or sale of products made of wood obtained outside of the U.S. or Canada the changes are profound. This report discusses the Lacey Act, its amendments, and implications for companies involved in the trade and importation of wood and wood products.

Note: The report was updated on November 27, 2013 to better address the role certification programs can serve in compliance systems.  Changes were made to the top of page 9 and the footnote on the same page.