The Lacey Act contains new amendments that require manufacturers and importers of wood and plant products to ensure their products received are legal. This includes unfinished and finished products like wood flooring, cabinetry and even finished boats. Some products won’t be able to be imported into the United States without an “import declaration.”

The Lacey Act combats trafficking in illegal wildlife, fish and plants. Products covered by the Lacey Act include any illegally harvested wood and products made from that wood, including furniture, flooring, plywood and cabinetry. But the amendments go beyond typical wood products to include wild plants or plant products, and any plant listed as an endangered species.

These amendments allow the U.S. government to impose civil or criminal fines on individuals or companies that import illegally harvested wood and other wild plant products into the United States. You can go to jail if convicted, or the illegal products can be subject to forfeiture.

To read the entire regulatory alert and find out how to comply, visit www.nmma.org.