Implementation of Revised Lacey Act Provisions (Phase VII)

Agriculture Specialist John Taylor inspects shipments containing wood packaging material (WPM) for the presence of live wood boring insect larvae as he and team members of the National Agriculture Cargo Targeting Unit search imports at the Port of Baltimore in Baltimore, MD.  Photo by Glenn Fawcett

The US Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has released the enforcement schedule for Phase VII of the Lacey Act implementation, set to commence on December 1, 2024. This phase mandates declarations for all remaining plant product HTS codes that are not entirely composite materials, encompassing various imported products such as furniture, additional essential oils, and cork, which were previously exempt from Lacey Act declarations. Furthermore, this phase encompasses a diverse array of items, including industrial or medicinal plants, handbags, plywood, laminated wood, tools, matches with natural wood stems, products made from natural cork, bamboo and rattan products, and footwear.

APHIS encourages public commentary until July 30th, 2024, regarding the products included in this phase and the potential addition of further Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) chapters to the current phase-in schedule. Any additions to Phase VII will be announced with at least 6 months' notice to ensure affected parties and industries can adequately adjust to the new requirements.

To review the complete Federal Registry notice or submit formal comments, please visit https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2024-11901.