What is the Lacey Act and Why It Matters for Wood Product Exporters to the USA
As a freight forwarder with years of experience handling wood shipments to the United States, I’ve seen how one piece of legislation—the Lacey Act—can make or break a shipment. If you’re exporting wood products like furniture, flooring, plywood, or even paper goods, understanding the Lacey Act isn’t optional. It’s essential.
What Is the Lacey Act?
Originally passed in 1900 and amended in 2008, the Lacey Act is a U.S. law designed to combat illegal logging and trade in illegally sourced plant products, including wood. Under this law, anyone importing plant-based goods into the United States must declare the species of plant, country of origin, and harvesting method. If any part of your product comes from illegally harvested timber—or if the paperwork is incorrect—you could face delays, fines, or even criminal charges.
Why Should Exporters Care?
If you’re exporting wood products to the U.S., you’re directly affected. The Lacey Act doesn’t just target the companies doing the illegal harvesting—it holds importers and their supply chains accountable. That means even if you didn’t know the timber was illegal, you can still be penalized.
Here’s how the Lacey Act affects you:
You must submit a Plant Product Declaration (PPD) to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
You must provide the scientific name of each wood species used in your product.
You must know exactly where your wood was harvested.
As a freight forwarder, I often work with clients to review and organize these documents well in advance to avoid costly hold-ups.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Let’s be clear: non-compliance can be expensive. U.S. authorities have the right to seize your shipment, issue fines, or even pursue legal action—regardless of whether the violation was intentional.
One of my clients once had a container of mixed hardwood furniture delayed for nearly two months because the wood species listed on the shipping documents didn’t match the actual material. We helped them recompile the necessary paperwork, but the cost in time and penalties was significant.
How Can You Stay Compliant?
Fortunately, staying compliant with the Lacey Act is very doable with the right preparation. Here’s what I recommend to my clients:
Work with certified suppliers who can trace the wood to its legal source.
Get FSC or PEFC certification where possible.
Maintain transparent records on wood species, origin, and harvest methods.
Partner with a freight forwarder experienced in handling wood exports to the U.S.
Double-check your customs declarations for accuracy and completeness.
Final Thoughts
The Lacey Act is not just a regulation—it’s a clear message from the U.S. that only legally sourced and fully traceable wood products are welcome. For exporters, this means investing a little extra effort upfront can protect you from significant issues later.
If you’re planning to ship wooden goods to the U.S., don’t leave compliance to chance. Reach out to a freight partner like us who understands the ins and outs of Lacey Act regulations. We’ll help you prepare your documentation, verify your product data, and move your cargo smoothly—without surprises.
