Worldwide Customs & Regulatory Updates


U.S. Import Declaration of Plants and Plant Products – Enforcement of Phase II of the Lacey Act

 

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, has initiated Phase II of the “Lacey Act plant declaration” and this is being introduced between April and September 2009. More plants and plant products imported to the U.S. are included such as fuel wood; wood in the rough; poles, piles, stakes; wood veneer sheeting; tools, tool handles, broom handles and builders’ joinery.

Importers should work with their foreign suppliers to ensure that APHIS Form PPQ-505, Plant and Plant Product Declaration Form, is included with the documentation for any shipment containing these commodities. Shipments with an incomplete declaration or without any declaration may not be released.

The declaration may be submitted electronically to APHIS from April 1, 2009 onwards. Alternatively, it can be delivered by post but with a copy submitted to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) together with the entry documents.

Enforcement will commence on May 1, 2009, to allow importers time to test and confirm the proper operation of electronic systems used to submit their declaration.

For more information on the Lacey Act and a complete list of commodities covered, please visit the following sources:

  • CBP Guidance on Lacey Act  Declaration: 

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/trade_programs/entry_summary/laws/food_energy/amended_lacey_act/