History of the Lacey Act

• Oldest wildlife protection statute in the U.S.

• First enacted in 1900

• Significantly amended in 1981

• Amended again in 2008

Purpose of the Lacey Act Amendment

The purpose of the Lacey Act, as amended, is to prevent trade in illegally harvested lumber. Also, it is intended to prevent trade in wood products made from illegally harvested lumber.

The Lacey Act makes it unlawful to trade in any plant that is taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of the laws of the United States, a State, Indian Tribe, or any foreign law that protects plants.

The Lacey Act applies to interstate and foreign commerce and it is unlawful to falsify documents, accounts or records of any plant covered by the Act. Also, it is unlawful to import certain plants and plant products without an import declaration.

In Plain English make sure your shipments were obtained legally. Make sure your shipments’ documentation and records are true and accurate. Make sure your shipment is properly declared under the Lacey Act declaration requirement.

Full text of the Lacey Act and Amendments are available in the Federal Register: Docket No. APHIS-2008-0119

APHIS Lacey Act Website http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/lacey_act/index.shtml