What is the Lacey Act?
The Lacey Act dates back to 1900, when it was enacted to prevent trafficking in certain wildlife, fish, and plants. The Lacey Act makes it unlawful to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce any plant taken in violation of U.S. or foreign laws.
The 2008 “Farm Bill” amendments expanded the scope of the Lacey Act to a broad range of plant products, including wood and paper products. The amendments, which were effective May 22, 2008, require that importers submit a declaration at the time of importation for certain plant and plant products. Covered plant and plant products include paper and articles of paper, as well as wood and articles of wood.
APHIS is phasing in the declaration requirements. For products most relevant to Avery Dennison, i.e., paper products, the requirements are not yet enforced but are expected to be implemented a some point after September 2010.
