Countries prepare for Lacey Act

Guyana and Indonesia are exploring ways for their timber industries to meet the requirements of the revised Lacey Act in the US, which criminalises the import of wood products from illegally logged forests, according to the International Tropical Timber Organisation’s latest market report.

By July 2009 traders must be able to show that timber meets the American government’s approval.

A forum was held by the Guyana Forestry Commission and the US Agency for International Development on the Lacey Act on December 11, attended by timber producers and exporters.

Recommendations included accessing a checklist of requirements to comply with the revised act and recognition of national legislation that determines forest product legality. A legal verification system is expected to be implemented in Guyana during 2009.

An inter-ministry team in Indonesia has been set up to examine the requirements of the US legislation, in order to ensure the country’s timber exports can meet the criteria.