Lacey Act: documents U.S. hardwood importers should prepare

Two questions, not one

First, is the material legally sourced? Second, does this import require a Lacey Act declaration? The prohibition on illegally harvested plant products and the declaration requirement are different obligations. Not every wood product or entry requires the same filing.

Confirm the filing requirement

Use APHIS's implementation schedule and requirements for the product's Harmonized Tariff Schedule classification, entry type and any applicable exclusions. Phase VII expanded the declaration requirement in December 2024. A broker can help classify the entry, but supplier marketing is not a classification decision.

Obtain the plant information early

Request scientific names and countries of harvest for the plant material in the product. Harvest country is not necessarily the manufacturing or shipping country. Composite products and mixed-species components need particular attention. Collect quantities and other required declaration information before arrival, not after an inconsistency is discovered.

File through an accepted channel

APHIS states that, from 1 January 2026, it no longer accepts paper PPQ 505 or 505B submissions. The importer of record or their agent can use ACE or APHIS's LAWGS system. Check APHIS's current instructions for exclusions, special use designations and corrections.

Keep supporting records

Retain supplier information, purchase records, harvest documentation, filing references and explanations for resolved discrepancies. Certification can support a due-care process; it does not legalize illegally harvested wood. Get qualified advice for uncertain or high-risk transactions.

Sources & further reading

• USDA APHIS — Lacey Act declarations

Source links checked 18 September 2026. ClearSource editorial summary; not a legal opinion, audit or product certification. Official sources govern current requirements. Recheck them before a transaction.