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1. What Is the Lacey Act?
The Lacey Act, first passed by the U.S. Congress in 1900, was originally designed to combat illegal wildlife trade. In 2008, the Act was amended to include timber and wood products, making it the first law in the world to ban trade in illegally sourced wood.
Today, the Lacey Act is enforced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (APHIS), the Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
2. How Does It Impact the Wood Flooring Industry?
- Broader Product Coverage – The law applies to hardwood flooring, engineered flooring, furniture, plywood, veneers, and other wood products.
- Mandatory Declarations – Importers must submit detailed information (via PPQ Form 505), including the scientific name of the species, country of harvest, volume, and value.
- Supply Chain Transparency – Every participant in the supply chain, from mills to distributors, must ensure that wood is legally harvested and properly documented.
3. Why Compliance Is Essential
- Reduces Illegal Logging – Since the amendment, illegal wood imports into the U.S. have dropped by an estimated 32%–44% (WWF data).
- Protects Buyers and Projects – Using compliant flooring avoids shipment delays, fines, or legal disputes during construction and inspection.
- Strengthens Reputation – Architects, designers, and developers increasingly prefer suppliers that demonstrate legal and sustainable sourcing.
- Supports Green Building Certifications – Lacey Act compliance makes it easier to meet LEED, FSC, and other sustainability requirements.
4. Penalties and Real-World Cases
Non-compliance can be costly and damaging:
| Company | Violation | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Lumber Liquidators | Importing wood from illegal harvests in Russia and China | Fined over \$7.8 million and faced reputational damage |
| Gibson Guitar | Importing unauthorized rosewood and ebony | Seized shipments, legal penalties, and settlement costs |
These cases show that even unknowing violations can result in severe consequences.
5. Vifloor’s Commitment to Compliance
At Vifloor, we take compliance seriously:
- All of our wood flooring products meet Lacey Act requirements.
- We work exclusively with FSC and PEFC certified suppliers.
- We maintain transparent documentation for every shipment to support audits and give customers peace of mind.
6. Final Thoughts
The Lacey Act is more than just a regulation—it’s a framework that protects forests, ensures fair trade, and promotes sustainability across the global wood flooring market.
By choosing Vifloor, you choose flooring that is:
✅ Legally sourced
✅ Environmentally responsible
✅ Fully compliant for global buyers
