Revisions to the American Lacey Act are being taught to Vietnamese timber suppliers in special workshops. The change in the law hopes to crackdown on the imports of illegal timber into the US from Asian countries.

Vietnam is the largest importer of furniture to the US, which means it is important they fully understand the revisions to the Lacey Act, or they will risk breaking the law. The Lacey Act is a centuries old piece of US legislation which was initially created to prevent the transportation of illegally captured wildlife across state lines. It has now been adapted to include timber products, and is the first law of its kind to prohibit the import, sale or trade of illegally harvested wood. Both suppliers and importing companies will be liable for any failures on the legality of timber imported into the US.

The event in Hanoi was co-organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the WWF’s Global Forest and Trade Network with support from the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Major attention was given at the event to combating illegal timber trafficking which is a hot topic at the moment.

The revised legislation comes at the same time the EU is voting on a law to crackdown on the illegal timber trade. Financial and judicial penalties can now be attached to those who flout the rules. Ha Cong Tuan, the Vietnamese Directorate of Forestry Deputy General Director announced his full support of the legislation and his plan to follow by EU example. Research suggests that around 40% of the world’s wood production is sourced from illegally logged forests.

At present Vietnam is the largest trader of furniture in the US, and make around $3 billion yearly from this market, meaning it is crucial to ensure their products are legitimate. Vietnam are set to profit massively from their cooperation however, as illegitimate loggers will be eradicated from the market, leaving room for legitimate companies to increase their sales.

Visit the timber suppliers Oregon Canadian for a range of softwood timber products.