Environmental
Resource Center
Lacey Act
An Environmental Resource Center Asset from Graphic Communications
The Lacey Act was authored by congressman John F. Lacey and signed into law in the year 1900 by President William McKinley. It was the first major piece of conservationist legislation intended to stem the trade and commerce of threatened and endangered wildlife.
It has been modified over the years, and on May 22, 2008, as part of the Farm Bill, the Lacey Act was amended to include the prohibition of domestic and international commerce of products containing illegally sourced plants and plant products, such as paper.
Check out the Lacey Act documents and articles below, and remember to spend time with our other environment information.
Stringing Up Gibson Guitar
Environmentalists and trade protectionists set a trap for American businesses: Gibson is the unfortunate victim of the well-meaning and complicated Lacey Act, a federal law meant to protect wildlife.
Environmental Investigation Agency Reacts to Gibson Guitar Federal Raid
As experts on illegal logging and the timber trade, the EIA seeks to clarify factual errors and misinformation about the Lacey Act and the Gibson Guitar federal raid.
Gibson Guitar Raided in Nashville, Memphis
Federal raid may be connected to a 2010 complaint filed against Gibson that accused the company of using ebony wood in various forms, which is illegal under the Lacey Act.
US Lacey Act – A Green Trade Barrier Harms The Developing World’s Poor
Implementation of the Lacey Act’s new provisions uses the specter of illegal deforestation to protect domestic industry.
Atlanta Piano Company and CEO Sentenced for Smuggling Illegal Elephant Ivory into the U.S.
In violation of the Lacey Act, A-440 PIANOS, INC. and its top executive were charged with federal crimes, $35,000 in fines and three years of probation for illegally shipping protected elephant ivory into the U.S.
Declarations and Due Care: Insights from Another Lacey Case
Enforcement of the amended Lacey Act has begun, both on and off the public radar. Here are tips on how to remain in compliance.
Should the Lacey Act Scare Print Buyers & Designers?
Why the Lacey Act matters to printers and their customers, and how to ensure compliance and avoid violation penalties.
The U.S. Lacey Act: Separating Myth from Reality
This document tries to clarify some of the most frequent myths about what the Lacey Act actually says and what ‘compliance’ with this law entails.
Are You Ready for the Lacey Act?
Find out more about the amended Lacey Act from this fact sheet created by the World Resources Institute and the Environmental Investigation Agency.
Lacey Act Declaration Form
You may be required to complete this form if you are importing any of the following: Any wild member of the plant kingdom, including roots, seeds, parts, or products thereof, and including trees from either natural or planted forest stands.
US Introduces New Approach to Combat Illegal Wood Trade
Offenders may be prosecuted through either civil or criminal enforcement actions.
The U.S. Lacey Act
Get answers to frequently asked questions about the world’s first ban on trade in illegal wood.
The Lacey Act Fact Sheet
What is it? How does it affect me? What are the consequences of violations? Find out this and more in The Lacey Act Fact Sheet.
If you have environment information or tools you’d like us to consider sharing here, please contact our Director of Environmental Affairs, Ralph O’Connor.
