Congress finally passed the Farm Bill after having it bounced back from a veto. So what does farming have to do with furniture you ask me? Well, this is Congress...and every bill includes all sorts of things, in this case an illegal logging Amendment to an 108 year old conservation law focusing on illegal commercial trafficking of wildlife and non-native plants. Illegally logged wood is specifically defined as wood that is sold below market price or cut violating treaties or laws. By signing this into Law, Congress has made the U.S. the first country to ban illegal logging and trade. Enactment should take place sometime in...
...late November 2008.
It is
estimated by the Environmental Investigation Agency, which spearheaded
the coalition of companies and organizations to bring political
attention to this issue, that in the U.S. in 2006, 10% of wood product
imports were derived from illegally logged timber and are worth $3.8
billion dollars. Both the EIA and supporters in Congress believe that
the passage of this Bill will level the playing field for American
companies trying to compete, protect jobs and address the increasing
concern over responsible logging.
After passing this Bill with a
veto-proof margin in the Senate of 81-15 and also with a veto-proof
majority in the House, there is no chance the President will overturn
it this time. However, just how it will be enforced remains to be seen
and worked out by the enforcing agencies, U.S. Customs and U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service along with the Animal Plant Health Inspection
Service Agency. As of right now though, penalties range from
$250-500,000 with possible jail sentences for knowingly sourcing or
making reasonable effort when sourcing products that contain illegal
wood or wood products. Unlike CARB, there is no third party
certification program requirement, so it is up to the importers to do
their due diligence to find reputable wood sources and choose companies
and maybe even countries with better records.
So
for my
furniture buyers...one more thing to add to your ever thickening list
of requirements as you add CARB regulations and don't forget that you
will have
added declarations issues on your import documents for those sending
products into the U.S. too. Congress has finally done a pretty good job
of sewing up the holes on this lace, so as I am always reminding you -
you have a responsibility not just to say you are doing something (like
going green) but in this case buying responsibly forested woods, so you
need to insure it.
My best suggestion to you - now is the time
to insist that your suppliers switch to FSC certified forest products. They are certified and you
can put their seal on your packaging and there should be NO issues with
illegally forested woods from them. Consumers will love the idea - it
will make also make your QA job easier too.
Enactment date has been finalized to December 15th.
Posted by: Tracy Leigh | August 25, 2008 at 11:59 AM