Lacey Act

In 2008, the United States amended its Lacey Act, a major initiative to combat global trafficking in “illegally taken” wildlife, fish and plants, including illegally sourced wood and products derived from wood. As amended, the Lacey Act makes it unlawful to import, export, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce any plant, with some limited exceptions, taken (cut or harvested) in violation of U.S., state or foreign laws that protect plants.

It is our longstanding policy to ensure we and our sources comply with all laws and do not cause or encourage destruction of forest areas at risk of loss from unsustainable practices. We will not knowingly purchase or use wood, wood fiber or products for distribution that originate from illegal logging. We distribute products from native tropical forests only if the suppliers are, or are on schedule to be, independently verified as selling or harvesting products legally and in compliance with our procurement standards.

To implement the Lacey Act amendments, our company and our subsidiaries implemented changes to our wood and wood-product purchasing agreements requiring certification of country of origin for products sourced outside of and imported into the United States.