U.S. Department of Agriculture Liberalizes Implementation of the Lacey Act Amendments

The enactment of amendments to the Lacey Act, which were included in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (also known as the Farm Bill), became effective as of May 22, 2008. They give rise to potential proactive enforcement against violators participating in illegal timber trade. However, the sweeping amendments have also given rise to many questions. As a result, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced liberalized rules to implement the amended law.