CBP Outlines New APHIS Lacey Act Requirements at Newark Broker Meeting

CBP's Newark field office outlined the recently revised form requirements under Lacey Act provisions being enforced by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (see 3081926). CBP gave a presentation on the subject at the Sept. 12 quarterly meeting in Newark. The changes, which add to language to Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Form 585 (Permit to Import Timber or Timber Products) and PPQ Form 621 (Protected Plant Permit to Engage in the Business of Importing, Exporting or Re-exporting Terrestrial Plants or Plant Products that are Protected), are meant "to make certain importers understand their obligations under the Lacey Act," the presentation said. The revised language will include information on the requirement to submit a PPQ Form 505 when importing applicable commodities, it said. The agency also offered some best practices when an importer is unsure if a form is needed, including checking with foreign governments and asking APHIS.