NRF Calls on Congress to Reform Law Regulating Imported Products Containing Wood or Plant Material
WASHINGTON, May 8, 2012 – The National Retail Federation today urged Congress to review and revise controversial rules on the importation of wood products and plant material that retailers fear could lead to unfair government seizure of merchandise ranging from furniture to musical instruments.
“Retailers recognize the need for environmental conservation but the current law leaves them guessing on which products are legal and which aren’t,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Congress needs to carefully review the Lacey Act to ensure that the goal of eliminating illegal logging is its primary objective, not penalizing businesses that are doing their best to comply with an unworkable law.”
Shay commented as a subcommittee of the House Natural Resources Committee prepares to hold a hearing this afternoon on legislation that would reform portions of the law. Laurie Everill, regional customs compliance and operations manager for NRF member IKEA-North America, is scheduled to testify to the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs on the challenges facing companies seeking to comply with the law, and changes sought by NRF to address those challenges, improve enforcement and compliance with the law, and support its goal to end illegal logging.
“Retailers recognize the need for environmental conservation but the current law leaves them guessing on which products are legal and which aren’t,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Congress needs to carefully review the Lacey Act to ensure that the goal of eliminating illegal logging is its primary objective, not penalizing businesses that are doing their best to comply with an unworkable law.”
Shay commented as a subcommittee of the House Natural Resources Committee prepares to hold a hearing this afternoon on legislation that would reform portions of the law. Laurie Everill, regional customs compliance and operations manager for NRF member IKEA-North America, is scheduled to testify to the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs on the challenges facing companies seeking to comply with the law, and changes sought by NRF to address those challenges, improve enforcement and compliance with the law, and support its goal to end illegal logging.