The Lacey Act expands its protection to a broad range of plants and plant products. Starting March 31, 2016, filers must use ACE to file shipments regulated by Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS Lacey Act).
APHIS filing pre-ACE
Importers can either provide their customs broker with their APHIS filing data, such as forms or alternative documents, or they can submit the data directly to APHIS via mail with PPQ form 505. Component name, quantity, unit of measure and other data elements are mandatory.
Understanding ACE-related changes
If you import APHIS-related products governed by the Lacey Act, you may need to update your import processes. Data must be transmitted through ACE, although APHIS will continue to use the Lacey Act Web Governance System (LAWGS) and some paper forms. In addition to the traditional data elements, import contact and address and the date must also be transmitted.
Some commodities may require even further permits or other forms (as they do today). Where applicable, your customs broker may be required to report additional fields such as such as type code, type and date type.
To ensure your ACE-readiness, start reviewing your product database today and learn what requirements, if any, will impact you – and what you need to do ensure compliance when ACE comes into effect.
Trust the experts at Livingston
The customs and trade experts at Livingston are here to help. With a full staff of U.S. regulatory affairs experts, we know the APHIS Lacey Act requirements in detail, and are ready to help ensure your compliance is maintained.
Livingston is committed to a seamless ACE integration process for our current clients, and we are ready to support new clients with their ACE needs, including their APHIS and other PGA requirements.