The Lacey Act Amendment and Legal Logging

Strict laws have always been in place in North America that govern the legal and ethical logging and harvesting of woods and plants, ensuring the future sustainability of forests in North America.  The Lacey Act Amendment of 2008 expanded some of those laws to include all types of wild plants, including imported lumber used to make hardwood flooring and furniture from global sources. It also applies to wood imported for use in making musical instruments, tools, textiles, paper and more.

All hardwood importers, whether they were actually already abiding by some of these requirements or not, are now required as of 2008 to abide by the Lacey Act Amendments. Requirements include abiding by careful paperwork control and authentication processes as outlined by the Lacey Act starting in the country where the wood is harvested. The originating country must document that the wood was harvested in a legal manner according to the definitions of that country before the wood can ever be imported. Further due diligence then continues once the products are received in North America. This prevents large introductions of lower quality wood products at nearly free prices as a result of illegally harvested woods. It also protects the availability and future sustainability of all wild plant species including the varieties used in hardwood flooring manufacturing.

Although Wood Monsters has always been ethical and responsible while working with trading and manufacturers, Wood Monsters is pleased to continue this tradition by only working with trading and manufacturing partners that are Lacey Act compliant. This ensures that you can feel good while knowing that your Wood Monsters hardwood flooring products are harvested responsibly and ethically while actively participating in the future sustainability of all hardwood species.