IWPA hosts Lacey Act compliance classes

On the heels of Lumber Liquidator’s $13.5 million dollar settlement with the Department of Justice on Customs Law and Lacey Act violations, the International Wood Products Association launched a nationwide due-care training program for wood trade professionals to help them establish standard operating compliance procedures.

The training course, “Seeing the Forest and the Trees,”is designed for CEOs, CFOs, buyers, compliance staff, customs specialists, sales staff, overseas producers and exporters and was developed in partnership with the World Resources Institute utilizing U.S. Agency for International Development funding. The course provides attendees with a comprehensive analysis of the requirements of the Lacey Act and other laws relevant to the trade in wood products.

“IWPA developed the due diligence training and resources for wood trade professionals to empower the wood products industry and provide them with the tools they need to successfully fulfill their role in sourcing decisions,” IWPA executive director Cindy Squires said in a statement. “There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to sourcing and compliance. These due diligence tools reflect the legal requirements and the industry’s need for flexibility to adjust their corporate standards and procedures based on the particular specifications of their product, the country of origin and the complexity of their supply chain.”

The courses will be taught at day-long sessions spread around the U.S. throughout 2016, including May 19 in High Point, N.C.; May 24 in Pomona, Calif.; May 26 in Portland, Ore.; June 21 in Chicago, Aug. 23 in Atlanta; and Sept. 21 in Alexandria, Va.

Registration is open at www.iwpawood.org.