| 10.6.2008 US Takes Action to Combat Trade in Illegally Harvested Wood Products The US has recently approved legislation that significantly tightens the requirements for the importation of plant and plant products, including products made of wood. These new provisions may potentially become a hindrance to Hong Kong's furniture exporters, who are advised to exercise caution to avoid potential problems with US authorities.
Probably by 18 November 2008, importers will be required to file a declaration upon importation that contains (i) the scientific name of any plant (including the genus and species) contained in the importation, (ii) a description of the value and quantity (including the unit of measure) of the importation and (iii) the name of the country from which the plant was taken. A separate provision that would establish an import declaration requirement for softwood lumber and products thereof is also expected to be enacted in the near future.
For details of the US legislation and related developments, please refer to TDC's bi-weekly online newsletter "Business Alert-US" at:
http://info.hktdc.com/alert/us0811.htm
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