Cornhusker State News

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) has introduced the Strengthen Wood Products Supply Chain Act, which aims to address delays and increased costs in the wood supply chain linked to Lacey Act enforcement.

According to Senator Ricketts, issues have arisen from what he describes as bureaucratic mismanagement by federal agencies during the Biden administration. He stated, “Too often, bureaucratic mismanagement has created delays in the processing of imports, increasing costs. My Strengthen Wood Products Supply Chain Act would streamline this process and prevent American businesses from paying the price. I’m committed to cutting unnecessary red tape that drives up the cost of doing business.”

The Lacey Act was initially designed to prohibit certain plant and product imports and was expanded in 2008 to include wood products. All such products are inspected at U.S. ports for compliance with the law. While most shipments enter without issue, some are stopped for further review if there is a suspected violation.

The current process involves three federal agencies: Fish and Wildlife Service, Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The overlapping authority among these agencies has led to unclear procedures and communication gaps, resulting in delays for importers.

During recent years, ports have reportedly become less cooperative with importers when questions arise about shipments under the Lacey Act. Businesses have faced situations where their shipments were flagged but were not informed promptly—or at all—about the nature of alleged violations. In some cases, companies waited months or years without receiving clarity or an opportunity to dispute claims.

These complications have contributed to longer storage times for goods at ports, lost products, higher costs for businesses and consumers alike due to delayed wood imports.

A copy of the bill text is available online.