Lacey Act Special Use Codes Help Pre-2008 Instruments

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued guidance making it easier for companies which import instruments made prior to 2008 to file the import declaration form required by the Lacey Act.

APHIS’ Form PPQ 505 requires disclosure of genus and species and country of harvest for all wood contained in imported pianos and other string (but not electric) instruments.

Because of the difficulty in ascertaining this information for older instruments, APHIS has advised that if, in the exercise of due diligence, it’s impossible to identify genus and species, the importer may use “Special” as the genus code and “PreAmendment” as the species code.  If the country of harvest is unknown, the importer may enter two asterisks (**) as the special use code in that column of the form.

The April 21, 2011 APHIS guidance document also sets forth the special use codes which can be used when covered products contain composite, recycled or reused plant material, such as medium density fiberboard and particle board.

For details on the special use codes, go to official document from APHIS:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/lacey_act/downloads/lacey-act-spe...

NAMM has strongly urged APHIS to incorporate such guidance in the Form PPQ 505 instructions and will continue to push for simplicity with regard to the required import declaration form.