NAMM To Host Import/Export Task Force Meeting for Lacey Act Compliance at 2011 Summer NAMM Show

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) today announced that it is forming an Import/Export Task Force regarding compliance requirements for the Lacey Act and other materials regulations, and will hold its first meeting at 2011 Summer NAMM in Nashville, Tenn. Thursday, July 21, 5:30 p.m. in room 102 of the Nashville Convention Center followed by a post-meeting reception.

NAMM Members affected by Lacey Act regulations and declaration requirements—along with other regulations that impact the shipment of plant or animal products—are encouraged to join the Import/Export Task Force.

The formation of the task force supports NAMM’s continued dedication to assist NAMM Members in their efforts to comply with regulatory requirements, and will provide the opportunity for the association and its Members to gather best practices, gather case studies to contribute to advocacy efforts, and encourage peer-to-peer interaction and education on the subject.

Enforcement and implementation of the Lacey Act, especially the requirement that imported wood and certain plant materials be accompanied by a declaration, has been a work in progress by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The first cases of enforcement of the Act have surfaced and more are expected.

“The task force will support education and information on regulatory compliance starting with the Lacey Act,” said Mary Luehrsen, NAMM’s director of public affairs and government relations. “We hope this group can also share and compile examples of problems with compliance to contribute to ongoing advocacy efforts.”

To join the Task Force and receive updates on online meetings, regulatory updates and NAMM Show education events, please email importexport@namm.org.

To listen a previous webinar hosted by NAMM on the subject on May 18, 2011, visit https://namm.webex.com/namm/ldr.php?AT=pb&SP=MC&rID=18595962&rKey=98a57….

To download the Power Point Presentation “Developments in Compliance and Enforcement Under the Lacey Act,” visit https://ww1.namm.org/files/LaceyAct-NAMM-2011_0.PPT

To view information about NAMM’s past and current work in this area, click here.

About NAMM

The National Association of Music Merchants, commonly called NAMM in reference to the organization's popular NAMM trade shows, is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $17 billion global musical instruments and products industry. NAMM's activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of more than 9,000 Member companies. For more information about NAMM, interested parties can visit www.namm.org or call 800-767-NAMM (6266).