ALEXANDRIA, Va. – On the heels of Lumber Liquidator’s $13.5 million settlement with the Department of Justice on Customs Law and Lacey Act violations, the International Wood Products Association (IWPA) has launched a nationwide due care training program to help wood trade professionals establish standard operating procedures to comply with the Lacey Act. 

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,” said IWPA Executive Director Cindy Squires. 

“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.”

Throughout 2016, courses will be taught at day-long sessions spread around the U.S.:

• May 19 – High Point, North Carolina
• May 24 -- Pomona, California
• May 26 – Portland, Oregon
• June 21 – Chicago, Illinois
• Aug. 23 – Atlanta, Georgia (immediately prior to the International Woodworking Fair 2016)
• Sept. 21 – Alexandria, Virginia  

Individuals attending will also receive IWPA’s Formaldehyde Fact Sheet for importers, prepared in cooperation with the California Air Resources Board.  Registration for the six regional courses is open at www.iwpawood.org.