HICKSVILLE, N.Y.—With green consciousness coming to fruition on the consumer level, it seems loggers, manufacturers, distributors, specifiers, retailers and installers have become wary of their moral obligations to provide legally harvested (and imported) wood products across the board. And, to help keep everyone in check, various organizations and even the U.S. government have recently stepped in, stating that everyone—including the consumer— can and will be held legally responsible for their actions concerning products made from illegally harvested hardwood.

Though the majority of the flooring industry is behind the environmentally honest venture, there is no doubt the recent International Trade Commission (ITC) report, findings and amendment to the Lacey Act will affect a large number. However, the ultimate outcome will be a positive one, according to industry leaders, who suggest a level playing field will be reinstated as well as a certain integrity that’s been missing.

“The ITC report and Lacey Act amendment are both necessary and useful,” said Kim Holm, president of Mannington’s residential division. “And, in the future, if and when there is action on both counts, it definitely has the potential to level the playing field for domestic producers.”

He noted the level of importance each document holds, stating even though “we have one of the most efficient operations in the world, nothing is efficient enough to overcome unfair practices. This is a step in the right direction.”

Don Finkell, Anderson’s president and CEO, continued, noting illegal logging—which is just a precursor to the ITC findings on dumping and unfair trade practices— has been and is a huge factor in depressing wood flooring prices—not to mention an eco-no no. “The amendment to the Lacey Act will directly address the subject of illegal logging,” he explained, “and, the ITC report only gives U.S. Customs more impetus in acting to stop illegal imports at the border. We have confirmed there is smoke. Now, the industry has to decide if it wants to go further and put out the fire.”

EarthWerks’ product manager, Jonathan Train, said while the recent moves are good, they will not solve all the problems facing the hardwood segment. “It’s definitely a positive and necessary first step. The wave of moral and legal obligations and now ramifications has begun, and though it will take time to move along as it is a learning process, the industry will be better for it in the end.”

Peter Spirer, marketing director, Max Windsor, noted the problem is not so much with the quality of product—though this has caused issue in the past—but more so with honor. “We’re very in favor of the Lacey Act stipulations because it gives companies their honor back, placing them on equal footing. This, in turn, reaffirms the importance of issues like the environment, fair trade practices and illegal logging throughout the entire chain.”

It is believed that 13% to 15% of the wood flooring and furniture being imported today comes from illegally harvested forests. To ratify this situation, the ITC released its factual Section 332 study last September, and on its heels, Congress amended the 109-year old Lacey Act in December, making the importation of illegally logged timber products punishable by fines up to $500,000 and up to five years in prison.

Ed Korczak, NWFA’s executive director and CEO, applauded the passage. “This is a huge accomplishment for the wood products industry. Not only does it protect our world’s forests, but also industry representatives who practice due diligence when purchasing products from other countries.”