USTR Directs CBP to Block Imports of Peruvian Timber From Company Linked With Illegal Harvests

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on July 26 directed CBP to block timber imports from Peruvian timber exporter Inversiones WCA E.I.R.L. (WCA) after illegally harvested timber was found in its supply chain, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said. Last year, the U.S. Interagency Committee on Trade in Timber Products from Peru (Timber Committee), formed under the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement Forest Sector Governance Annex, requested that Peru verify that three specific timber shipments from that company complied with all applicable Peruvian laws and regulations. Peru’s verification process "found that one shipment from WCA was not harvested and traded in compliance with Peru’s laws, regulations, and other measures," USTR said. "Since the completion of the report in July 2018, Peru has failed to take enforcement action against WCA." Specifically, the Timber Committee directed that CBP deny entry to WCA shipments for three years or until the committee determines the company has complied with all relevant laws, regulations and other applicable measures, USTR said.