USTR announces enforcement action to block illegal timber imports from Peru

The Office of the United States Trade Representative has announced that the Interagency Committee on Trade in Timber Products from Peru (Timber Committee) has directed United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to continue to block any timber imports from Inversiones WCA E.I.R.L. (WCA), a Peruvian exporter, based on illegally harvested timber found in its supply chain.

“The Biden Administration is committed to combatting illegal deforestation and keeping illegally harvested timber out of supply chains,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “Illegally harvested timber not only harms the environment and depletes natural resources but also disadvantages workers and businesses who use lawful and sustainable means to make their goods.”

The Timber Committee directed CBP to deny entry to any future shipments of timber products originating from Peru that were produced or exported by WCA until the Government of Peru demonstrates that WCA has complied with all applicable laws, regulations, and other measures of Peru governing the harvest of and trade in timber.