Exporting wood and timber products to the USA in 2026 requires navigating stringent environmental regulations, updated Lacey Act declaration processes, and significant, shifting tariff structures under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. As of early 2026, the US market is characterized by high demand but increased scrutiny on origin and legality.
Here are the key things you need to know about exporting wood to the USA now:
- Major Tariff Updates (2026 Strategy)
- Tariff Increases Delayed, Not Suspended:While earlier plans aimed to increase tariffs significantly on Jan 1, 2026, the U.S. has delayed the increase of 50% tariffs on wooden furniture/cabinets to January 1, 2027.
- Current Tariffs (Section 232):As of late 2025/early 2026, a 10% global tariff applies to softwood lumber, and a 25% tariff applies to certain upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities.
- Temporary Surcharge (2026):A new 10% (potentially increasing to 15%) temporary surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 is being applied to nearly all imports, adding to existing duties.
- Risk Mitigation:Exporters should monitor ongoing trade negotiations, as these tariffs are used as a strategic bargaining tool, with further adjustments possible in 2026.
- Lacey Act Compliance (Absolute Requirement)
The Lacey Act makes it illegal to import wood harvested in violation of foreign laws.
- Electronic Filing Only:As of January 1, 2026, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) no longer accepts paper Lacey Act Declarations (PPQ Forms 505 and 505B). All declarations must be filed electronically via the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) or the LAWGS system.
- Required Data:You must provide the scientific name (genus and species), value, quantity, and country of harvest for all plant products.
- Scope Expansion (Phase VII):The requirement has expanded to almost all remaining plant product HTS codes, including nearly all wooden furniture.
- Due Diligence:You must have documentation (chain of custody, harvest permits) ready to prove the legality of the wood source.
- Environmental and Technical Standards
- ISPM 15 Requirement:All wood packaging materials (pallets, crates, dunnage) must be compliant with ISPM 15 regulations—debarked, heat-treated or fumigated, and stamped with the approved mark.
- Phytosanitary Certificates:Raw wood and lumber require a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country’s plant protection agency to certify it is free from pests.
- EPA Formaldehyde Standards:Composite wood products (plywood, particleboard, MDF) must comply with Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Title VI emission standards, requiring documentation for every shipment.
- Supply Chain Transparency & Origin Fraud
- Anti-Transshipment Focus:US Customs is aggressively targeting illegal transshipment (e.g., Chinese wood products being re-routed through Vietnam).
- Document Everything:Maintain full, traceable documentation from the forest to the final manufacturer.
- Traceability Requirement:You need to know the specific, often geographic, origin of the wood components.
- Required Documentation
To avoid delays at U.S. ports of entry, ensure your shipment has:
- Commercial Invoice (detailed)
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading
- Lacey Act Declaration(filed electronically)
- Phytosanitary Certificate(if applicable)
- EPA TSCA Title VI Compliance Certificate(for composite wood)
Safimex is one of a leading factory of wood products use for construction, handicrafts, furniture,… if you are looking for a reliable supplier for your wood items, please contact us at info@safimex.com
SAFIMEX JOINT STOCK COMPANY
Head Office: 216/20a Duong Ba Trac Street, Ward 2, District 8, Hochiminh City, Vietnam.
Tel: (+84)-(28)-3636 2388 | (+84)-(28)-3636 2399 | Website: https://safimex.com/
