Why do Customs Brokers charge a Lacey Fee?

The Lacey Act went into effect in 2009 and pertains to “any wild member of the plant kingdom” (includes roots, seeds, trees, lumber and wood products). A formal declaration is required to protect against illegal harvesting and for data tracking purposes. A fee is levied that pertains to the services rendered in completion and attestation of the declaration which requires validation of the correct scientific planet name ( http://plants.usda.gov ). Any violations can result in forfeiture, civil, and criminal penalties.