New Tool Enables Electronic Submission of Lacey Act Declarations

APHIS would like to announce the development of a new electronic Lacey Act Plant and Plant Product Declaration (PPQ Form 505) submission tool called the Lacey Act Web Governance System (LAWGS). LAWGS is an online tool that will allow filers to submit Lacey Act Declarations (PPQ Form 505) electronically without needing to mail in a paper declaration. This tool will also allow filers to save commonly used declaration data in templates for quick and easy future submissions.

The LAWGS tool is intended to assist importers who are currently filing Lacey Act paper declarations.  This tool does not replace the Automated Broker Interface process currently used by the vast majority of importers to file Lacey Act declarations electronically. 

APHIS is anticipating a late 2013 launch for LAWGS. As we make preparations for this launch, APHIS will begin to hold introductory webinars to showcase LAWGS functionality for those stakeholders interested in learning what this new system has to offer. The number and frequency of webinars that we hold will depend on the public interest level.

 

We request that any individual or group that is interested in participating in a LAWGS Introduction webinar, please send an email request, with the subject line “LAWGS webinar”, to lacey.act.declaration@aphis.usda.gov. In the body of this email please briefly provide:

• The name of the organization you represent.
• The type of organization you represent (law group, retailer, manufacturer, government, etc.).
• The number (or names?) of people which would like to participate.
• Any dates or times best suited for the most people to participate.
• Whether you or your organization would be interested in additional Lacey Act instruction beyond the LAWGS Introduction.

There will be several webinar sessions available over the coming weeks and months. We encourage participation and feedback so that we can make any needed improvements as we move toward launch.