WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced enforcement action under the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA) Forest Sector Annex. USTR requested the Government of Peru to verify that five timber shipments exported to the United States from Peru complied with applicable Peruvian laws and regulations. This is the third such verification request under the PTPA, which entered into force in 2009. The timber verification provision is a monitoring tool provided in the PTPA to ensure robust monitoring and enforcement of Peruvian forestry laws throughout the supply chain.
The United States and Peru closely collaborate on timber-related issues under the PTPA. However, despite improvements in some areas, there are still serious concerns about illegal logging in Peru. Yesterday’s action reflects USTR’s commitment to work with Peru under the PTPA to address continued challenges and help ensure that Peruvian timber is legally harvested and violators are held accountable.
Background
The PTPA contains an enforceable Environment Chapter and associated landmark Forest Sector Annex, which includes a requirement for Peru to conduct audits and verifications of particular timber producers and exporters upon request from the United States and provides for U.S. participation in the verification process. The PTPA further permits the United States to take compliance measures based on the results of such verifications.
To read more about the PTPA Forest Annex, please click here.
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