Forest Products Development & Marketing Council

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The Process of Exporting Timber from Guyana to the United States of America

  1. Obtain necessary permits and licenses: To export timber from Guyana, you’ll need to obtain a Timber Sales Agreement and a Forest Produce License from the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC). These licenses authorize the harvesting and export of timber from Guyana.
  2. Ensure compliance with U.S. regulations: The United States has regulations in place to prevent illegal logging and promote sustainable forestry practices. To export timber to the U.S., you’ll need to ensure that your timber complies with these regulations. The U.S. Lacey Act requires that timber imports into the U.S. be legal under the laws of the country of origin. The U.S. also has regulations in place to prevent the import of timber from certain countries or regions with high levels of illegal logging.
  3. Obtain an Export Declaration: You’ll need to obtain an Export Declaration from the GFC, which is required for all exports of timber from Guyana.
  4. Choose a shipping method: There are several options for shipping timber from Guyana to the U.S., including air freight and sea freight. You’ll need to choose a method that is appropriate for the volume of timber you’re exporting and the timeline for delivery.
  5. Arrange for transportation and insurance: Once you’ve chosen a shipping method, you’ll need to arrange for transportation and insurance for your timber. This may involve working with a freight forwarder or shipping agent.
  6. Ensure compliance with U.S. customs regulations: When your timber arrives in the U.S., it will need to clear customs. You’ll need to ensure that your timber complies with U.S. customs regulations and that you have all the necessary documentation.
  7. Pay any applicable fees: Depending on the shipping method and other factors, you may need to pay fees for transportation, customs clearance, and other services.

Exporting timber from Guyana to the United States involves navigating several regulations and requirements. The FPDMC advises interested persons to work with experienced professionals to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.