Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.

As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. A single musician has no such power.

The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf.

Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join.

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Home » Recent News » Limited Exception to Lacey Act Authorized


Limited Exception to Lacey Act Authorized

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The US Agriculture Department has authorized a limited exception to the Lacey Act requirement that all imported products containing wood and other plant products be accompanied by a declaration disclosing all wood in the products. The new “de minimis” rule exempts any product with no more than 5% of the weight of the individual product, provided that the total weight of the shipment does not exceed 2.9 kilograms. The rule is effective on April 1, 2020.

At the present time, only two categories of musical instruments—pianos and “other stringed instruments”—require a declaration, but the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the US Agriculture Department (APHIS) has indicated that it will expand those categories later this year. APHIS has adopted a phase-in of the import declaration requirement.

The Lacey Act, first enacted in 1900, is the United States’ oldest wildlife protection statute. It combats trafficking in illegally taken wildlife, fish, or plants. The act was amended in 2008 to require importers to submit a declaration at the time of importation for certain plants and plant products. The new exception was created to relieve the burden on importers while continuing to ensure that the declaration requirements fulfills the purposes of the Lacey Act.







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