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New Process for the Automated Collection of Assessments by CBP on Imported Softwood Lumber Covered under the Softwood Lumber Checkoff

Beginning July 1, 2020, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will collect assessments on imported softwood lumber covered under the Softwood Lumber Checkoff (Softwood Lumber Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order (7 CFR Part 1217).   Companies have been required to report and pay assessments to date; however, payment has been made directly to the Softwood Lumber Board (SLB)

The Checkoff is a mandatory program, authorized under U.S. law that took effect in 2012. It is administered by the SLB, with oversight by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Under the Checkoff, assessments are collected from importers of record and U.S. manufacturers of softwood lumber. The assessments are used by the SLB for projects that promote market growth for softwood lumber products used in single and multi-family dwellings, as well as commercial construction.

The products covered can be found in section 1217.52(h) at Products Covered. The current assessment rate is $0.35/thousand board feet, and all companies are exempt from paying assessments on their first 15 million board feet (mmbf) shipped to, or within, the U.S.

Refunds will be issued to importers of record based on company names and addresses in Customs data. Please ensure your company information with CBP is up to date, or contact the SLB at info@softwoodlumberboard.org to verify your company information. Large importers of record (those shipping 15 mmbf or more annually to the U.S.) will receive a refund from the SLB on assessments paid on their first 15 mmbf shipped. Furthermore, the submission of a quarterly reports, from large importers to the SLB, will no longer be necessary.

Small importers of record (those shipping less than 15 mmbf annually to the U.S.) will receive a refund from the SLB on all their assessments collected by CBP.  Small importers of record may also apply to the SLB for a Certificate of Exemption.  The SLB will review the applications and issue Certificates of Exemption as appropriate.  This process will help the SLB ensure the accuracy of your contact information.  Details on the application process may be found at https://softwoodlumberboard.org/about-slb/how-it-works/exemption-procedures/.

Finally, the necessary modifications to the DRAFT ACE CATAIR were completed as of March 19, 2020, and the associated HTS records have been updated in ACE CERT as well.

For further information, please contact Maureen Pello with the Softwood Lumber Board at 971-339-4934, or via email at info@softwoodlumberboard.org.