Federal Register #AMS-SC-25-0023

Proposed Rule: Softwood Lumber Import Assessment Rate and Board Membership Revision

This proposed rule from the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) addresses assessment rates and board membership for the Softwood Lumber Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order. - Government Buyer: - Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) - Key Regulatory Changes: - Clarifies the assessment rate for softwood lumber imports: - $0.41 per thousand board feet (MBF) based on nominal size - $0.62 per MBF for net size measurements (used by European countries) - Revises Softwood Lumber Board membership: - Increases industry seats from 14 to 15, reflecting increased production in the U.S. South - Total Board members increased to 16 - Provides definitions for nominal and net size or count - Outlines exemption criteria for manufacturers and importers shipping less than 15 million board feet annually - Notable Requirements: - Ensures fair assessment practices for domestic and imported softwood lumber - Aims for accurate industry representation on the Softwood Lumber Board - No OEMs, vendors, or specific products/services are mentioned, as this is a regulatory action, not a procurement opportunity.

Description

This proposed rule by the Agricultural Marketing Service of the USDA invites comments on clarifying the assessment rate for softwood lumber imported into the United States and revising the membership of the Softwood Lumber Board. The assessment rate is clarified to be $0.41 per thousand board feet based on nominal size, with adjustments for net size measurements used by European countries. Additionally, the Board membership will increase by one seat to reflect increased production in the U.S. South region. Comments are due by April 29, 2026.

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