Feds Rename Christmas Tree Board 'Real' and Offer Tree Refunds!
Published Date: 3/9/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting April 8, 2026, the Christmas Tree Promotion Board gets a fresh new name—the Real Christmas Tree Board—and some handy updates! Importers can now get refunds if their trees don’t sell, the Board can spend a bit more on admin costs, and everyone must keep records longer. These changes help keep the Christmas tree business running smoothly and fairly for growers, sellers, and importers alike.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Board may spend up to 15% on admin
Starting April 8, 2026, the Order raises the Board's cap on administrative expenses from 10% to 15% of annual revenue. The rule notes the Board's administrative costs were 7.2%, 7.3%, and 9.3% of revenues in 2021–2023 and says the higher cap aligns with other commodity orders.
Importers can get refunds for unsold trees
Importers may request refunds for assessments paid on Christmas trees that were imported into the United States but not sold. For importers who imported less than 500 trees, refunds will be paid within 30 calendar days after the end of the fiscal period; for refunds of assessments collected by Customs, the Board will refund such importers no later than 60 calendar days after receipt by the Board.
Importer payment timing and due date rules
If Customs does not collect an assessment, importers must pay the assessment directly to the Board by February 15 of the crop year in which the trees are imported. If Customs collects the assessment, the assessments are due when the trees enter the United States.
Records must be kept for five years
Producers and importers must retain all relevant records related to the Order for at least five years. The change replaces the prior two-year retention requirement to allow the Board to audit additional years and collect any past-due assessments.
Budget and financial filing deadlines adjusted
The Board must now submit its budget between May 1 and June 1 (no more than 90 days and no less than 60 days prior to the fiscal period), and the deadline to submit the annual financial statement is extended from 90 days to 180 days after the fiscal period. AMS says this helps Board members avoid meeting during the October harvest season.
Electronic voting and shorter meeting notices allowed
The Order allows votes and ballots to be cast by any means of communication, permits meetings by electronic or other communication means, and shortens minimum advance notice for Board meetings from 14 days to 7 days. The preamble says these changes increase accessibility, enhance efficiency, and decrease administrative costs.
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