USDA Shakes Up Softwood Lumber Fees and Board Membership Rules
Published Date: 3/30/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you import softwood lumber into the U.S. or are part of the Softwood Lumber Board, listen up! The USDA wants to clear up how much you pay in fees and change who gets to be on the Board. These updates could affect your costs and membership starting soon, so get ready to share your thoughts by April 29, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Import Assessment Clarified: $0.41 vs $0.62/MBF
The rule says the assessment is $0.41 per thousand board feet (MBF) based on a nominal count, but imports reported on a net count must be converted using a 1.503 factor so the effective rate is $0.62/MBF on a net count. The conversion examples: 1,000 cubic meters = 423.8 MBF (nominal) or 636.9 MBF (net); this clarification will primarily affect importers who report net-volume (the USDA counted 388 European importers from 2022–2024, 27 of which averaged over the 15 MMBF exemption threshold).
15 MMBF Exemption and Refund Rules
Manufacturers and importers who ship or import less than 15 million board feet (MMBF) on a nominal count in a fiscal year are exempt from assessments, but must apply annually for a certificate of exemption. If Customs collects assessments from exempt importers, the Board will refund those importers no later than 60 calendar days after the Board receives the assessments; domestic manufacturers who qualify but did not apply will receive refunds within 30 calendar days after the end of the fiscal year.
Assessment Rate Review Window and Caps
At least 24 months after the Order becomes effective (and periodically thereafter), the Board may recommend changing the assessment rate by an affirmative vote of a majority plus two; any new nominal-count rate may not be less than $0.35/MBF nor more than $0.50/MBF. Any change in rate is subject to rulemaking by the Secretary.
One More U.S. South Board Seat
The Board would add one industry seat for the U.S. South Region, increasing industry seats from 14 to 15 and total Board membership to 16 (15 industry members plus one public member). The U.S. South Region is defined to include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-09571 — Designation Opportunities for United States Grain Standards Act
The USDA is opening up chances for companies and state agencies to become official grain inspectors in six areas because some current inspectors’ designations are ending or were canceled. If you want to apply or share your thoughts on the current inspectors, you’ve got from June 1 to June 30, 2026, to do it. This is a great opportunity for new players to step in and keep grain inspections running smoothly, with no fees mentioned.
2026-09326 — Kiwifruit Grown in California; Continuance Referendum
California kiwifruit growers will vote from May 18 to June 8, 2026, on whether to keep the current rules that help manage how kiwifruit is grown and sold. Only growers who produced fresh-market kiwifruit between August 2024 and July 2025 can vote. This vote decides if the marketing order continues, which affects how the industry works and could impact growers’ costs and sales.
2026-09058 — Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages for the 2025-2026 Marketing Year
The USDA is setting new limits on how much spearmint oil can be sold from Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, and Utah for the 2025-2026 season. This affects spearmint oil farmers and buyers by controlling supply to keep the market steady. The new rules kick in on June 8, 2026, helping producers plan and protect their earnings.
2026-09063 — United States Standards for Grades of Nectarines
The USDA wants to update nectarine grading rules by removing 'speckling' as a defect since it’s just a cosmetic thing and actually means sweeter fruit. This change helps farmers, sellers, and buyers better match today’s quality and could boost how nectarines are sold. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until July 6, 2026, to speak up!
2026-08597 — Almonds Grown in California; Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
The USDA wants to keep collecting info from California almond growers and update how they do it. This affects farmers and businesses involved in California almonds, helping keep the almond market running smoothly. If you have thoughts, speak up by July 6, 2026—no extra costs, just a little paperwork refresh!
2026-08399 — 2026/2027 Rates Charged for AMS Services
Starting May 1, 2026, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service is updating the fees it charges for grading, inspecting, and testing agricultural products like meat, fruits, and cotton. Some fees are going up to cover rising costs, while others stay the same. Warehouse service fees for fiscal year 2027 won’t change, so businesses should plan for these updates as the new crop and fiscal years begin.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-06102 — Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Mid-Atlantic Blueline Tilefish and Golden Tilefish Fisheries; 2026 Specifications
The government is setting new fishing rules for golden and blueline tilefish in the Mid-Atlantic for 2026 to keep fish populations healthy and fishing fair. These rules affect fishermen north of the North Carolina/Virginia border and include limits on how many fish can be caught. Comments on the plan are open until April 14, 2026, so everyone has a chance to weigh in before the rules take effect.
Next: 2026-06114 — Authority To Require Supervision and Regulation of Certain Nonbank Financial Companies
The Financial Stability Oversight Council is updating how it watches over big nonbank financial companies to keep the U.S. economy safe. They’re focusing more on the activities these companies do, making their process clearer and smarter. If you’re involved with these companies, get ready to share your thoughts by May 14, 2026, as this could affect how they’re supervised and regulated.