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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20095, United States Grain Standards Act Award of Designations
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service just gave official thumbs-up to seven grain inspection groups across the U.S. These groups will keep making sure grain quality meets standards in their areas starting now, helping farmers and buyers trust their grain’s grade. If you’re in North Dakota, Omaha, Fremont, Champaign, Maryland, Enid, or Eastern Iowa, this news means smooth grain inspections ahead with no extra costs announced.
2026-19887, Almonds Grown in California; Extension of Inedible Disposition Obligation Deadline
California almond growers and handlers now have two extra months to handle inedible almonds, extending the deadline from September 30 to November 30 every year. This change helps them manage almond quality and market supply better without rushing. The new rule kicks in on October 29, 2026, giving the industry more flexibility and smoother operations.
2026-19623, National Organic Program: Notice of Intent To Extend and Revise a Previously Approved Information Collection (2027)
The USDA’s National Organic Program is planning to extend and update its paperwork rules for organic farmers and businesses through 2030. This means folks involved in organic farming will see some changes in how they report info, helping keep organic standards strong and clear. Comments on these updates are open until November 24, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-19420, Fruit Crops; Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service wants to keep collecting info about fruit crops and make some updates to how they do it. This affects fruit growers and businesses involved in federal marketing orders. They’re asking for your thoughts by November 23, 2026, and this helps keep fruit marketing smooth without extra costs.
2026-19389, Softwood Lumber Board Assessment Rate Clarification and Changes to Membership
Starting October 22, 2026, the Softwood Lumber Board is updating how it charges fees on imported softwood lumber and changing who gets to be on the Board. If you import softwood lumber or are involved with the Board, these changes could affect your costs and membership rules. This update keeps the lumber industry running smoothly and fairly.
2026-19177, Milk in the Northeast and Other Marketing Areas; Uniform Pricing Formula Provisions
The USDA fixed a pricing mistake for milk in Morgan County, Ohio, lowering the Class I differential from $3.90 to $3.80. They also removed Shannon County, South Dakota, from the pricing table. These changes affect dairy farmers and milk buyers in these areas and take effect on September 18, 2026.
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.