Lumber Importers Face Tweak in Board Fees
Published Date: 9/22/2026
Rule
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Future Assessment Rate Limits and Review
At least 24 months after the Order becomes effective and periodically thereafter, the Board may recommend changes to the assessment rate. The nominal assessment rate may not be set below $0.35/MBF nor above $0.50/MBF without rulemaking by the Secretary (current rate is $0.41/MBF nominal).
Import Fees Now Calculated on Nominal Size
Starting October 22, 2026, assessments on softwood lumber are calculated on a nominal count at $0.41 per thousand board feet (MBF). Imports reported in net size will be converted using a 1.503 multiplier, which is equivalent to $0.62/MBF on a net count (FEA conversion: 636.9 MBF per 1,000 m3 versus nominal 423.8 MBF per 1,000 m3). This change primarily affects importers who previously reported net volumes (notably imports from European countries).
Exemptions Keep First 15 MMBF Free
The Order exempts each manufacturer or importer from assessments on the first 15 million board feet (15 MMBF) of softwood lumber on a nominal count per fiscal year. Businesses that expect to be under 15 MMBF must apply annually for a certificate of exemption and those who did not apply but shipped/imported under 15 MMBF will receive refunds within 30 calendar days after the fiscal year end.
Refunds for Excess Customs Collections
If U.S. Customs collects excess assessments from an importer, the Softwood Lumber Board will issue a refund when the importer provides appropriate documentation. For importers that are exempt, the Board will refund assessments collected by Customs no later than 60 calendar days after the Board receives them; domestic manufacturers who qualify for refunds will receive them within 30 calendar days after the fiscal year end.
U.S. South Gains Additional Board Seat
The Softwood Lumber Board will add one industry seat for the U.S. South Region, increasing industry seats from 14 to 15 and total Board members to 16. This change reflects increased production in the U.S. South based on 2022–2024 data.
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