Trade Regulation Updates

Recently the Softwood Lumber Board has announced the initial assessment rate of 35 cents per thousand board feet is set to increase to 41 cents per thousand board feet beginning April 1st, 2021.

In addition to the fee increase, the Board has also amended the rule to add a conversion factor for square meters to board feet. Currently the order provides for a factor used to convert cubic meters of imported softwood lumber into the equivalent volume of thousands of board feet. This change will enable the Board to assess a more accurate calculation of the assessment.

This is a courtesy notice to inform you that softwood lumber fee will be increasing to 41 cents per thousand board feet on April 1st, 2021.

Please see the Federal Register Notice: 86FR11387, for complete details.

Affected Commodities: Softwood Lumber Imports classified under the following tariff numbers:

• 4407.11.00
• 4407.12.00
• 4407.19.05
• 4407.19.06
• 4407.19.10
• 4409.10.05
• 4409.10.10
• 4409.10.20
• 4409.10.90 
• 4418.99.10

Background:

• The softwood research and promotion program operates as the Softwood Lumber Board and through executive order is financed by an assessment on softwood lumber. 
• The fee has been set at 35 cents per thousand board feet since it began in 2011. 
• The board reported an annual assessment income of $13.74 million in 2018, of which 30% was attributed to imports. 
• The additional funds will enable the Board to maintain its existing programs as well as supporting new programs that will help maintain and expand markets for softwood lumber.
• This fee is collected as part of the duties, taxes and fees assessed on imports of softwood lumber imported into the US.
• Companies that domestically ship or import less than 15 million board feet will remain exempt along with shipments exported outside of the US.
• Companies subject to the assessments will not pay assessments on the first 15 million board feet shipped or imported.

As a valued client of PCB Customs Brokers, we will keep a close eye on this assessment and inform you of all updates.

Please reach out to your account manager with any questions you have about these new requirements at any time by emailing ‍tcg@pcbusa.com or calling or 360.332.8534. We are here for you always.