PART 1217—SOFTWOOD LUMBER RESEARCH, PROMOTION, CONSUMER EDUCATION AND INDUSTRY INFORMATION ORDER Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7411-7425; 7 U.S.C. 7401. Source: 76 FR 22755, Apr. 22, 2011, unless otherwise noted. Subpart A—Softwood Lumber Research, Promotion, Consumer Education, and Industry Information Order Source: 76 FR 46193, Aug. 2, 2011, unless otherwise noted. Definitions § 1217.1 Act. Act § 1217.2 Blue Ribbon Commission or BRC. Blue Ribbon Commission BRC § 1217.3 Board or Softwood Lumber Board. Board Softwood Lumber Board § 1217.4 Board foot. Board foot BF § 1217.5 Conflict of interest. Conflict of interest [89 FR 58250, July 18, 2024] § 1217.6 Customs or CBP. Customs or CBP § 1217.7 Department or USDA. Department or USDA § 1217.8 Domestic manufacturer. Domestic manufacturer § 1217.9 Export. Export § 1217.10 Fiscal period or year. Fiscal period or year § 1217.11 Importer. Importer § 1217.12 Information. Information (a) Consumer education, which means any action taken to provide information to, and broaden the understanding of, the general public regarding softwood lumber; and (b) Industry information, which means information and programs that would enhance the image of the softwood lumber industry. § 1217.13 Manufacture. Manufacture § 1217.14 Manufacturer for the U.S. market. Manufacturer for the U.S. market § 1217.15 Marketing. Marketing § 1217.16 Nominal size. Nominal size § 1217.17 Order. Order § 1217.18 Part and subpart. Part subpart § 1217.19 Person. Person § 1217.20 Planing. Planing § 1217.21 Programs, plans, and projects. Programs, plans and projects § 1217.22 Promotion. Promotion § 1217.23 Research. Research § 1217.24 Secretary. Secretary § 1217.25 Softwood. Softwood § 1217.26 Softwood lumber. Softwood lumber § 1217.27 State. State § 1217.28 Suspend. Suspend § 1217.29 Terminate. Terminate § 1217.30 United States. United States Softwood Lumber Board § 1217.40 Establishment and membership. (a) Establishment of the Board. (b) Composition of the Board. (1) Domestic manufacturers. (i) Five members and one alternate shall represent manufacturers of softwood lumber in the U.S. South Region, which consists of the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. Of these five members, two members must represent large, two members must represent small, and one member may represent domestic manufacturers of any size. The region's alternate may represent domestic manufacturers of any size; (ii) Four members and one alternate shall represent manufacturers of softwood lumber in the U.S. West Region, which consists of the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Of these four members, two members must represent large, one member must represent small, and one member may represent domestic manufacturers of any size. The region's alternate may represent domestic manufacturers of any size; and (iii) One member shall represent manufacturers of softwood lumber in the Northeast and Lake States Region, which consists of the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin and all other parts of the United States not listed in paragraph (b)(1)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this section. This member may represent domestic manufacturers of any size. (2) Importers. (i) Two members must import softwood lumber from the Canadian West Region, which consists of the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta; and (ii) One member must import softwood lumber from the Canadian East Region, which consists of the Canadian territories and all other Canadian provinces not listed in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section that import softwood lumber into the United States. (3) Public Member. (c) Periodic review. (1) Review, based on a three-year average, the geographical distribution of the volume of softwood lumber production that is manufactured and shipped within the United States by domestic manufacturers and the volume of softwood lumber imported into the United States; and (2) Review, based on a three-year average, the distribution of the size of operations within each region; and (3) If warranted, recommend to the Secretary the reapportionment of the Board membership to reflect changes in the geographical distribution of the volume of softwood lumber production that is manufactured and shipped within the United States by domestic manufacturers and the volume of softwood lumber imported into the United States. The distribution of volumes between regions and the distribution of the size of operations within regions shall also be considered. The number of Board members may also be changed. Any changes in Board composition shall be implemented by the Secretary through rulemaking. [84 FR 50299, Sept. 25, 2019] [76 FR 46193, Aug. 2, 2011, as amended at 85 FR 45059, July 27, 2020; 89 FR 58250, July 18, 2024] § 1217.41 Nominations and appointments. Nominations shall be conducted as follows: (a) The Board shall conduct outreach to all segments of the softwood lumber industry. Softwood lumber domestic manufacturers and importers may submit nominations to the Board. Nominees must domestically manufacture and/or import 15 million board feet or more of softwood lumber per fiscal year; (b) Domestic manufacturers, importer, and public member nominees, for both member and alternate positions, may provide the Board a short background statement outlining their qualifications to serve on the Board; (c) Domestic manufacturer, importer, public member and all alternate nominees may seek nomination to the Board for all open or vacant seats for which the nominees are eligible; (d) The Board will evaluate all eligible nominees and submit the name of one nominee for each open seat and the name of one additional nominee for each open seat to the Secretary. Other qualified persons interested in serving in the open seats but not recommended by the Board will be designated by the Board as additional nominees for consideration by the Secretary; (e) Nominations for the public member shall be made by the Board. The Board shall submit the names of at least two nominees for the public member seat and at least two nominees for the public member alternate seat to the Secretary. (f) The Board must submit nominations to the Secretary at least six months before the new Board term begins. From the nominations submitted by the Board, the Secretary shall select the members of the Board; (g) No two members or alternates shall be employed by a single corporation, company, partnership, or any other legal entity. This includes subsidiaries and affiliates thereof; and (h) The Board may recommend to the Secretary modifications to its nomination procedures as it deems appropriate. Any such modifications shall be implemented through rulemaking by the Secretary. [84 FR 50299, Sept. 25, 2019, as amended at 89 FR 58251, July 18, 2024] § 1217.42 Term of office. (a) Board members and alternates will serve a three-year term or until the Secretary selects his or her successor. Each term of office shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31. No member or alternate may serve more than two consecutive terms, excluding any term of office less than three years. A Board member may serve as an alternate during the years he or she is ineligible to serve in a member position. (b) For the initial Board alternates, their terms shall be staggered for two, three, and four years. Determination of which alternates shall serve a term of two, three, or four years shall be recommended to the Secretary by the Board. [89 FR 58251, July 18, 2024] § 1217.43 Removal and vacancies. (a) In the event that any member or alternate of the Board ceases to work for or be affiliated with the domestic manufacturer or importer, or ceases to do business in the group or region from which the member or alternate was appointed to the Board, such position shall automatically become vacant. (b) The Board may recommend to the Secretary that a member or alternate be removed from office if the member or alternate consistently refuses to perform his or her duties or engages in dishonest acts or willful misconduct. The Secretary may remove the member or alternate if he or she finds that the Board's recommendation shows adequate cause. Further, without recommendation of the Board, a member or alternate may be removed by the Secretary upon showing of adequate cause, including the failure by a member or alternate to submit reports or remit assessments required under this part, if the Secretary determines that such member's or alternate's continued service would be detrimental to the achievement of the purposes of the Act. (c) If a position becomes vacant, nominations to fill the vacancy may be conducted using the nominations process set forth in § 1217.41 or the Board may nominate eligible persons. A vacancy will not be required to be filled if the unexpired term is less than 6 months. [89 FR 58251, July 18, 2024] § 1217.44 Alternates. An alternate member of the Board, during the absence of a member from the same group (domestic manufacturer, importer, or public member) and region (as applicable) may serve in the place and stead of such member and perform such duties as assigned. In the event that both a member of the Board and the alternate are unable to attend a meeting, the Board may not designate any other alternate from a different group or region to serve in such member's or alternate's place and stead for the meeting. [89 FR 58251, July 18, 2024] § 1217.45 Procedure. (a) A majority of Board members (exclusive of vacant seats) will constitute a quorum so long as at least two of the members present are importer members and five of the members present are domestic manufacturers. An alternate will be counted for the purpose of determining a quorum only if a member from his or her group and region is absent or disqualified from participating. If participation by telephone or other means is permitted, members participating by such means shall count as present in determining quorum or other voting requirements set forth in this section. (b) All votes at meetings of the Board, executive committee, and other committees will be cast in person or by electronic voting or other means as the Board and Secretary deem appropriate to allow members participating by telephone or other electronic means to cast votes. Voting by proxy will not be allowed. (c) Each member of the Board will be entitled to one vote on any matter put to the Board and the motion will carry if supported by a majority of Board members (exclusive of vacant seats), except for recommendations to change the assessment rate or to adopt a budget, both of which require affirmation by at least a majority of Board members plus two (exclusive of vacant seats). (d) The Board must give its members, alternates, and the Secretary timely notice of all Board, executive committee, and other committee meetings. (e) In lieu of voting at a properly convened meeting, and when, in the opinion of the Board's chairperson, such action is considered necessary, the Board may take action by mail, telephone, electronic mail, facsimile, or any other means of communication. Any action taken under this procedure is valid only if: (1) All members, alternates, and the Secretary are notified. (2) Members and alternates acting in a member's stead are provided the opportunity to vote. A majority of Board members or alternates acting in the member's stead (exclusive of vacant seats) vote in favor of the action (unless a vote of a majority of Board members plus two (exclusive of vacant seats) is required under the Order); and (3) All votes are promptly confirmed in writing and recorded in the Board minutes. [89 FR 58251, July 18, 2024] § 1217.46 Reimbursement and attendance. Board members and alternates will serve without compensation, but will be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses, as approved by the Board, which they incur when performing Board business. [89 FR 58251, July 18, 2024] § 1217.47 Powers and duties. The Board shall have the following powers and duties: (a) To administer this Order in accordance with its terms and conditions and to collect assessments; (b) To develop and recommend to the Secretary for approval such bylaws as may be necessary for the functioning of the Board and such rules, regulations as may be necessary to administer the Order, including activities authorized to be carried out under the Order; (c) To meet, organize, and select from among its members a chairperson and, such other officers as may be necessary; (d) To create an executive committee of five members of the Board comprised of the chairperson and four other members elected by the Board. The duties of the executive committee shall be specified in bylaws that are recommended by the Board and approved by the Secretary; (e) To create other committees or subcommittees, which may include individuals other than Board members, as the Board deems necessary from its membership and other representatives it deems appropriate; (f) To employ or contract with such persons, other than the members or alternates, as it may deem necessary to assist the Board in carrying out its duties, and to determine the compensation and define the duties of each; (g) To notify manufacturers for the U.S. market of all Board meetings through press releases or other means and to give the Secretary the same notice of Board meetings, executive committee, and subcommittee meetings that is given to members and alternates in order that the Secretary's representative(s) may attend such meetings, and to keep and report minutes of each meeting to the Secretary; (h) To develop and administer programs, plans, and projects and enter into contracts or agreements, which must be approved by the Secretary before becoming effective, for promotion, research, and information, including consumer and industry information, research and advertising designed to strengthen the softwood lumber industry's position in the marketplace and to maintain, develop, and expand markets for softwood lumber. The payment of costs for such activities shall be with funds collected pursuant to the Order, including funds collected pursuant to § 1217.50(f). Each contract or agreement shall provide that: (1) The contractor or agreeing party shall develop and submit to the Board a program, plan, or project together with a budget that specifies the cost to be incurred to carry out the activity; (2) The contractor or agreeing party shall keep accurate records of all of its transactions and make periodic reports to the Board of activities conducted, submit accounting for funds received and expended, and make such other reports as the Secretary or Board may require; (3) The Secretary may audit the records of the contracting or agreeing party periodically; and (4) Any subcontractor who enters into a contract with a Board contractor and who receives or otherwise uses funds allocated by the Board shall be subject to the same provisions as the contractor. (i) To prepare and submit to the Secretary for approval 60 calendar days in advance of the beginning of a fiscal period, rates of assessment and a budget of the anticipated expenses to be incurred in the administration of the Order, including the probable cost of each promotion, research, and information activity proposed to be developed or carried out by the Board; (j) To borrow funds necessary for startup expenses of the Order; (k) To invest assessments collected and other funds received pursuant to the Order and use earnings from invested assessments to pay for activities carried out pursuant to the Order; (l) To recommend changes to the assessment rates as provided in this part; (m) To cause its books to be audited by a certified public accountant at the end of each fiscal period and at such other times as the Secretary may request, and to submit a report of each audit directly to the Secretary; (n) To periodically prepare and make public and to make available to manufacturers for the U.S. market reports of its activities and, at least once each fiscal period, to make public an accounting of funds received and expended; (o) To maintain minutes, books, and records and prepare and submit to the Secretary such reports from time to time as may be required for appropriate accounting with respect to the receipt and disbursement of funds entrusted to it, and to submit to the Secretary such information pertaining to this part or subpart as he or she may request; (p) To act as an intermediary between the Secretary and any manufacturer for the U.S. market; (q) To receive, investigate and report to the Secretary complaints of violations of the Order; and (r) To develop and recommend such rules and regulations to the Secretary for approval as may be necessary for the development and execution of plans or activities to effectuate the purposes of the Act. [89 FR 58252, July 18, 2024] § 1217.48 Prohibited activities. The Board may not engage in, and shall prohibit the employees and agents of the Board from engaging in: (a) Any action that would be a conflict of interest; (b) Using funds collected by the Board under the Order to undertake any action for the purpose of influencing legislation or governmental action or policy, by local, state, national, and foreign governments or subdivision thereof, other than recommending to the Secretary amendments to the Order; and (c) No program, plan or project including advertising shall be false or misleading or disparaging to another agricultural commodity. Softwood lumber of all geographic origins shall be treated equally. [89 FR 58282, July 18, 2024] Expenses and Assessments § 1217.50 Budget and expenses. (a) At least 60 calendar days prior to the beginning of each fiscal period, and as may be necessary thereafter, the Board shall prepare and submit to the Department a budget for the fiscal period covering its anticipated expenses and disbursements in administering this part. The budget for research, promotion or information may not be implemented prior to approval by the Secretary. Each such budget shall include: (1) A statement of objectives and strategy for each program, plan, or project; (2) A summary of anticipated revenue, with comparative data for at least one preceding fiscal year, except for the initial budget; (3) A summary of proposed expenditures for each program, plan, or project; and (4) Staff and administrative expense breakdowns, with comparative data for at least one preceding fiscal year, except for the initial budget. (b) Each budget shall provide adequate funds to defray its proposed expenditures and to provide for a reserve as set forth in this Order. (c) Subject to this section, any amendment or addition to an approved budget must be approved by the Department, including shifting funds from one program, plan, or project to another. (d) The Board is authorized to incur such expenses, including provision for a reserve, as the Secretary finds reasonable and likely to be incurred by the Board for its maintenance and functioning, and to enable it to exercise its powers and perform its duties in accordance with the provisions of this subpart. Such expenses shall be paid from funds received by the Board. (e) With approval of the Department, the Board may borrow money for the payment of startup expenses subject to the same fiscal, budget, and audit controls as other funds of the Board. Any funds borrowed shall be expended only for startup costs and capital outlays and are limited to the first year of operation by the Board. (f) The Board may accept voluntary contributions, and is encouraged to seek other appropriate funding sources to carry out activities authorized by the Order. Such contributions shall be free from any encumbrances by the donor and the Board shall retain complete control of their use. The Board may receive funds from outside sources ( i.e., (g) The Board shall reimburse the Secretary for all expenses incurred by the Secretary in the implementation, administration, enforcement and supervision of the Order, including all referendum costs in connection with the Order. (h) For fiscal years beginning two years after the date the of the first Board meeting, the Board may not expend for administration, maintenance, and the functioning of the Board an amount that is greater than 8 percent of the assessment and other income received by and available to the Board for the fiscal year. For purposes of this limitation, reimbursements to the Secretary shall not be considered administrative costs. (i) The Board may establish an operating monetary reserve and may carry over to subsequent fiscal periods excess funds in any reserve so established: Provided, (j) Pending disbursement of assessments and all other revenue under a budget approved by the Secretary, the Board may invest assessments and all other revenues collected under this part in: (1) Obligations of the United States or any agency of the United States; (2) General obligations of any State or any political subdivision of a State; (3) Interest bearing accounts or certificates of deposit of financial institutions that are members of the Federal Reserve System; (4) Obligations fully guaranteed as to principal interest by the United States; or (5) Other investments as authorized by the Secretary. § 1217.51 Financial statements. (a) The Board shall prepare and submit financial statements to the Department on a quarterly basis, or at any other time as requested by the Secretary. Each such financial statement shall include, but not be limited to, a balance sheet, income statement, and expense budget. The expense budget shall show expenditures during the time period covered by the report, year-to-date expenditures, and the unexpended budget. (b) Each financial statement shall be submitted to the Department within 30 calendar days after the end of the time period to which it applies. (c) The Board shall submit to the Department an annual financial statement within 90 calendar days after the end of the fiscal year to which it applies. § 1217.52 Assessments. (a) The Board's programs and expenses shall be paid by assessments on manufacturers for the U.S. market, other income of the Board, and other funds available to the Board. (b) Subject to the exemptions specified in § 1217.53, each manufacturer for the U.S. market shall pay an assessment to the Board at the rate of $0.41 per thousand board feet of softwood lumber, except that no person shall pay an assessment on the first 15 million board feet of softwood lumber otherwise subject to assessment in a fiscal year. Domestic manufacturers shall pay assessments based on the volume of softwood lumber shipped within the United States and importers shall pay assessments based on the volume of softwood lumber imported to the United States. (c) At least 24 months after the Order becomes effective and periodically thereafter, the Board shall review and may recommend to the Secretary, upon an affirmative vote by at least a majority of Board members plus two (exclusive of vacant seats), a change in the assessment rate. In no event may the rate be less than $0.35 per thousand board feet nor more than $0.50 per thousand board feet. A change in the assessment rate is subject to rulemaking by the Secretary. (d) Domestic manufacturers shall remit to the Board the amount due no later than the 30th calendar day of the month following the end of the quarter in which the softwood lumber was shipped. (e) Domestic product that cannot be categorized in the Harmomized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) numbers listed in paragraph (h) of this section if it were an import is not covered under this Order. (f) Softwood lumber originating in the United States that is exported to another country and shipped back to the United States is covered under this Order, provided that it can be categorized in the HTSUS numbers listed in paragraph (h) of this section. (g) Each importer of softwood lumber shall pay through Customs to the Board an assessment on softwood lumber imported into the United States as described in section 804(a) of Title VIII of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1202-1683g), provided that it can be categorized in the HTSUS numbers listed in paragraph (h) of this section. (h) The HTSUS categories and assessment rates on imported softwood lumber are listed in the following table. The assessment rates are computed using the following conversion factors: One cubic meter (m3) equals 0.423776001 thousand board feet, and one square meter (m2) equals 0.010763104 thousand board feet. Accordingly, the assessment rate per cubic meter and square meter is as follows. Table 1 to Paragraph ( h Softwood lumber Assessment Assessment 4407.11.00 0.1737 0.004412 4407.12.00 0.1737 0.004412 4407.13.00 0.1737 0.004412 4407.14.00 0.1737 0.004412 4407.19.00 0.1737 0.004412 4409.10.05 0.1737 0.004412 4409.10.10 0.1737 0.004412 4409.10.20 0.1737 0.004412 4409.10.90 0.1737 0.004412 4418.99.10 0.1737 0.004412 (i) In the event that any HTSUS number subject to assessment is changed and such change is merely a replacement of a previous number and has no impact on the description of the softwood lumber involved, assessments will continue to be collected based on the new number. (j) If Customs does not collect an assessment from an importer, the importer is responsible for paying the assessment directly to the Board no later than the 30th calendar day of the month following the end of the quarter in which the softwood lumber was imported. (k) Articles brought into the United States temporarily and for which an exemption is claimed under subchapter XIII of chapter 98 of the HTSUS are not covered under this Order. If assessments are collected by Customs for these products, the importer may apply to the Board for a refund of assessments. (l) When a domestic manufacturer or importer fails to pay the assessment within 60 calendar days of the date it is due, the Board may impose a late payment charge and interest. The late payment charge and rate of interest shall be prescribed in regulations issued by the Secretary. All late assessments shall be subject to the specified late payment charge and interest. Persons failing to remit total assessments due in a timely manner may also be subject to actions under Federal debt collection procedures. (m) The Board may accept advance payment of assessments from any manufacturer for the U.S. market that will be credited toward any amount for which that person may become liable. The Board may not pay interest on any advance payment. (n) If the Board is not in place by the date the first assessments are to be collected, the Secretary shall receive assessments and shall pay such assessments and any interest earned to the Board when it is formed. [76 FR 46193, Aug. 2, 2011, as amended at 84 FR 50300, Sept. 25, 2019; 86 FR 11390, Feb. 25, 2021; 89 FR 58252, July 18, 2024] § 1217.53 Exemption from assessment. (a) Manufacturers for the U.S. market who domestically ship and/or import less than 15 million board feet annually. (2) Importers who import into the United States less than 15 million board feet of softwood lumber in a fiscal year are exempt from paying assessments. Such importers must apply to the Board, on a form provided by the Board, for a certificate of exemption prior to the start of the fiscal year. This is an annual exemption and importers must reapply each year. Such importers shall certify that they will import less than 15 million board feet of softwood lumber during the fiscal year for which the exemption is claimed. Upon receipt of an application for exemption, the Board shall determine whether an exemption is granted. The Board may request past import data to support the exemption request. The Board will then issue, if deemed appropriate, a certificate of exemption to the eligible importer. It is the responsibility of the importer to retain a copy of the certificate of exemption. The importer may be requested to submit a copy of the certificate to Customs. If Customs collects the assessment, the Board shall refund such importers their assessments no later than 60 calendar days after receipt of such assessments by the Board. No interest shall be paid on the assessments collected by Customs. (3) Domestic manufacturers who did not apply to the Board for an exemption and shipped less than 15 million board feet of softwood lumber within the United States during the fiscal year shall receive a refund from the Board for the applicable assessments within 30 calendar days after the end of the fiscal year. Board staff shall determine the assessments paid and refund the amount due to the domestic manufacturer accordingly. (4) Importers who did not apply to the Board for an exemption and imported less than 15 million board feet of softwood lumber during the fiscal year shall receive a refund from the Board for the applicable assessments within 30 calendar days after the end of the fiscal year. (5) If an entity is both a domestic manufacturer and an importer, the sum of such entity's domestic shipments and imports during a fiscal year shall count towards the 15 million board feet exemption. (6) Domestic manufacturers and importers who received an exemption certificate from the Board but domestically shipped or imported 15 million board feet or more of softwood lumber during the fiscal year shall pay the Board the applicable assessments owed on the domestic shipments or imports over the 15 million board foot-exemption threshold within 30 calendar days after the end of the fiscal year and submit any necessary reports to the Board pursuant to § 1217.70. (7) The Board may develop additional procedures to administer this exemption as appropriate. Such procedures shall be implemented through rulemaking by the Secretary. (b) Manufacturers for the U.S. market who domestically ship and/or import 15 million board feet or more annually. (2) Importers who import 15 million board feet or more per fiscal year shall be exempt from paying assessments on their first 15 million board feet of softwood lumber imported during the applicable fiscal year. Such importers shall receive a refund from the Board for the applicable assessments collected by Customs. The Board shall refund such importers their assessments no later than 60 calendar days after receipt by the Board. (c) Export. (d) Organic. (i) Only agricultural products certified as “organic” or “100 percent organic” (as defined in the NOP) are eligible for exemption; (ii) The exemption shall apply to all certified “organic” or “100 percent organic” (as defined in the NOP) products of a manufacturer regardless of whether the agricultural commodity subject to the exemption is manufactured by a person that also manufactures conventional or nonorganic agricultural products of the same agricultural commodity as that for which the exemption is claimed; (iii) The manufacturer maintains a valid certificate of organic operation as issued under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501-6522) (OFPA) and the NOP regulations issued under OFPA (7 CFR part 205); and (iv) Any manufacturer so exempted shall continue to be obligated to pay assessments under this part that are associated with any agricultural products that do not qualify for an exemption under this section. (2) To apply for exemption under this section, an eligible manufacturer shall submit a request to the Board on an Organic Exemption Request Form (3) A manufacturer request for exemption shall include the following: (i) The applicant's full name, company name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and email address; (ii) Certification that the applicant maintains a valid certificate of organic operation issued under the OFPA and the NOP; (iii) Certification that the applicant manufactures organic products eligible to be labeled “organic” or “100 percent organic” under the NOP; (iv) A requirement that the applicant attach a copy of their certificate of organic operation issued by a USDA-accredited certifying agent under the OFPA and the NOP; (v) Certification, as evidenced by signature and date, that all information provided by the applicant is true; and (vi) Such other information as may be required by the Board, with the approval of the Secretary. (4) If a manufacturer complies with the requirements of this section, the Board will grant an assessment exemption and issue a Certificate of Exemption to the manufacturer within 30 calendar days. If the application is disapproved, the Board will notify the applicant of the reason(s) for disapproval within the same timeframe. (5) An importer who imports softwood lumber that is eligible to be labeled as “organic” or “100 percent organic” under the NOP, or certified as “organic” or “100 percent organic” under a U.S. equivalency arrangement established under the NOP, may be exempt from the payment of assessments. Such importer may submit documentation to the Board and request an exemption from assessment on certified “organic” or “100 percent organic” softwood lumber on an Organic Exemption Request Form (6) If Customs collects the assessment on exempt product under paragraph (d)(5) of this section that is identified as “organic” by a number in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the Board must reimburse the exempt importer the assessments paid upon receipt of such assessments from Customs. For all other exempt organic product for which Customs collects the assessment, the importer may apply to the Board for a reimbursement of assessments paid, and the importer must submit satisfactory proof to the Board that the importer paid the assessment on exempt organic product. (7) The exemption will apply immediately following the issuance of a Certificate of Exemption. [76 FR 46193, Aug. 2, 2011, as amended at 80 FR 82029, Dec. 31, 2015] Promotion, Research, and Information § 1217.60 Programs, plans, and projects. (a) The Board shall develop and submit to the Secretary for approval programs, plans and projects authorized by this subpart. Such programs, plans and projects shall provide for promotion, research, education and other activities including consumer and industry information and advertising designed to: (1) Maintain, develop, expand and grow markets for softwood lumber; (2) Enhance and strengthen the image, reputation and public acceptance of softwood lumber and the forests from which it comes; (3) Develop new markets and marketing strategies for softwood lumber; (4) Expand the knowledge and understanding of the strength, safety and technical applications and encourage innovation in the use of softwood lumber; (5) Transfer and disseminate the knowledge and understanding of the strength, safety, environmental and sustainable benefits and technical applications of softwood lumber; and (6) Develop, expand and grow existing and new opportunities and applications for softwood lumber. (b) No program, plan, or project shall be implemented prior to its approval by the Secretary. Once a program, plan, or project is so approved, the Board shall take appropriate steps to implement it. (c) The Board must evaluate each program, plan and project authorized under this subpart to ensure that it contributes to an effective and coordinated program of research, promotion and information. The Board must submit the evaluations to the Secretary. If the Board finds that a program, plan or project does not contribute to an effective program of promotion, research, or information, then the Board shall terminate such plan or program. § 1217.61 Independent evaluation. At least once every five years, the Board shall authorize and fund from funds otherwise available to the Board, an independent evaluation of the effectiveness of the Order and the programs conducted by the Board pursuant to the Act. The Board shall submit to the Secretary, and make available to the public, the results of each periodic independent evaluation conducted under this paragraph. § 1217.62 Patents, copyrights, trademarks, inventions, product formulations, and publications. Any patents, copyrights, trademarks, inventions, product formulations, and publications developed through the use of funds received by the Board under this subpart shall be the property of the U.S. Government, as represented by the Board, and shall along with any rents, royalties, residual payments, or other income from the rental, sales, leasing, franchising, or other uses of such patents, copyrights, trademarks, inventions, publications, or product formulations, inure to the benefit of the Board, shall be considered income subject to the same fiscal, budget, and audit controls as other funds of the Board, and may be licensed subject to approval by the Secretary. Upon termination of this subpart, § 1217.83 shall apply to determine disposition of all such property. Reports, Books, and Records § 1217.70 Reports. (a) Each manufacturer for the U.S. market will be required to provide periodically to the Board such information as the Board, with the approval of the Secretary, may require. Such information may include, but not be limited to: (1) For domestic manufacturers: (i) The name, address and telephone number of the domestic manufacturer; (ii) The board feet of softwood lumber shipped within the United States; (iii) The board feet of softwood lumber for which assessments were paid; and (iv) The board feet of softwood lumber that was exported. (2) For importers: (i) The name, address and telephone number of the importer; (ii) The board feet of softwood lumber imported; (iii) The board feet of softwood lumber for which assessments were paid; and (iv) The country of export. (b) For domestic manufacturers, such information shall accompany the collected payment of assessments on a quarterly basis specified in § 1217.52. For importers who pay their assessments directly to the Board, such information shall accompany the payment of collected assessments within 30 calendar days after the end of the quarter in which the softwood lumber was imported. [76 FR 46193, Aug. 2, 2011, as amended at 78 FR 77334, Dec. 23, 2013] § 1217.71 Books and records. Each manufacturer for the U.S. market, including those exempt under § 1217.53, shall maintain any books and records necessary to carry out the provisions of this subpart and regulations issued thereunder, including such records as are necessary to verify any required reports. Domestic manufacturers who only export softwood lumber shall also retain such books and records. Such books and records must be made available during normal business hours for inspection by the Board's or Secretary's employees or agents. A manufacturer for the U.S. market must maintain the books and records for two years beyond the fiscal period to which they apply. § 1217.72 Confidential treatment. All information obtained from books, records, or reports under the Act, this subpart and the regulations issued thereunder shall be kept confidential by all persons, including all employees and former employees of the Board, all officers and employees and former officers and employees of contracting and subcontracting agencies or agreeing parties having access to such information. Such information shall not be available to Board members or other manufacturers for the U.S. market. Only those persons having a specific need for such information solely to effectively administer the provisions of this subpart shall have access to such information. Only such information so obtained as the Secretary deems relevant shall be disclosed by them, and then only in a judicial proceeding or administrative hearing brought at the direction, or at the request, of the Secretary, or to which the Secretary or any officer of the United States is a party, and involving this subpart. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prohibit: (a) The issuance of general statements based upon the reports of the number of persons subject to this subpart or statistical data collected therefrom, which statements do not identify the information furnished by any person; and (b) The publication, by direction of the Secretary, of the name of any person who has been adjudged to have violated this part, together with a statement of the particular provisions of this part violated by such person. Miscellaneous § 1217.80 Right of the Secretary. All fiscal matters, programs or projects, contracts, rules or regulations, reports, or other substantive actions proposed and prepared by the Board shall be submitted to the Secretary for approval. § 1217.81 Referenda. (a) Initial referendum. (b) Subsequent referenda. (1) For the purpose of ascertaining whether manufacturers for the U.S. market favor the continuation, suspension, or termination of the Order; (2) No later than seven years after the Order becomes effective and every seven years thereafter, to determine whether softwood lumber manufacturers for the U.S. market favor the continuation of the Order. The Order shall continue if it is favored by a majority of domestic manufacturers and importers voting in the referendum who also represent a majority of the volume of softwood lumber represented in the referendum who, during a representative period determined by the Secretary, have been engaged in the domestic manufacturing or importation of softwood lumber; (3) At the request of the Board established in this Order; (4) At the request of 10 percent or more of the number of persons eligible to vote in a referendum as set forth under the Order; or (5) At any time as determined by the Secretary. [76 FR 22755, Apr. 22, 2011, as amended at 81 FR 59427, Aug. 30, 2016; 84 FR 50300, Sept. 25, 2019] § 1217.82 Suspension or termination. (a) The Secretary shall suspend or terminate this part or subpart or a provision thereof, if the Secretary finds that this part or subpart or a provision thereof obstructs or does not tend to effectuate the purposes of the Act, or if the Secretary determines that this subpart or a provision thereof is not favored by persons voting in a referendum conducted pursuant to the Act. (b) The Secretary shall suspend or terminate this subpart at the end of the fiscal period whenever the Secretary determines that its suspension or termination is favored by a majority of domestic manufacturers and importers voting in the referendum who also represent a majority of the volume represented in the referendum who, during a representative period determined by the Secretary, have been engaged in the domestic manufacturing or importation of softwood lumber. (c) If, as a result of a referendum the Secretary determines that this subpart is not approved, the Secretary shall: (1) Not later than one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days after making the determination, suspend or terminate, as the case may be, the collection of assessments under this subpart. (2) As soon as practical, suspend or terminate, as the case may be, activities under this subpart in an orderly manner. § 1217.83 Proceedings after termination. (a) Upon termination of this subpart, the Board shall recommend to the Secretary up to nine of its members, representing all regions specified in § 1217.40(b), three of whom shall be importers and six of whom shall be domestic manufacturers, to serve as trustees for the purpose of liquidating the Board's affairs. Such persons, upon designation by the Secretary, shall become trustees of all of the funds and property then in the possession or under control of the Board, including claims for any funds unpaid or property not delivered, or any other existing claim at the time of such termination. (b) The said trustees shall: (1) Continue in such capacity until discharged by the Secretary; (2) Carry out the obligations of the Board under any contracts or agreements entered into pursuant to the Order; (3) From time to time account for all receipts and disbursements and deliver all property on hand, together with all books and records of the Board and trustees, to such person or person as the Secretary directs; and (4) Upon request of the Secretary execute such assignments or other instruments necessary or appropriate to vest in such persons title and right to all of the funds, property, and claims vested in the Board or the trustees pursuant to the Order. (c) Any person to whom funds, property, or claims have been transferred or delivered pursuant to the Order shall be subject to the same obligations imposed upon the Board and upon the trustees. (d) Any residual funds not required to defray the necessary expenses of liquidation shall be turned over to the Secretary to be disposed of, to the extent practical, to one or more softwood lumber industry organizations in the United States whose mission is generic softwood lumber promotion, research, and information programs. § 1217.84 Effect of termination or amendment. Unless otherwise expressly provided by the Secretary, the termination of this subpart or of any regulation issued pursuant thereto, or the issuance of any amendment to either thereof, shall not: (a) Affect or waive any right, duty, obligation, or liability which shall have arisen or which may thereafter arise in connection with any provision of this subpart or any regulation issued thereunder; (b) Release or extinguish any violation of this subpart or any regulation issued thereunder; or (c) Affect or impair any rights or remedies of the United States, or of the Secretary or of any other persons, with respect to any such violation. § 1217.85 Personal liability. No member or employee of the Board shall be held personally responsible, either individually or jointly with others, in any way whatsoever, to any person for errors in judgment, mistakes, or other acts, either of commission or omission, as such member or employee, except for acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct. § 1217.86 Separability. If any provision of this subpart is declared invalid or the applicability of it to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this subpart, or the applicability thereof to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby. § 1217.87 Amendments. Amendments to this subpart may be proposed from time to time by the Board or any interested person affected by the provisions of the Act, including the Secretary. § 1217.88 OMB Control numbers. The control numbers assigned to the information collection requirements by the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, are OMB control number 0505-0001 (Board nominee background statement) and OMB control number 0581-0093. [84 FR 50300, Sept. 25, 2019] Subpart B—Referendum Procedures § 1217.100 General. Referenda to determine whether eligible domestic manufacturers and importers favor the issuance, continuance, amendment, suspension, or termination of the Softwood Lumber Research, Promotion, Consumer Education, and Industry Information Order shall be conducted in accordance with this subpart. § 1217.101 Definitions. For the purposes of this subpart: (a) Administrator (b) Customs or CPB (c) Department USDA (d) Eligible domestic manufacturer (e) Eligible importer (f) Manufacture (g) Order (h) Person (1) A husband and a wife who have title to, or leasehold interest in, a softwood lumber manufacturing entity as tenants in common, joint tenants, tenants by the entirety, or, under community property laws, as community property; and (2) So called “joint ventures” wherein one or more parties to an agreement, informal or otherwise, contributed land, facilities, capital, labor, management, equipment, or other services, or any variation of such contributions by two or more parties, so that it results in the domestic manufacturing or importation of softwood lumber and the authority to transfer title to the softwood lumber so manufactured or imported. (i) Referendum agent agent (j) Representative period (k) Softwood (l) Softwood lumber (m) United States [76 FR 46193, Aug. 2, 2011, as amended at 84 FR 50300, Sept. 25, 2019] § 1217.102 Voting. (a) Each eligible domestic manufacturer and importer of softwood lumber shall be entitled to cast only one ballot in the referendum. However, each domestic manufacturer in a landlord/tenant relationship or a divided ownership arrangement involving totally independent entities cooperating only to manufacture softwood lumber, in which more than one of the parties is a domestic manufacturer or importer, shall be entitled to cast one ballot in the referendum covering only such domestic manufacturer or importer's share of ownership. (b) Proxy voting is not authorized, but an officer or employee of an eligible corporate domestic manufacturer or importer, or an administrator, executor, or trustee of an eligible entity may cast a ballot on behalf of such entity. Any individual so voting in a referendum shall certify that such individual is an officer or employee of the eligible entity, or an administrator, executive, or trustee of an eligible entity and that such individual has the authority to take such action. Upon request of the referendum agent, the individual shall submit adequate evidence of such authority. (c) A single entity who domestically manufactures and imports softwood lumber may cast one vote in the referendum. (d) All ballots are to be cast by mail or other means, as instructed by the Department. § 1217.103 Instructions. The referendum agent shall conduct the referendum, in the manner provided in this subpart, under the supervision of the Administrator. The Administrator may prescribe additional instructions, consistent with the provisions of this subpart, to govern the procedure to be followed by the referendum agent. Such agent shall: (a) Determine the period during which ballots may be cast; (b) Provide ballots and related material to be used in the referendum. The ballot shall provide for recording essential information, including that needed for ascertaining whether the person voting, or on whose behalf the vote is cast, is an eligible voter; (c) Give reasonable public notice of the referendum: (1) By using available media or public information sources, without incurring advertising expense, to publicize the dates, places, method of voting, eligibility requirements, and other pertinent information. Such sources of publicity may include, but are not limited to, print and radio; and (2) By such other means as the agent may deem advisable. (d) Mail to eligible domestic manufacturers and importers whose names and addresses are known to the referendum agent, the instructions on voting, a ballot, and a summary of the terms and conditions of the proposed Order. No person who claims to be eligible to vote shall be refused a ballot; (e) At the end of the voting period, collect, open, number, and review the ballots and tabulate the results in the presence of an agent of a third party authorized to monitor the referendum process; (f) Prepare a report on the referendum; and (g) Announce the results to the public. § 1217.104 Subagents. The referendum agent may appoint any individual or individuals necessary or desirable to assist the agent in performing such agent's functions of this subpart. Each individual so appointed may be authorized by the agent to perform any or all of the functions which, in the absence of such appointment, shall be performed by the agent. § 1217.105 Ballots. The referendum agent and subagents shall accept all ballots cast. However, if an agent or subagent deems that a ballot should be challenged for any reason, the agent or subagent shall endorse above their signature, on the ballot, a statement to the effect that such ballot was challenged, by whom challenged, the reasons therefore, the results of any investigations made with respect thereto, and the disposition thereof. Ballots invalid under this subpart shall not be counted. § 1217.106 Referendum report. Except as otherwise directed, the referendum agent shall prepare and submit to the Administrator a report on the results of the referendum, the manner in which it was conducted, the extent and kind of public notice given, and other information pertinent to the analysis of the referendum and its results. § 1217.107 Confidential information. The ballots and other information or reports that reveal, or tend to reveal, the vote of any person covered under the Order and the voter list shall be strictly confidential and shall not be disclosed. § 1217.108 OMB control number. The control number assigned to the information collection requirement in this subpart by the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 4 U.S.C. is OMB control number 0581-0093. [84 FR 50300, Sept. 25, 2019] Subpart C—Rules and Regulations Source: 79 FR 64299, October 29, 2014, unless otherwise noted. § 1217.520 Late payment and interest charges for past due assessments. (a) A late payment charge shall be imposed on any domestic manufacturer or importer who fails to make timely remittance to the Board of the total assessments for which they are liable. The late payment will be imposed on any assessments not received within 60 calendar days of the date they are due. This one-time late payment charge shall be 10 percent of the assessments due before interest charges have accrued. (b) In addition to the late payment charge, 1 1/2