CBP publishes interim rules for softwood lumber imports

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has published interim rules for imports of softwood lumber from anywhere in the world.

The rules were developed in line with the Softwood Lumber Act, enacted on June 18. 

The legislation requires the administration to establish and maintain an importer declaration program for certain imports of softwood lumber products and prescribes special entry requirements whereby importers must submit the export price, estimated export charge, if any, and an importer declaration with the entry summary.

There are also new recordkeeping requirements applicable to certain imports of softwood lumber home packages and kits, which are subject to declaration requirements but not subject to the softwood lumber importer declaration program of the Softwood Lumber Act.

The interim rules become effective Sept. 18. CBP will take public comments on the rulemaking through Oct. 24. For more details, access the Aug. 25 Federal Register online at edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-19641.htm.