The Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, popularly known as the “Farm Bill”, contains a provision that requires a new declaration for certain softwood lumber products imported into the U.S.. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has granted an additional 30 days for implementation from the original scheduled date of Aug. 18, 2008. The declaration will now be required for imports of the affected products effective Sept. 18, 2008.

The products that require this new declaration are covered by specific headings found in the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule including, but not limited to, wood flooring, window and door frames, bed frames, and similar materials. For a full list of affected products please visit the CBP Web site.

The new data elements that must be submitted to the CBP with the clearance entry are as follows:

• Export Price;
• Export Charges – defined as any tax, charge, or other fee collected by the country of export; and
• Importer Declaration – stating that appropriate inquiries have been made regarding all required information and that export prices and export charges are consistent with all relevant laws and regulations governing this declaration.

CBP has modified the Automated Broker Interface (ABI) system to accept the data electronically. It is the responsibility of importers to assemble the information required by this new legislation and work with their suppliers to include it as part of the documentation for each shipment.

For further information, please visit:
H.R. 6124, Section 3301, Food, Conservation, and Energy Act 2008
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Web site