February 2, 2021
Importers of Record, You May Be Entitled to a Refund
The SLB is processing refunds due to importers for the 2020 calendar year. As you are aware, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection began collecting assessments on all imported softwood lumber covered under the Softwood Lumber Checkoff on July 1, 2020, on behalf of the SLB. Companies do not have to pay assessments on their first 15 million board feet (15 mmbf) of softwood lumber imported into the United States during a calendar year, therefore, you may be entitled to a refund.
To apply for your refund of 2020 assessments, please complete the form at the link below and email it to exempt@softwoodlumberboard.org. We ask that you apply by March 1, 2021.
For refunds pertaining to 2021 calendar year imports, we ask that you apply after your company passes the 15 mmbf threshold, or after you are done importing for the year. We plan on issuing just one check to each company due a refund.
Importers may also waive their right to a refund. If you would like to do so, please complete the form at the link below and email to exempt@softwoodlumberboard.org.
We appreciate your patience as we move forward with this process. If you have any questions, please contact Maureen Pello at the SLB at 971-339-4934, or at exempt@softwoodlumberboard.org.