AMS Proposes to End De Minimis Exemption for Cotton Import Fees

The Agricultural Marketing Service is proposing to end a de minimis exemption from marketing order assessments on importers of cotton (here). Under the agency’s proposed rule, importers of cotton would no longer be exempt from paying assessments when the total assessed on any entry line is $2 or less. AMS says the exemption was originally put in place because the cost of collecting assessments was sometimes greater than the amount collected, but automation and other changes have decreased collection costs. Comments are due Jan. 11.