USA: USDA announces referendum vote on proposed paper and paper packaging fee

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has published a proposed rule for a Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Promotion, Research and Information Order intended to support an industry-funded program providing a research, promotion and information program for paper and paper-based packaging. The proposed program would be funded by a new fee placed on certain domestically produced and imported paper and paper-based packaging. The following four types of papers would be covered by the program:
- kraft packaging paper used for shopping bags, paper sacks and other products
- containerboard used for corrugated boxes and shipping containers
- paperboard used for food and drink packaging and other products
- printing, writing and related paper

The proposed rule calls for “a referendum among eligible manufacturers and importers to determine whether they favor implementation of the program. Voting would take place from October 28 through November 8 of this year (State Recycling Laws Update, 16 September 2013).
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