AMS to Impose Late Fees, Interest on Past Due Honey Assessments From Importers

The Agricultural Marketing Service is setting new late payment fees and interest charges on late assessments from importers and domestic producers under the honey promotion order, it said in a final rule. Under the order, importers and domestic producers of more than 250,000 pounds of non-organic honey must pay an assessment of 1.5 cents per pound. AMS will impose a 10 percent late fee on assessments not received within 30 calendar days of the date they are due, as well as 2/3 percent interest until payment is received. The final rule takes effect April 13.