---
kind: "section"
citation: "7 U.S.C. § 6204"
title: "7"
title_heading: "Agriculture"
number: "6204"
heading: "Required terms in orders"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/7/6204"
units:
  - "Chapter 91 — Lime Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information"
---

# §6204. Required terms in orders

- (a) **In general—** An [order](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8) issued by the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14) under [section 6203(a) of this title](/usc/7/6203.md?p=a) shall contain the terms and conditions described in this section and, except as provided in [section 6205 of this title](/usc/7/6205.md), no other terms or conditions.
- (b) **Lime Board—** Such [order](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8) shall provide for the establishment of a [Lime](/usc/7/6202.md?p=6) [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) as follows:
  - (1) **Membership—** The [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) shall be composed of—
    - (A) 3 members who are [producers](/usc/7/6202.md?p=10) and who are not exempt from an assessment under [subsection (d)(5)(A)](#d-5-A);
    - (B) 3 members who are [importers](/usc/7/6202.md?p=5) and who are not exempt from an assessment under [subsection (d)(5)(A)](#d-5-A); and
    - (C) one member appointed from the general public.
  - (2) **Appointment and nomination—**
    - (A) **Appointment—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14) shall appoint the members of the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1).
    - (B) **Producers—** The 3 members who are [producers](/usc/7/6202.md?p=10) shall be appointed from individuals nominated by [lime](/usc/7/6202.md?p=6) [producers](/usc/7/6202.md?p=10).
    - (C) **Importers—** The 3 members who are [importers](/usc/7/6202.md?p=5) shall be appointed from individuals nominated by [lime](/usc/7/6202.md?p=6) [importers](/usc/7/6202.md?p=5).
    - (D) **Public—** The public representative shall be appointed from nominations of the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1).
    - (E) **Failure to nominate—** If [producers](/usc/7/6202.md?p=10) and [importers](/usc/7/6202.md?p=5) fail to nominate individuals for appointment, the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14) may appoint members on a basis provided for in the [order](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8). If the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) fails to nominate a public representative, such member may be appointed by the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14) without a nomination.
    - (F) **Initial Board—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14) shall establish an initial [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) from among nominations solicited by the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14). For the purpose of obtaining nominations for the members of the initial [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) described in [paragraph (1)](#b-1), the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14) shall perform the functions of the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) under this subsection as the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14) determines necessary and appropriate. The [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14) shall terminate the initial [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) established under this subsection as soon as practicable after December 14, 1993.
    - (G) **Board allocation—** The [producer](/usc/7/6202.md?p=10) and [importer](/usc/7/6202.md?p=5) representation on the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) shall be allocated on the basis of 2 [producer](/usc/7/6202.md?p=10) members and 1 [importer](/usc/7/6202.md?p=5) member from the district east of the Mississippi River and 1 [producer](/usc/7/6202.md?p=10) member and 2 [importer](/usc/7/6202.md?p=5) members from the district west of the Mississippi River.
  - (3) **Alternates—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14) shall appoint an alternate for each member of the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1). An alternate shall—
    - (A) be appointed in the same manner as the member for whom such individual is an alternate; and
    - (B) serve on the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) if such member is absent from a meeting or is disqualified under [paragraph (5)](#b-5).
  - (4) **Terms—** The initial members of the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) appointed under the amended [order](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8) shall serve a term of 30 months. Subsequent appointments to the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) shall be for a term of 3 years, except that—
    - (A) 2 members shall be appointed for a term of 1 year;
    - (B) 2 members shall be appointed for a term of 2 years; and
    - (C) 3 members shall be appointed for a term of 3 years;

    as designated by the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14) at the time of appointment.

  - (5) **Replacement—** If a member or alternate of the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) who was appointed as a [producer](/usc/7/6202.md?p=10), [importer](/usc/7/6202.md?p=5), or public representative ceases to belong to the group for which such member was appointed, such member or alternate shall be disqualified from serving on the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1).
  - (6) **Compensation—** Members and alternates of the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) shall serve without pay.
  - (7) **Travel expenses—** While away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of duties for the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1), members and alternates shall be allowed travel expenses, including a per diem allowance in lieu of subsistence, in the same manner as [persons](/usc/7/6202.md?p=9) employed intermittently in Government service are allowed travel expenses under [section 5703 of title 5](/usc/5/5703.md).
  - (8) **Powers and duties—** The [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) shall—
    - (A) administer [orders](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8) issued by the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14) under [section 6203(a) of this title](/usc/7/6203.md?p=a), and amendments to such [orders](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8), in accordance with their terms and provisions and consistent with this chapter;
    - (B) prescribe rules and regulations to effectuate the terms and provisions of such [orders](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8);
    - (C) receive, investigate, and report to the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14) accounts of violations of such [orders](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8);
    - (D) make recommendations to the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14) with respect to amendments that should be made to such [orders](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8); and
    - (E) [employ](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-10) a manager and staff.
- (c) **Budgets and plans—** Such [order](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8) shall provide for periodic budgets and plans as follows:
  - (1) **Budgets—** The [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) shall prepare and submit to the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14) a budget (on a fiscal period basis determined by the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14)) of the anticipated expenses and disbursements of the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) in the administration of the [order](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8), including probable costs of [research](/usc/7/6202.md?p=13), [promotion](/usc/7/6202.md?p=12), and [consumer information](/usc/7/6202.md?p=2). A budget shall take effect on the approval of the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14).
  - (2) **Plans—** Each budget shall include a plan for [research](/usc/7/6202.md?p=13), [promotion](/usc/7/6202.md?p=12), and [consumer information](/usc/7/6202.md?p=2) regarding [limes](/usc/7/6202.md?p=6). A plan under this paragraph shall take effect on the approval of the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14). The [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) may enter into contracts and agreements, with the approval of the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14), for—
    - (A) the development and carrying out of such plan; and
    - (B) the payment of the cost of such plan with funds collected pursuant to this chapter.
- (d) **Assessments—** Such [order](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8) shall provide for the imposition and collection of assessments with regard to the production and importation of [limes](/usc/7/6202.md?p=6) as follows:
  - (1) **Rate—** The assessment rate shall not exceed $.01 per pound of [limes](/usc/7/6202.md?p=6).
  - (2) **Collection by first handlers—** Except as provided in [paragraph (4)](#d-4), the first [handler](/usc/7/6202.md?p=4) of [limes](/usc/7/6202.md?p=6) shall—
    - (A) be responsible for the collection from the [producer](/usc/7/6202.md?p=10), and payment to the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1), of assessments under this subsection; and
    - (B) maintain a separate record of the [limes](/usc/7/6202.md?p=6) of each [producer](/usc/7/6202.md?p=10) whose [limes](/usc/7/6202.md?p=6) are so handled, including the [limes](/usc/7/6202.md?p=6) owned by the [handler](/usc/7/6202.md?p=4).
  - (3) **Producer-handlers—** For purposes of [paragraph (2)](#d-2), a [producer-handler](/usc/7/6202.md?p=11) shall be considered the first [handler](/usc/7/6202.md?p=4) of [limes](/usc/7/6202.md?p=6) produced by such [producer-handler](/usc/7/6202.md?p=11).
  - (4) **Importers—** The assessment on imported [limes](/usc/7/6202.md?p=6) shall be paid by the [importer](/usc/7/6202.md?p=5) at the time of entry into the [United States](/usc/7/6202.md?p=15-B) and shall be remitted to the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1).
  - (5) **De minimis exception—** The following [persons](/usc/7/6202.md?p=9) are exempt from an assessment under this subsection—
    - (A) a [producer](/usc/7/6202.md?p=10) who produces less than 200,000 pounds of [limes](/usc/7/6202.md?p=6) per year;
    - (B) a [producer-handler](/usc/7/6202.md?p=11) who produces and [handles](/usc/7/6202.md?p=3) less than 200,000 pounds of [limes](/usc/7/6202.md?p=6) per year; and
    - (C) an [importer](/usc/7/6202.md?p=5) who imports less than 200,000 pounds of [limes](/usc/7/6202.md?p=6) per year.
  - (6) **Claiming an exemption—** To claim an exemption under [paragraph (5)](#d-5) for a particular year, a [person](/usc/7/6202.md?p=9) shall submit an application to the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1)—
    - (A) stating the basis for such exemption; and
    - (B) certifying that such [person](/usc/7/6202.md?p=9) will not exceed the limitation required for such exemption in such year.
- (e) **Use of assessments—**
  - (1) **In general—** Such [order](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8) shall provide that funds paid to the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) as assessments under [subsection (d)](#d)—
    - (A) may be used by the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) to—
      - (i) pay for [research](/usc/7/6202.md?p=13), [promotion](/usc/7/6202.md?p=12), and [consumer information](/usc/7/6202.md?p=2) described in the budget of the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) under [subsection (c)](#c) and for other expenses incurred by the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) in the administration of an [order](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8);
      - (ii) pay such other expenses for the administration, maintenance, and functioning of the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) as may be authorized by the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14); and
      - (iii) fund a reserve established under [section 6205(4) of this title](/usc/7/6205.md?p=4); and
    - (B) shall be used to pay the expenses incurred by the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14), including salaries and expenses of Government employees in implementing and administering the [order](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8), except as provided in [paragraph (2)](#e-2).
  - (2) **Referenda—** Such [order](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8) shall provide that the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) shall reimburse the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14), from assessments collected under [subsection (d)](#d), for any expenses incurred by the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14) in conducting referenda under this chapter, except for the salaries of Government employees.
- (f) **False claims—** Such [order](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8) shall provide that any [promotion](/usc/7/6202.md?p=12) funded with assessments collected under [subsection (d)](#d) may not make—
  - (1) any false or unwarranted claims on behalf of [limes](/usc/7/6202.md?p=6); and
  - (2) any false or unwarranted statements with respect to the attributes or use of any product that competes with [limes](/usc/7/6202.md?p=6) for sale in commerce.
- (g) **Prohibition on use of funds—** Such [order](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8) shall provide that funds collected by the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) under this chapter through assessments authorized by this chapter may not, in any manner, be used for the purpose of influencing legislation or governmental policy or action, except for making recommendations to the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14) as provided for in this chapter.
- (h) **Books, records, and reports—**
  - (1) **By the Board—** Such [order](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8) shall require the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1)—
    - (A) to maintain books and records with respect to the receipt and disbursement of funds received by the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1);
    - (B) to submit to the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14) from time to time such reports as the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14) may require for appropriate accounting; and
    - (C) to submit to the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14) at the end of each fiscal year a complete audit report regarding the activities of the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) during such fiscal year.
  - (2) **By others—** So that information and data will be available to the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) and the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14) that is appropriate or necessary for the effectuation, administration, or enforcement of this chapter (or any [order](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8) or regulation issued under this chapter), such [order](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8) shall require [handlers](/usc/7/6202.md?p=4), [producer-handlers](/usc/7/6202.md?p=11), and [importers](/usc/7/6202.md?p=5) who are responsible for the collection, payment, or remittance of assessments under [subsection (d)](#d)—
    - (A) to maintain and make available for inspection by the employees of the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1) and the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14) such books and records as may be required by the [order](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8); and
    - (B) to file, at the times, in the manner, and having the content prescribed by the [order](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8), reports regarding the collection, payment, or remittance of such assessments.
- (i) **Confidentiality—**
  - (1) **In general—** Such [order](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8) shall require that all information obtained pursuant to [subsection (h)(2)](#h-2) shall be kept confidential by all officers and employees of the Department and of the [Board](/usc/7/6202.md?p=1). Only such information as the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14) considers relevant shall be disclosed to the public and only in a suit or administrative hearing, brought at the request of the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14) or to which the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14) or any officer of the [United States](/usc/7/6202.md?p=15-B) is a party, involving the [order](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8) with respect to which the information was furnished or acquired.
  - (2) **Limitations—** Nothing in this subsection prohibits—
    - (A) issuance of general statements based on the reports of a number of [handlers](/usc/7/6202.md?p=4), [producer-handlers](/usc/7/6202.md?p=11), and [importers](/usc/7/6202.md?p=5) subject to an [order](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8), if the statements do not identify the information furnished by any [person](/usc/7/6202.md?p=9); or
    - (B) the publication by direction of the [Secretary](/usc/7/6202.md?p=14), of the name of any [person](/usc/7/6202.md?p=9) violating an [order](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8) issued under [section 6203(a) of this title](/usc/7/6203.md?p=a), together with a statement of the particular provisions of the [order](/usc/7/6202.md?p=8) violated by such [person](/usc/7/6202.md?p=9).
- (j) **Withholding information—** Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to authorize the withholding of information from Congress.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 101–624, title XIX, § 1955, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3872; Pub. L. 102–237, title VIII, § 805(1), Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1882; Pub. L. 103–194, § 4, Dec. 14, 1993, 107 Stat. 2295.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Amendments

1993—Subsec. (b)(1)(A), (2)(B). Pub. L. 103–194, § 4(a)(1), (2), substituted “3” for “7”.

Subsec. (b)(2)(F). Pub. L. 103–194, § 4(a)(3), inserted at end “The Secretary shall terminate the initial Board established under this subsection as soon as practicable after December 14, 1993.”

Subsec. (b)(2)(G). Pub. L. 103–194, § 4(a)(4), added subpar. (G).

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 103–194, § 4(b)(1), substituted “The initial members of the Board appointed under the amended order shall serve a term of 30 months. Subsequent appointments to the Board shall be for a term of 3 years, except that—” for “Members of the Board shall be appointed for a term of 3 years. Of the members first appointed—”.

Subsec. (b)(4)(A). Pub. L. 103–194, § 4(b)(2), substituted “2” for “3”.

Subsec. (b)(4)(B). Pub. L. 103–194, § 4(b)(3), substituted “2” for “4” before “members”.

Subsec. (b)(4)(C). Pub. L. 103–194, § 4(b)(4), substituted “3” for “4” before “members”.

Subsec. (d)(5). Pub. L. 103–194, § 4(c), substituted “200,000” for “35,000”, wherever appearing.

1991—Subsec. (e)(1)(B). Pub. L. 102–237 substituted “Government employees” for “government employees”.