Understanding Non-Allowable Interest Costs: A Legal Perspective

Definition & Meaning

Non-allowable interest costs refer to the interest expenses incurred by a producer that exceed a specified threshold. According to regulations, these costs are defined as any interest that surpasses 700 basis points above the official interest rates applicable to comparable maturities in the producer's country. This definition is important for understanding which interest costs can be included in financial calculations and which cannot.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A manufacturer in Costa Rica borrows funds at an interest rate of 5%. If the official rate for comparable loans is 2%, their non-allowable interest costs would be any amount over 9% (2% + 7%).

Example 2: A producer in the Dominican Republic incurs interest costs of 10% on a loan, while the official rate is 3%. Here, the non-allowable interest costs would be the interest exceeding 10% (3% + 7%).

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Allowable Interest Costs Interest costs that are permitted to be included in financial calculations. Allowable costs do not exceed the specified interest rate threshold.
Interest Rate The percentage at which interest is charged or paid. Interest rates are the basis for determining allowable versus non-allowable costs.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are a producer and believe you may have incurred non-allowable interest costs, it is essential to review your financial records against the applicable official interest rates. Consider using US Legal Forms' templates to help manage your documentation and compliance. If your situation is complex, consulting a legal professional may be beneficial.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Threshold for Non-Allowable Costs 700 basis points above applicable official interest rates
Applicable Regulations 19 CFR 10.593
Context of Use International trade and finance

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

They are interest costs that exceed 700 basis points above the applicable official interest rates.