1484.55—What expenditures may not be reimbursed under the Cooperator program?

(a) FAS will not reimburse expenditures made prior to approval of a Cooperator's program, unreasonable expenditures, or any cost of:
(1) Expenses, fines, settlements, or claims resulting from suits, challenges, or disputes emanating from employment terms, conditions, contract provisions, or related formalities;
(2) Product development, product modification, or product research;
(3) Product samples;
(4) Slotting fees or similar sales expenditures;
(5) The purchase, construction, or lease of space for permanent displays, i.e., displays lasting beyond one marketing plan year;
(6) Office parking fees;
(7) Coupon redemption or price discounts;
(8) Refundable deposits or advances;
(9) Giveaways, awards, prizes, gifts, and other similar promotional materials in excess of $1.00 per item;
(10) Alcoholic beverages that are not an integral part of a promotional activity;
(11) The purchase, lease (except for use in authorized travel status), or repair of motor vehicles;
(12) Travel of applicants for employment interviews;
(13) Unused non-refundable airline tickets or associated penalty fees, except where travel is restricted by U.S. government action or advisory;
(14) Any arrangement which has the effect of reducing the selling price of an agricultural commodity;
(15) Goods and services and salaries of third party personnel;
(16) Membership fees in clubs and social organizations;
(17) Indemnity and fidelity bonds;
(18) Fees for participating in U.S. Government sponsored activities, other than trade fairs, shows, and exhibits;
(19) Business cards;
(20) Seasonal greeting cards;
(21) Subscriptions to non-trade related publications;
(22) Credit card fees;
(23) Refreshments, or related equipment, for office staff;
(24) Insurance on household goods and personal effects, including privately-owned automobiles, whether overseas or stored in the U.S., belonging to U.S. citizen employees;
(25) Home office domestic administrative expenses, including communication costs;
(26) Payment of U.S. or foreign employee's or contractor's share of personal taxes, except as legally required in a foreign country;
(27) Wireless phone equipment, equipment repair, insurance, and other related charges;
(28) STRE expenses incurred in the U.S;
(29) Entertainment, e.g., amusements, diversions, cover charges, personal gifts, or tickets to theatrical or sporting events;
(30) Functions (including receptions and meals at Cooperator staff conferences) at which target groups, such as members of the overseas trade, opinion leaders, foreign government officials, and other similar groups, are not present; or
(31) Promotions directed at consumers purchasing in their individual capacity.
(b) The Deputy Administrator may determine, at the Deputy Administrator's discretion, whether any cost not expressly listed in this section will be reimbursed.
(c) FAS will reimburse for expenses incurred up to 30 calendar days beyond the conclusion of the marketing plan year.