Under the Federal procurement preference program, USDA designates categories of biobased products that are afforded a Federal purchasing preference under Section 9002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002.

Click here for a full listing of all currently designated categories and their biobased content.

USDA has issued a series of rulemakings, called “Rounds,” designating these biobased product categories.

• Round 10 – June 11, 2013.  USDA issued a final rule to add 8 new designated biobased product categories:  Aircraft and boat cleaners; automotive care products; engine crankcase oil; gasoline fuel additives; metal cleaners and corrosion removers; microbial cleaning products; paint removers; and water turbine bearing oils.  View the final rule here.

• Round 9 – November 19, 2012.  USDA issued a final rule adding 12 new designated biobased product categories: Agricultural spray adjuvants; animal cleaning products; deodorants; dethatcher products; fuel conditioners; leather, vinyl, and rubber care products; lotions and moisturizers; shaving products; specialty precision cleaners and solvents; sun care products; wastewater systems coatings; and water clarifying agents. View the final rule here.

• Round 8 – April 4, 2012, USDA issued a final rule adding 13 new designated biobased product categories: air fresheners and deodorizers; asphalt and tar removers; asphalt restorers; blast media; candles and wax melts; electronic components cleaners; floor coverings (non-carpet); foot care products; furniture cleaners and protectors; inks; packing and insulating materials; pneumatic equipment lubricants; and wood and concrete stains.  View the final rule  here.

• Round 7 – July 22, 2011, USDA issued a final rule adding 14 new designated biobased categories: animal repellents; bath products; bioremediation materials; compost activators and accelerators; concrete and asphalt cleaners; cuts, burns, and abrasions ointments; dishwashing products; erosion control materials; floor cleaners and protectors; hair care products,; interior paints and coatings; oven and grill cleaners; slide way lubricants; and thermal shipping containers.  View the final rule  here.

• Round 6 – October 18, 2010, USDA issued a final rule adding 8 new designated biobased categories: disposable tableware; expanded polystyrene foam recycling products; heat transfer fluids; ink removers and cleaners; mulch and compost materials; multipurpose lubricants; topical pain relief products; and turbine drip oils.  View the final rule here.

• Round 5 – October 27, 2009, USDA issued a final rule adding 9 new designated biobased categories: chain and cable lubricant; corrosion preventatives; food cleaners; forming lubricants; gear lubricants; general purpose household cleaners; industrial cleaners; multipurpose cleaners; and parts wash solutions.  View the final rule here.

• Rounds 2, 3 & 4 – May 14, 2008, USDA issued three final rules adding 27 new new designated biobased categories: adhesive and mastic removers; plastic insulating foam for residential and commercial construction; hand cleaners and sanitizers; composite panels; fluid-filled transformers; disposable containers; fertilizers; sorbents; graffiti and grease removers; 2-cycle engine oils; lip care products; films; stationary equipment hydraulic fluids; disposable cutlery; glass cleaners; greases; dust suppressants; carpets; carpet and upholstery cleaners; bathroom and spa cleaners; concrete and asphalt release fluids; general purpose de-icers; firearm lubricants; floor strippers; laundry products; metalworking fluids; and wood and concrete sealers. The final rules appeared in three separate Federal Register notices, viewable here 73 FR 27928 , 73 FR 27958 , and 73 FR 27978.
• Round 1 – March 16, 2006, USDA issued a final rule, Federal Register (70 FR 13686), listing the first six designated biobased categories: mobile hydraulic fluids; roof coatings; diesel fuel additives; penetrating lubricants; water tank coatings; and bedding, bed linens, and towels.