WASHINGTON — The US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced amendments on April 26 to its Agricultural Quarantine and Inspection (AQI) program user fees. The new fee structure will go into effect Oct. 1.
The AQI program protects US farms and forests from damage caused by invasive pests and destructive diseases.
The user-fee funded program assures that cargo bringing goods from other countries and baggage carried into the United States by international travelers is inspected. Agricultural officials conduct inspections for plant pests and potential sources of animal diseases that could affect US agriculture and natural resources, along with the nation’s ability to trade and conduct commerce.
A partnership between APHIS and the US Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the backbone of the program’s safeguarding efforts. CBP inspectors are stationed at more than 200 ports of entry.
APHIS said recent advances in the size and scope of commercial transportation have resulted in the need to adjust fees for the program. The changes that go into effect in October will support the program’s recovery to meet the full costs of carrying out important safeguarding activities as required by The Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990.
Fees were last updated in 2015.
“The revisions to user feeds will put the AQI program on sound footing,” APHIS said.
The adjusted fee structure is as follows:
The revised fees account for inflation, capital improvements and additional staffing needs. The regulatory changes account for actual and projected increases in the cost of doing business, increase fee payer accountability and align fees more accurately with the costs associated with each fee service.
The rule will be published in the Federal Register in the coming weeks.