Update Regarding the User Fees Required for Export Facility Inspection Packages

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January 9, 2024 — USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) charges user fees in accordance with Title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (9 CFR 130) to ensure the agency recovers the full cost for services rendered to stakeholders, and routinely reviews user fee processes for consistency and regulatory compliance. APHIS recently identified gaps in user fee charging methods for export facility inspection packages and revised its operational guidance to ensure consistency and continuity in how user fees are charged. 
 

This adjustment will charge user fees for the full time required to complete export facility inspection packages – including inspection, Veterinary Export Trade Services review, and/or Animal Product Export (Headquarters Export Office) review – which APHIS’ Veterinary Services had previously been only partially charging. This change enhances APHIS operational consistency. 

We encourage stakeholders to begin the renewal or listing approval process, including scheduling inspections and associated paperwork, at least 90 days prior to their last valid inspection date expiration to allow adequate time for completion of all steps. 

For further information regarding authorized user fees, inspections and the review process, or service center operating hours, please contact the Service Center for your area, which can be found here.

 

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APHIS protects the health of U.S. agriculture and natural resources against invasive pests and diseases, regulates genetically engineered crops, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and helps people and wildlife coexist. We also certify the health of U.S. agricultural exports and resolve phytosanitary and sanitary issues to open, expand, and maintain markets for U.S plant and animal products.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.