The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is increasing their Agriculture Quarantine Inspection (AQI) user fees on December 28, 2017, from $95 to $142.
This increase is a result of an October 29, 2015 final rule in which AQI fees were to be increased each year over a five (5) year phase in period, until it reaches $237. On December 28, 2018, they will increase to $190, and on December 28, 2019, to the final fee of $237.
AQI fees apply to fumigation and cold treatments generally conducted at U.S. ports of entry, or onboard ships traveling to the U.S. It is charged on a per treatment basis per enclosure, container, tarp, or chamber.
APHIS charges this fee to recover the costs for their personnel to oversee treatments and analyze treatment data to confirm effectiveness. The fee is collected by the private entity providing the AQI treatment services, who then remits it to APHIS each quarter.
More information on the AQI fee may be found on APHIS’ AQI User Fees webpage.
If you have any questions regarding the increase to APHIS’ AQI treatment fees, Livingston can help! Please contact either your Livingston account manager or our regulatory affairs group at usregaffairs@livingstonintl.com.