Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
11/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/07/2024 13:01
APHIS Proposes Updated Veterinary Services User Fees
Breadcrumb
- Home
- News and Updates
- Agency Announcements
- APHIS Proposes Updated Veterinary Services User Fees
APHIS Proposes Updated Veterinary Services User Fees
Stakeholder Announcement
Contact:
[email protected]
WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking public comment on proposed changes to its user fees for veterinary diagnostic goods and services, along with veterinary services for imports and exports of live animals and animal products.
The proposed changes would ensure the fees APHIS charges more closely align with the costs of providing these services. They would also allow the Agency to improve customer service by hiring and training personnel and ensuring the availability of information technology needed to facilitate trade processes, such as issuing export health certificates. The notice and a full list of the proposed fees may be viewed in today's Federal Register at here.
APHIS has not adjusted its fees for veterinary services since 2012. In 2023, APHIS issued a final rule outlining a new process for updating user fees and rates. This is the first proposed fee adjustment using the new process.
APHIS' animal health import and export user fees cover significant activities across the country, including at border locations and quarantine facilities. These fees support personnel, facilities, and information technology systems. They also recover the costs of inspection and certification services for imports and exports of live animals, animal products, and animal byproducts as well as provide for veterinary diagnostic goods and services. APHIS does not receive appropriated funding to support these activities.
Stakeholders have 30 days to review the proposed changes and provide comments. APHIS will then review the comments received, issue a final notice in the Federal Register, and post the new fees to the website.
#
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.