APHIS proposes higher export fees

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is calling for a rate increase for export certification fees of plants and plant products. The user fees would be increased through fiscal year 2012. The proposed increases are the first in 10 years, according to APHIS.

Increased fees include:

* Certification for export or re-export of a commercial shipment would increase from $50 to $99.

* Certification for export or re-export of a low-value commercial shipment would increase from $23 to $57.

* Certification for export or re-export of a noncommercial shipment would increase from $23 to $57.

* Replacement of any certificate for export or re-export would increase from $7 to $14.

APHIS also wants to add a new $16 user fee for exporters who obtain federal export certificates for plants and plant products from state or county cooperators. The new fee would recover administrative costs associated with that service.

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For more: APHIS, (301) 734-7799; www.aphis.usda.gov.