News Releases and other News Material/Number 01194/0017
Release No. 0017.94
Kendra Pratt (301) 436-4898
Ron Hall (202) 720-3310
USDA TO CHARGE USER FEES FOR VETERINARY SERVICES PROVIDED FOR IMPORT & EXPORT
WASHINGTON, Jan. 6--The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today that on Jan. 21, 1994, it will begin charging user fees for veterinary services it provides directly to importers and exporters of animals, animal products and biological materials.
The 1990 Farm Bill authorized USDA to collect fees to recover the costs of services it provides to carry out provisions of federal animal quarantine laws that relate to the importation, entry and exportation of animals, articles or means of conveyance. USDA'S Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service conducts inspections and tests of animals and animal products moving internationally to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. These import/export-related user fees for veterinary services are expected to save taxpayers an estimated $3.4 to $4.5 million each year.
These fees will be charged to individuals receiving various USDA services, including the following:
- --Import-related inspections and services provided at ports along the U.S. borders with Mexico and Canada;
- --Inspections and approval of facilities importing animals, animal products or biological materials;
- --Inspections and processing of animals and animal products at U.S. ports of entry;
- --Approval of slaughter establishments;
- --Inspections of pet birds entering the United States and supervision of the quarantine and testing of these birds (except pet birds from Canada);
- --Processing paperwork and endorsing export and import permits for germplasm; and
- --Processing releases of animals and animal products from agricultural quarantine.
This final rule was published in the Dec. 22 Federal Register.
The final Regulatory Impact Analysis of these user fees is available for public review at USDA, Room 1141 South Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C., between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Persons wishing access to the document are encouraged to call ahead on (202) 690-2817 to facilitate entry to the comment reading room.
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