The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service says it has published the final rule of its revision to the regulations governing the inspection and certification of fresh fruits, vegetables and other products to more equitably and accurately assess fees based on actual volume inspected.
These changes include using either a per-pound fee structure for certain Section 8e import inspections or a minimum fee equivalent to a two-hour charge computed at the current established hourly rate, whichever is greater, and a 50% reduction to the sublot fee.
These changes will be effective starting Jan. 29, 2025.
The Code of Federal Regulations defines the current measurement, a carlot, as “any number of containers which contain a product of the same kind located on or unloaded from the same conveyance and available for inspection at the same time and location.”
Modern shipping methods — such as bulk shipping containers, air freight, railcars and others — can vary in size and weight. The USDA said a per-pound-based fee schedule would ensure it recovers costs for the time and resources needed to inspect the product and will allow shippers to assess the actual costs of inspections more accurately.
Customers with loads currently subject to additional sublot fees will see a 50% decrease in these fees. The USDA said it generates a sublot when “the product differs markedly as to quality and/or condition and such differences are definitely associated with certain brands, varieties, sizes or container markings.”
