The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has postponed the removal of an exemption that allowed small commercial passenger aircraft to avoid paying certain user fees related to agricultural quarantine and inspection (AQI) services. This delay, effective until June 2, 2025, is due to a regulatory freeze for review. APHIS is seeking public input on whether these small aircraft pose a lesser risk than larger aircraft and if they merit reduced fees. Feedback is also requested on how AQI fees can be structured differently based on risk and service levels.
Simple Explanation
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is waiting until June 2025 to decide if small airplanes that carry passengers should keep paying less money for checkups when they travel, and they want to hear from people to help decide if these small planes are safer and should still pay less.