USDA Delays Bug-Check Fees for Tiny Ag Passenger Planes
Published Date: 3/21/2025
Rule
Summary
The USDA is delaying a new fee rule for small commercial passenger planes by 60 days, pushing the start from April 1 to June 2, 2025. This means these planes won’t have to pay the new user fee just yet, giving everyone more time to weigh in. If you’re involved in agriculture or aviation, this delay affects you and offers a chance to share your thoughts by April 21, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Possible Reduced Fee If Lower Risk Demonstrated
APHIS stated it is open to the possibility of a lower AQI user fee or a differently structured fee for small commercial passenger aircraft (those with 64 or fewer seats) if evidence shows those aircraft pose lower sanitary or phytosanitary risk. APHIS asked for data on routes, cargo, geographic bounds, and other factors to consider a reduced fee similar to what was created for some Great Lakes and Cascadia vessels.
60-Day Delay of AQI Fee for Small Aircraft
If you operate a small commercial passenger aircraft (64 or fewer seats), you will not have to pay the new agricultural quarantine and inspection (AQI) commercial aircraft user fee until June 2, 2025. The rule to remove the previous exemption was scheduled to begin April 1, 2025 but was postponed on March 21, 2025 for 60 days.
Opportunity to Submit Comments by April 21, 2025
APHIS is accepting public comments and information about small commercial passenger aircraft operations and fee structure; comments must be received on or before April 21, 2025 via Regulations.gov or mail. This gives operators a formal chance to provide data or arguments about risk and fee structure before the delayed effective date.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-19532, Amendments To Import Requirements for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
The USDA is proposing to shorten the waiting time for importing live birds and bird products from 90 days to 28 days after a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak. This change helps foreign exporters get back to business faster while keeping the U.S. safe from bird flu. If you’re involved in bird imports, get ready to comment by November 23, 2026, and watch for updates that could speed up trade without extra costs.
2025-04813, Horse Protection Amendments; Further Delay of Effective Date, and Request for Comment
The USDA is pushing back new horse protection rules from April 2025 to February 2026 to give everyone more time to get ready. This affects horse owners, trainers, and event organizers who need to follow these updated rules to keep horses safe and sound. They’re also asking for your thoughts on whether this delay should be even longer, so speak up by May 20, 2025!
2025-01836, Horse Protection Amendments; Postponement of Regulations
The USDA is delaying new horse protection rules that were set to start on February 1, 2025, pushing them back 60 days to April 2, 2025. These rules affect horse shows, exhibitions, and sales by requiring trained inspectors to catch soring, a harmful practice. This delay gives everyone more time to get ready without changing any fees or costs.
2026-20630, Cut Flowers Regulations; Removal of Chrysanthemum White Rust-Related Provisions
Starting November 9, 2026, fresh cut flowers from Chrysanthemum and related plants can be imported without special restrictions tied to chrysanthemum white rust. This change affects importers by making flower import rules simpler and faster, moving details to an easy-to-update USDA database. No extra costs or delays are expected, just smoother flower trade and fewer red tapes!
2026-20631, Notice of Decision To Deregulate Chrysanthemum White Rust and the Importation of Chrysanthemum spp. Cuttings, and In Vitro Plantlets, and Synonymous Taxa From Certain Countries Into the Continental United States
The USDA has decided to deregulate Chrysanthemum White Rust and will allow the import of chrysanthemum cuttings and plantlets from certain countries starting November 9, 2026. This change means growers and plant sellers can bring these plants into the U.S. without extra quarantine worries, as experts found no risk of spreading harmful pests. This update helps the plant industry grow while keeping U.S. gardens safe and healthy.
2026-19237, Bayer U.S.-Crop Science: Availability of a Petition for a Determination of Nonregulated Status and Draft Plant Pest Risk Assessment for Herbicide Resistant MON 96012 Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
Bayer U.S.-Crop Science wants the green light to grow a new type of cotton that resists several herbicides, making weed control easier for farmers. The USDA is reviewing this request and asking the public to share their thoughts by November 20, 2026. If approved, this could change farming practices and possibly save money on weed management.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-04814, Elimination of Federal Executive Boards
Starting March 21, 2025, the government is shutting down Federal Executive Boards, which helped coordinate federal agencies outside Washington, DC. This change affects federal workers nationwide and is part of a big plan to cut down on bureaucracy, saving time and money. The Office of Personnel Management is making it official by removing the rules that set up these boards.
Next: 2025-04857, Special Local Regulation; Marine Events Within the Eleventh Coast Guard District-San Diego Crew Classic
From March 28 to 30, 2025, between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily, the Coast Guard will block off parts of Mission Bay in San Diego for the San Diego Crew Classic rowing event. Boats and people can’t enter or hang out in the race area unless they get special permission. This keeps everyone safe and the race running smoothly—no extra fees, just a heads-up to plan your water fun around these times!