Small Planes Spared Fees in Ag Inspection Mix-Up Patch
Published Date: 8/15/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting October 1, 2024, some rules about fees for agricultural inspections changed, but a special fee exemption for small commercial planes (64 seats or fewer) was accidentally removed. After hearing from folks, the government fixed the mistake and put the exemption back, so small planes won’t have to pay these fees for now. This keeps things fair and clear for airlines and travelers.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Small Aircraft AQI Fee Exemption Restored
This rule restores an exemption so commercial passenger aircraft with 64 or fewer seats that meet certain conditions do not have to pay the Agricultural Quarantine and Inspection (AQI) user fee. The exemption had been affected by a rule that took effect October 1, 2024; removal of the exemption had been scheduled for April 1, 2025, was delayed on March 21, 2025 to June 2, 2025, and implementation of the removal was later delayed indefinitely, after which this amendment restores the exemption.
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