2026 Rate Changes for the Basetime, Overtime, Holiday, Laboratory Services, and Export Application Fees
Published Date: 2/6/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting in 2026, meat, poultry, and egg businesses, plus importers and exporters, will mostly pay the same fees for inspections and services as last year. The big news? Laboratory service fees just got cheaper starting January 11, 2026. So, if you use these services, expect steady costs with a nice little discount on lab work this year!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
No 2026 Increases for Inspection Rates
If you run a meat, poultry, or egg business (or import/export those products), FSIS calculated higher 2026 basetime, overtime, and holiday rates—basetime would be $78.80/hour (calculated), overtime $97.04/hour (calculated), and holiday $115.28/hour (calculated)—but will continue charging the 2025 rates ($73.04 basetime, $89.68 overtime, $106.32 holiday) through calendar year 2026.
Laboratory Services Fee Reduced
FSIS reduced its laboratory services fee effective January 11, 2026. The 2026 laboratory services rate is $92.80 per hour (the rate is divisible by 4), and the minimum charge is 15 minutes (one-quarter hour).
Export Application Fee Stays at 2025 Level
FSIS calculated a 2026 electronic export application fee of $5.02 per application but will continue to charge the 2025 fee of $4.83 per application through calendar year 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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