NOAA Keeps Seafood Inspection Fees Same as 2022 Vintage
Published Date: 9/4/2026
Notice
Summary
The NMFS Seafood Inspection Program (SIP) is notifying program participants that its fee schedule for fiscal year 2027 will remain as established on November 1, 2022.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
FY2027 Fees Remain Unchanged
The Seafood Inspection Program fee schedule for fiscal year 2027 will remain the same as established on November 1, 2022. This unchanged schedule applies to services starting October 1, 2026 and will remain in effect until NOAA notifies participants otherwise.
Hourly and Overtime Rate Schedule
NMFS will charge hourly inspection rates unchanged for FY2027: Contract regular time $238/hour, contract overtime $357/hour, contract Sundays & holidays $476/hour. Non-contract rates are: regular $357/hour, overtime $536/hour, and Sundays & holidays $714/hour. These rates apply for services rendered beginning October 1, 2026.
Contract Payment Guarantee Requirement
For all contracts, NMFS requires a guarantee of payment equal to three months of service or $10,000, whichever is greater. This guarantee is required for contracts under the unchanged FY2027 fee schedule effective October 1, 2026.
Certificate Request Flat Fee
All certificate requests, whether or not a product inspection was conducted, will be billed a flat rate of $97 per request. This fee is effective for services rendered on or after October 1, 2026 and remains until changed.
Additional Night and Travel Charges
NMFS will charge a night differential equal to 10 percent of the employee's hourly salary for each hour of service provided after 6 p.m. and before 6 a.m. Any travel associated with a billable service will be an additional charge. These charges apply beginning October 1, 2026 under the FY2027 schedule.
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