Commercial Aircraft Fee
The AQI program inspects international commercial aircrafts arriving in the customs territory of the United States.
APHIS regulation 7 CFR 354.3(a) defines commercial aircraft as: “Any aircraft used to transport persons or property for compensation or hire.” Commercial aircraft fee regulations are listed in 7 CFR 354.3(e).
The Cost and What It Covers
The current commercial aircraft fee is $225.00 per arrival (see 7 CFR 354.3(e)). This fee covers the direct and indirect costs to inspect the aircraft, including:
- Reviewing manifests and documents accompanying incoming cargo
- Targeted, risk-based cargo inspection or clearance
- Inspecting agricultural and agricultural-related commodities, international mail, expedited courier packages, containers, compliant wood packaging material, and packing materials to screen for the presence of plant pests and contaminants, ensure compliance with regulations, and determine entry status
- Inspecting the aircraft hold or exterior for contaminants, pests, or invasive species
- Identifying pests found during inspection
- Safeguarding shipments pending APHIS' decision on treatment or final disposition
- Issuing phytosanitary permits for commodities moved by air
Exemptions
Some categories of commercial aircraft are exempt from paying an AQI user fee (see 7 CFR 354.3(e)(2)).
Limitations on Charges
APHIS lists limitations on charges in 7 CFR 354.3(e)(5).
Paying the Fee
Each carrier is responsible for paying the appropriate commercial aircraft user fees detailed in 7 CFR 354.3(e). APHIS provides a Remittance Worksheet (277.65 KB) to assist carriers with the process.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection conducts periodic audits on APHIS’ behalf to determine compliance.
How To Set Up a Payment Account
To set up a payment account with APHIS’ Financial Management Division, send a completed New Account Packet – Airlines (306.12 KB)to the location indicated on the worksheet.
Companies need a separate APHIS account for each user fee type, such as international air passenger, treatment monitoring, reimbursable overtime, and other types.
Refunds
Account holders may request in writing a refund due to overpayment. You must include proof that any applicable exemption criteria were met and that you paid the user fee(s). The request should include the following:
- Company name, address, and phone number
- Contact person
- Taxpayer identification number (TIN)
- Carrier name (if applicable)
- All certified supporting documentation
Send inquiries and refund requests to APHIS' Accounts Receivable Team at ABSHelpline@usda.gov. The team will review each refund request on a case-by-case basis. Customers should receive a refund check within 4-6 weeks after the Accounts Receivable Team processes the refund.
Reimbursable Overtime Services
Customers may request and receive AQI services associated with activities typically covered by an AQI user fee outside the normal tour of duty of the employee(s) providing the requested service. In such cases, overtime charges may be assessed as outlined in 7 CFR 354.1.
APHIS Reimbursable Overtime Services
Refer to the APHIS Reimbursable Overtime Services web page for additional information including how to pay the reimbursable overtime fee.
CBP Reimbursable Overtime Services
Any requests for agriculture reimbursable overtime will be made in accordance with CBP port policy. Please contact your local CBP Port of Entry.