Import/Export User Fees

We are changing our user fees for import- and export-related services that we provide for animals, animal products, birds, germ plasm, organisms, and vectors. We are increasing user fees for fiscal years 2001 through 2004 to reflect standard annual increases in expenses and additional cost components. We have determined that the fees must be adjusted annually to reflect the anticipated cost of providing these services each year. By publishing the annual user fee changes in advance, users can incorporate the fees into their budget planning. The user fees pay for the actual cost of providing these services. We are also making some editorial changes to make the regulations easier to read and eliminate duplication.