U.S. Warehouse Act License Fees to Increase 10% Oct. 1

Federal licensing and examination fees for grain handlers under the U.S. Warehouse Act (USWA) will increase by approximately 10% effective Oct. 1 at the start of the new fiscal year, the Warehouse & Commodity Management Division of the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service announced Aug. 1.

Michael Durando, deputy administrator for the USDA Fair Trade Practices Program, made the announcement in a letter to warehouse operators. Following is the text of the letter:

“On Aug. 1, 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) published an updated schedule of fees charged for licensing and examination services provided under the authority of the United States Warehouse Act (USWA).

“This update applies to all license action, service license, inspection, and annual user fees.

“As a user of our warehouse licensing and examination services, you are receiving this letter as part of our communication effort to industry.

“Before taking this action, AMS conducted a fee analysis of the costs associated with providing USWA licensing and examination services and held discussions with organizations’ representative of major grain and cotton warehouse operators.

“With this information, AMS determined that the fee schedule needed to be adjusted to reflect an approximate 10% increase starting Oct. 1, 2019, and that this should result in stable user fees through the next several years.

“AMS remains dedicated to providing the highest quality service on a cost recovery basis and will continue its cost containment efforts to maintain the lowest possible rates.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with you and providing these critical services and oversight for the agricultural industry.”