On October 1st, 2021 the USDA inspections performed by TCIP in the Texas-Mexico border region were due to begin adding a charge for different Brands or Labels in the inspection lots (+$96 per lot). TIPA has been in discussions with USDA on this matter for the last several months, sharing our concerns regarding the added costs and working with USDA to find a solution.
We are happy to report, USDA has shared that the TCIP inspections along the TX border would postpone for 1 year the implementation date for these charges. This means the Brand-level fees will not start until October 1, 2022. In the year to come, USDA, TCIP and TIPA will work closely to develop and eventually implement a solution which is more attuned to the needs of all our organizations. During that time, the 3 groups will be working with member companies along the border-region to better understand current best practices and how those practices impact the inspections at the brand-level.
Attached is a letter from USDA, announcing the postponement and forthcoming outreach efforts. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices. Likewise, the USDA and TCIP coordinators are attached and can field additional concerns as well.
