33 U.S.C. § 892b — Quality assurance program

(a) “Hydrographic product” means a publicly or commercially available product or service made or distributed by a non-Federal entity that includes or displays hydrographic data. (b) By December 19, 2004, subject to appropriations, the Administrator must create and implement a quality-assurance program equally available to all applicants. It may certify products meeting NOAA's standards, allow use of NOAA's emblem or trademark on certified products, and charge a fee. The fee may not exceed testing, evaluation, study, and administration costs. (c) The United States is not liable for negligence by a person producing a certified product. (d) The Treasury has a separate “Hydrographic Services Account” containing certification fees and other amounts provided by law. Without another appropriation, the Administrator may use it for hydrographic services. (e) After November 13, 1998, the Administrator may not create a hydrographic-service fee or charge, or increase one, except as this section or section 1307 of title 44 allows.