JOAAT has a clearly defined Waiver and Discount Policy to align with best practice and promote equity:

1. Automatic full waivers for corresponding authors based in low-income countries (World Bank list).
2. Partial waivers (50–75%) for corresponding authors in lower-middle-income countries, or for early-career researchers without grant funding.

1. Case-by-case waivers: authors may apply if they have demonstrable lack of funding; requests are confidential and adjudicated by the Managing Editor (not reviewers).
   
2. Time-limited waiver funds: set a small annual budget to support waivers (publish number of waivers granted each year to maintain transparency).
   
3. Institutional discount program: institutions that cover APCs may negotiate an institutional membership discount.