INSPECTION REQUIRED: All grapefruit imported into the United States must meet the following minimum grade and size requirements prior to importation, which includes release from custody of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB), in accordance with § 944.106 (7 CFR Part 944). This grapefruit import regulation is issued under Section 8e (7 U.S.C. 608e-1) of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 601-674).

Classification: Seedless Red. Regulation Period: On and after November 13, 2000. Minimum Grade: U.S. No. 1 Minimum Diameter (inches) 3 5/16.

Classification: Seedless, except Red. Regulation Period: On or after April 7, 2009. Minimum Grade: U.S. No. 1. Minimum Diameter (inches) 3 5/16.

* Grapefruit regulations do not apply to minimum imported quantity not exceeding 15 standard packed cartons (12 bushels).

CONDITIONS FOR THE IMPORTATION OF COMMODITIES EXEMPT FROM IMPORT REQUIREMENTS - The Importer's Exempt Commodity Form (FV-6) is used for grapefruit for the consumption in exempted outlets such as charitable institutions, distribution by relief agencies, or commercial processing. (Commercial processing is defined as physically altering the form or chemical composition of the fruit through canning, freezing, dehydrating, pulping, juicing, or heating of the product. The act of slicing, dicing, or peeling is not considered commercial processing).

Contact the Marketing Order and Agreement Division’s (MOAD) Compliance and Enforcement Branch at (202) 720-2491 for more information on filing the FV-6 exemption certificates within two days after the commodity enters the United States.

DISPOSITION OF GRAPEFRUIT FAILING INSPECTION - Grapefruit failing to meet the above import requirements may be: (1) exported; (2) disposed of under Federal or Federal-State Inspection Program supervision with the importer bearing the costs of certifying the disposal of such grapefruit; (3) diverted to an exempt outlet using the FV-6 form (see various approved outlets and procedures listed above) or; (4) reconditioned and reinspected with failed portion disposed of under procedures number (2) or (3) above.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR OBTAINING USDA INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION - The Federal or Federal-State Inspection Program, Fruit and Vegetable Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is designated as the governmental inspection agency for the purpose of certifying the grade, size, quality, and maturity of the grapefruit prior to importation into the United States and will issue the official inspection certificates required on all grapefruit imports.

USDA inspection and certification services will be available upon application, in accordance with the rules and regulations governing the inspection and certification of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other products (7 CFR Part 51). The cost of the inspection and certification will be borne by the applicant.

Grapefruit importers should arrange for inspection and certification at least one day prior to entry at Port inspection offices, two days prior to entry at the Field Operations Section at the Washington Headquarters office at (202) 720-2482 or (800) 811-2373.

Washington Headquarters Inspection Office: USDA, AMS, Fruit and Vegetable Program, Specialty Crop Inspection Division, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 1661-S, Stop 0240, Washington, D.C. 20250-0240. Telephone: (202) 720-2482 or (800) 811-2373.