INSPECTION REQUIRED: All hazelnuts (also known as filberts) imported into the United States must meet the following grade and size requirements prior to importation in accordance with 7 CFR 999.400. These requirements are identical to those for hazelnuts grown in Oregon and Washington and handled pursuant to Order No. 982, as amended (7 CFR 982). This hazelnut import regulation is issued under section 8e (7 U.S.C. 608e.1) of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 601-674).

GRADE AND SIZE REQUIREMENTS: Inshell Hazelnuts - All inshell hazelnuts must meet U.S. No. 1 or better and medium size except that the tolerance for insect injury shall be 2 percent.

Shelled Hazelnuts -All shelled hazelnuts or portions of hazelnut kernels must be well dried and clean; free from foreign material, mold, rancidity, decay or insect injury; and free from serious damage caused by serious shriveling, or other means.

Tolerances for shelled hazelnuts: In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling the following tolerances, by weight, are permitted as specified:

For Foreign Material: 0.02 of 1 percent is allowed.

For Defects: Five percent for kernels or portions of kernels which are below the requirements of this grade, including not more than 2 percent for mold, rancidity, decay or insect injury, and no more than 1 percent is found for mold, rancidity, or insect injury.

HAZELNUTS EXEMPT FROM THE IMPORT REQUIREMENTS: Any lot of hazelnuts, which does not exceed 115 pounds net weight, is exempt from grade, size, and inspection requirements.

DISPOSITION OF HAZELNUTS FAILING TO MEET INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS: Hazelnuts failing to meet the above import requirements may be: (1) Reconditioned and reinspected with the failed portion disposed under Federal supervision (2) exported; or (3) disposed of under Federal supervision.

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 and size of hazelnuts prior to importation into the United States and will issue the official inspection certificates required on all hazelnut imports.

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

Importers should arrange for inspection and certification at offices listed in the attached directory 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.