INSPECTION REQUIRED - All walnuts commonly known as English or Persian walnuts (Juglans regia) imported into the United States must meet the following grade and size requirements prior to importation in accordance with 7 CFR 999.100. This walnut 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).

Any lot of walnuts which does not exceed 60 pounds of shelled walnuts or 115 pounds of inshell walnuts shall be exempt from grade, inspection, and reporting requirements.

Inshell Walnuts: All inshell walnuts must be of a quality equal to or better than the requirements for U.S. No. 2 and "baby" size as prescribed in the U.S. Standards for Walnuts.

Shelled: All shelled walnuts must be of a quality equal to or better than the requirements for U.S. Commercial Grade as prescribed in the U.S. Standard for Shelled Walnuts, except that the minimum size shall be pieces not more than five percent of which will pass through a round opening 6/64 inch in diameter.

HOW TO IMPORT WALNUTS EXEMPT FROM THE IMPORT REQUIREMENTS - The Importer's Exempt Commodity Form (FV-6) is used for walnuts destined for use in exempt outlets such as: charitable institutions, distribution by relief agencies, governmental agencies for school lunch programs, diversion to animal feed, oil manufacture or commercial processing and green walnuts (so immature that they cannot be used for drying and sale as dried walnuts).

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 WALNUTS FAILING TO MEET INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS - Walnuts failing to meet the above import requirements may be: (1) reconditioned and reinspected with the failed portion disposed under Federal supervision; (2) diverted to an exempt outlet using the FV-6 form; (3) exported; or (4) residuals resulting from reconditioning or the entire lot can be 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 walnuts prior to importation into the United States and will issue the official inspection certificates required on all walnut 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 paid by the applicant.

Walnut importers should make arrangements 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 1-800-811-2373.

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.