7 CFR §868.21
Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
- (a)Consent and agreement by applicant. In submitting a request for inspection service, the applicant and the owner of the commodity consent to the requirements specified in paragraphs (b) through (j) of this section.
- (b)Written confirmation. Verbal requests for inspection service shall be confirmed in writing upon request. Each written request shall be made in English and shall include:
- (1)The date filed;
- (2)The identification, quantity, and location of the commodity;
- (3)The type of service(s) requested;
- (4)The name and mailing address of the applicant and, if made by an authorized agent, the agent's name and mailing address; and
- (5)Any other relevant information that the official with whom the application is filed may request.
- (c)Names and addresses of interested persons. When requested, each applicant for inspection service shall show on the application form the name and mailing address of each known interested person.
- (d)Surrender of superseded certificates. Superseded certificates must be promptly surrendered.
- (e)Accessibility—(1) Commodities. Each commodity lot inspected shall be arranged so the entire lot may be examined or, if necessary, a representative sample, as appropriate, can be obtained. If the entire lot is not accessible for examination or a representative sample cannot be obtained, the inspection shall be restricted to an examination or sampling of the accessible portion and the results certified as stated in § 868.34.
- (2)Origin records. When an applicant requests origin inspection, the records indicating the origin of the commodity to be inspected shall be made accessible for examination and verification by official personnel.
- (f)Plant examination. Plant surveys shall be performed upon request. Survey results shall be reported in writing to a designated plant official. If the plant is approved as a result of the survey, inspection service may begin or continue at a time agreed upon by the plant management and the cooperator or Service. If the plant is not approved as a result of the survey, inspection service shall be conditionally withheld pursuant to the procedures in § 868.24.
- (g)Working space. An applicant must provide adequate and separate space when inspection service is performed at a plant.
- (h)Loading and unloading conditions. Each applicant for inspection service shall provide or arrange for suitable conditions in the—
- (1)Loading and unloading areas and the truck and railroad holding areas;
- (2)Pier or dock areas;
- (3)Deck and stowage areas of a carrier;
- (4)Other service areas; and
- (5)Equipment used in loading or unloading, processing, and handling the commodity.
- (i)Timely arrangements. Requests for inspection service shall be made in a timely manner; otherwise, official personnel may not be available to provide the requested service. “Timely manner” shall mean not later than 2 p.m., local time, of the preceding business day.
- (j)Payment of bills. Each applicant for inspection service shall pay bills for the service pursuant to §§ 868.90-868.92.