The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing to eliminate the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) master scale testing program, effective Sept. 30, 2025. Before finalizing this action, FGIS is seeking public input via the Federal Register notice, published on Aug. 19, 2025.
Since 1980, FGIS has operated the program to test private and State-owned master scales to ensure traceability of scales for freight cargo to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards. The program is not mandated by the U.S. Grain Standards Act but instead has been offered as a voluntary service.
Due to the decline of active master scales requiring certification within the U.S., decreased testing frequency and lack of guaranteed funding, FGIS is no longer able to sufficiently support the program through user fees.
For more information, contact Jacob Thein; Chief; Policies, Procedures, and Market Analysis Branch, at Jacob.D.Thein@usda.gov.
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