Domestic Inspection Operation Office

  1. How do I request an Appeal?  What information is needed to request an Appeal?

    Answer:
    Section 7 (2) of Directive 9170.15 states “Applicants must request an appeal inspection from the FGIS field office that is responsible for oversight of the original service provider. Applicants may request an appeal inspection verbally, but must confirm the request in writing. Applicants should also inform the official service provider of their intention to apply for an appeal inspection in order for the sample to be shipped and inspected in a timely manner.” Contact the field office for further information required for application.
     
  2. What do I need to do to get an x-employee back as a licensed grader?

    Answer:
    Depends, cases such as these are common, but are situational based on the amount of time that has elapsed from performing services under previously held licenses. Contact the field office manager for final approval.
     
  3. I want to export grain, what do I need?

    Answer:
    Visit the AMS website for a complete overview of becoming a registered exporter of grain.
     
  4. Can I get a waiver on the license test for this mycotoxin test kit?

    Answer:
    Waivers may be requested on a situational basis through PPMAB.
     
  5. Can and how do I test for a GMO as requested by my customer?

    Answer:
    FGIS does not perform testing for GMO, however, if you are an official service provider that performs official services on behalf of FGIS it is permissible for your organization to perform GMO testing on an unofficial basis according to methods agreed upon between the official service provider and the requesting entity. Results may be reported on company letterhead.
     
  6. How do I get an SSP code and when do I need one?

    Answer:
    Official Service Providers must request new SSP codes or informational changes to SSP codes using the MyFGIS online portal. SSP codes are required for your office location and other facilities where official FGIS inspection and/or weighing is taking place. Please contact your assigned QACD liaison or email FGISQACD@USDA.gov for assistance if needed.
  7. What are the starting values and breakpoints for a CuSum train?

    Answer:
    Starting values and breakpoints may be found in the tables section at the end of the Grain Inspection Handbook Book III.
     
  8. Can my customer use the FGIS file sample for a service not originally requested?

    Answer:
    §800.82 (d) limits the use of the file sample to reinspection, Federal Appeal, and Board Appeal and per Directive 9170.15 Review Inspections of Grains and Commodities review inspections are limited to the scope of the original inspection.
     
  9. How can I get an 88-hour waiver for this container-lot?

    Answer:
    Section 3 Policy paragraph (b) of Policy Bulletin 258 states: “If the time exceeds 88 hours due to unforeseen circumstances, the applicant can request a waiver of the 88-hour rule by contacting the Field Office Manager. If the waiver is granted, the applicant may proceed loading the lot.”
     
  10. Can and how do I add containers from my agency with containers from another?

    Answer:
    Yes, containers from two separate agencies can be added following the combined lot procedures outlined in §800.85 of the regulations and Grain Inspection Handbook Book III.
     
  11. What does same condition mean when combining carriers for certification?

    Answer:
    Uniform in Quality is regarding condition (i.e., infestation, odor, sample grade factors, and special grades)
     
  12. Do I need to perform stowage when customer is requesting weights?

    Answer:
    Yes, a stowage exam is required when performing official weights according to section §800.75 of the regulations. The Weighing Handbook allows, for domestic shipments only, stowage examination waivers. See Chapter 2 section 5 (a) (b) (c) for the waiver requirements.
     
  13. How long is my certificate good for?

    Answer:
    Official certificates to do not have an expiration date. The official certificate is valid as long as all interested parties agree as such.
     
  14. Is there an 88 hour (continuous loading rule) for barges?

    Answer:
    No, the 88-hour rule is not applicable to barge loading.
     
  15. What is needed to get a 15K waiver for export weights and grades?

    Answer: Notify QACD at FGISQACD@USDA.gov of your intent to export under the 15K exemption. Visit the AMS website for a complete overview of becoming a registered exporter.
     
  16. Can I provide mycotoxin results two weeks after the containers were inspected and onboard the vessel?

    Answer:
    Situational, based on if additional sample was retained outside of the official file sample and meets the official requirements in the Mycotoxin Handbook. Additionally, a revised load order must be provided at the time the additional services are requested.
     
  17. Do facilities that only transload damaged containers need to have 15K waivers?

    Answer:
    Currently, facilities that transload damaged containers do not need to obtain 15K waivers or register as an exporter of grain.
     
  18. What is needed in our waiver requests from all parties to allow the appeal to proceed?

    Answer:
    Waiving of timeliness requirements is explained in Directive 9170.15 section 7 (d) (e) Each waiver request sent to the field office needs to include the company letterhead, written permission to proceed with the appeal, sample(s) identification, and signatures. This information is required from all interested parties.
     
  19. I only wanted this factor to be appealed why were other factors changed?

    Answer:
    Directive 9170.15 section 7(b) states “Applicants for review inspections may request which factors they would like to be reinspected or appealed. The review inspection will focus on those factors, but also take into consideration all grade factors and review the accuracy of the previous level of inspection. Section 8 (g) NOTE also states “The inspector who performs the review inspection certifies the results for all grade factors, not just those that the applicant requests.”