Importing Kiwifruit

Kiwifruit shipments of over 200 lbs. imported into the United States must meet section 8e minimum grade and size requirements prior to importation.  The cost of the inspection and certification is paid by the applicant. View the full regulation.

Grade Requirements - All kiwifruit must grade at least U.S. No. 1, and such fruit shall be "not badly misshapen." An additional tolerance of 16 percent is provided for kiwifruit that is "badly misshapen.”

Size Requirements - At least size 45, regardless of the size or weight of the shipping containers. The average weight of all samples from a specific lot must weigh at least 8 lbs., provided, that no individual sample may be less than 7 lbs. 12 oz. in weight. Sample sizes will consist of a maximum of 55 pieces of fruit. If containers have size designations, containers with different designations must be inspected separately.

Maturity Requirements - The minimum maturity requirement is 6.2 percent soluble solids at the time of inspection.

Specific Exemptions

The grade, size, quality, and maturity regulations are not applicable to the Arctic Beauty and Issau varieties of kiwifruit.  The regulations are also not applicable to kiwifruit imported for consumption by charitable institutions, distribution by relief agencies, or commercial processing. Commercial processing is defined as physically altering the form or chemical composition of the fruit through canning, freezing, dehydrating, pulping, juicing, or heating of the product. The act of slicing, dicing, or peeling is not considered commercial processing.  The importer is to complete the Importer’s Exempt Commodity Form—SC-6—for any of these exempt uses.

The SC-6 exemption form must now be filed through the Compliance and Enforcement Management System (CEMS). The MOLS system previously utilized by AMS has been transitioned to CEMS. Visit Section 8e Exemptions – SC-6 Certificate for further information on the new CEMS and SC-6 Certificates. Also, visit Filing a SC-6 Certificate in CEMS for directions for registering for CEMS and instructions on filing a SC-6 Certificate.

Timeline

Kiwifruit importers should make arrangements for inspection and certification at least one day prior to entry at Port inspection offices, or two days prior to entry at the Field Operations Section.