Distribution: FGIS, OSP, Industry Originating Office: FMD PPMAB

United States Department of Agriculture

Agricultural Marketing Service

Federal Grain Inspection Service

Program Notice FGIS-PN-02-01 January 8, 2002

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employer.

BULK IDENTITY-PRESERVED INSPECTION PLAN

Contents

BULK IDENTITY-PRESERVED INSPECTION PLAN ��������������������������������������������������������1

1.PURPOSE�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

2.BACKGROUND���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

3.REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION �����������������������������������������������������������������������������

4.IMPLEMENTATION ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

5. RESPONSIBILITIES�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

6. ORIGIN SERVICES��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

7. DESTINATION SERVICES ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

8. QUESTIONS ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
FGIS Notice PN-02-01 January 8, 2002

Page 2

1. PURPOSE

This notice announces that the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Federal Grain 

Inspection Service (FGIS) is offering a new service, Bulk Identity-Preserved Inspection 

Plan, for export rough rice shipments. The bulk identity-preserved (IP) inspection plan 

provides for the certification of bulk rough rice lots at one location based on results 

determined at another location

2. BACKGROUND

Exporters of rough rice currently incur a financial risk arising from differences in milling 

yields (MY) between barge origin grades and vessel sublot grades when different 

methods (e.g., probe sample versus ellis cup) of sampling are used. Differences in test 

results between origin and destination points can cause increased costs to the industry 

and delay export cargo shipments.

In September 2001, FGIS conducted a field test to determine if inspection results (i.e., 

milling yield) of barge shipments at interior points changed during transshipment aboard 

ocean going vessels at destination. The results of the field test showed that there were 

insignificant differences in quality factors determined at origin and destination points 

when similar methods were used to sample the lots.

Based on the results of the field test, and FGIS’s desire to minimize delays in export 

shipments, FGIS will implement a Bulk Identity-Preserved Inspection Plan. The bulk IP 

inspection plan provides for the certification of bulk rough rice lots at one location based 

on results determined at another location

3. REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION

a. Identificatio

The lot(s) must be loaded into a barge(s) that is clearly marked with a unique word 

or alpha numeric identifier.

b. Sampling Method

Only approved diverter-type (D/T) mechanical samplers and ellis cup sampling 

methods are approved for this inspection plan. Probe and Pelican sampling

methods are not approved for this inspection plan

c. Lot Requirement

Each barge must have an official single lot inspection certificate.

d. Identity-Preserve

Use either FGIS-approved seals, an FGIS-approved tamper evident security tape, 

and/or other approved device(s) to secure the identity of each barge.
FGIS Notice PN-02-01 January 8, 2002

Page 3

e. Time Limit

Transfer to the final export vessel must occur within 30 days of the origin 

inspection service

f. Method of Transfer/Discharg

A floating rig using a “clam shell” for the method of discharge is the only transfer 

method approved

4. IMPLEMENTATION

The Bulk Identity-Preserved Inspection Plan will be implemented upon receipt of this 

notice

5. RESPONSIBILITIES

a. Applicant at Origi

The applicant shall:

(1) Complete an application for service

(a) Show “Bulk IP Inspection” in the space provided for “TYPE 

OF INSPECTION.”

(b) Show the destination of the lot in the ARemarks@ section.

(2) File the application with official personnel at origin prior to or at 

the time of the service

(3) Forward the original certificates and any other pertinent 

documents to the applicant at destination

b. Official Personnel at Origi

Official personnel shall:

(1) Ensure that the lot is properly identified and the identity is 

maintained

(2) Sample and inspect the lot, and perform all the requested 

services in accordance with the applicable procedures. Seal the barge(s) with 

appropriate sealing device(s) upon completion of loading

(3) Issue an official certificate in accordance with guidelines in this IP

plan
FGIS Notice PN-02-01 January 8, 2002

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c. Applicant at Destinatio

The applicant shall:

(1) Complete an application for service

(a) Show “Bulk IP Inspection” in the space provided for 

“TYPE OF INSPECTION.”

(b) Check the box for “Inspect for Condition” in the space 

provided for “SERVICE REQUESTED”.

(c) Show the amount of rice to be shipped.

(2) File the application, the original certificate for the origin inspection,

and any other pertinent documents, with official personnel at the destination 

office prior to or at the time of the requested service.

(3) Ensure that the rice will be discharged at a floating rig location 

using the clam shell method of discharge

(4) Ensure that official personnel are present prior to unsealing and 

unloading the carriers

d. Official Personnel at Destinatio

Official personnel shall:

(1) Review the origin certificate, application for service, and any other

pertinent documents

(2) Verify the identification, check that the seals or other approved 

sealing device(s) are intact and, if applicable, that the seal numbers are 

correct, witness the unloading/loading operation, and the condition of the lot.

(3) Perform all other requested services in accordance with the 

applicable procedures

(4) Issue an official certificate(s) in accordance with guidelines in this 

IP plan
FGIS Notice PN-02-01 January 8, 2002

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6. ORIGIN SERVICES

a. Sampling, Inspection, and Other Service

Official personnel shall:

(1) Sample the lot during loading with a FGIS-approved D/T mechanical 

sampler or Ellis cup sampler. Probe and pelican sampling are not

permitted for this plan.

(2) Inspect/grade the rice and perform all other requested services on the lot in 

accordance with the applicable procedures.

b. Certificatio

(1) Official personnel shall certificate the lot in accordance with the applicable 

procedures and show in the Remarks section the following statement: “FGIS 

IDENTITY-PRESERVED BULK LOT.”

(2) If the barge is sealed with approved wire seals, record the seal numbers 

on the certificate. If another method of sealing is used, show the method in 

the remarks section. Use this statement as a guide: “This barge was sealed 

with FGIS-approved tamper evident security tape.”

(3) Do not issue divided-lot certificates at origin.

7. DESTINATION SERVICES

a. Identification and Condition Verification

Official personnel shall:

(1) Check the barge identification and sealing device(s), to ensure that the lot 

is the same as that identified on the origin certificate. If the identification of the 

lot cannot be verified, the IP inspection is canceled.

(2) Observe the breaking of the sealing device(s)

Note: Sometimes during transit, seals do break. If the seal(s) is 

broken, but the condition of the lot is unchanged, continue with the IP 

inspection plan.

(3) During the unloading/transfer process, draw a sample from each carrier using 

Table 1, “Component and Sublot Size” of the Rice Inspection Handbook.

(4) Examine each sample separately. Examine the rice for animal filth, heating, 

off-odors (sour, musty, commercially-objectionable), infestation, and quality.
FGIS Notice PN-02-01 January 8, 2002

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(a) If animal filth, heating, off-odors, or distinctly low quality rice is found, 

direct the applicant to remove the affected rice from the lot. Subtract the 

weight of the portion removed from the lot and certificate that portion 

separately. If the rice is not removed, cancel the IP inspection on that 

portion of the lot that contains the affected rice.

(b) If the sample appears to be of a lower quality than the contract 

requirement, analyze the sample. If the sample exceeds the “new 

sample” tolerance (see Appendix 1, Rice Inspection Handbook) for any 

factor, cancel the IP inspection on that portion of the lot that contains the 

affected rice. (Do not examine samples for milling yield.)

(c) If insect infestation is found, notify the applicant and record the amount 

and types of insects found on the work records. The applicant may 

choose to fumigate the lot in accordance with the guidelines in the 

Fumigation Handbook. If the rice will be fumigated, the certificate shall 

be issued as if the infestation designation had never been assigned. If

the applicant chooses not to fumigate the lot, cancel the IP inspection on 

that portion of the lot that contains the affected rice.

(5) Perform any other services requested.

b. Certificatio

Official personnel shall:

(1) If the identification and condition of the lot is determined to be the same 

as that shown on the origin certificate(s), mark the certificate(s) issued at 

origin “VOID” and issue a new export certificate.

(2) Allow lots inspected under the IP plan to be combined with other lots of like 

 grade and kind that were inspected under the IP plan or single-lot plan.

(3) Factor results and other information shall be based on either the 

mathematical or the weighted average, as applicable, of the results shown on 

the origin certificate(s).

(4) For subjective factors that are not quantified, such as color, show the factor 

that represents the lowest quality grade shown on the origin certificate(s).

(5) On the export certificate, show the grade designation, class, kind, factor 

results, and other service-related information taken from the origin 

certificate(s). Show other information, such as identification of carrier, place 

of issuance, date, quantity, and location, as determined at destination. Do not 

show the IP statement on the export certificate.
FGIS Notice PN-02-01 January 8, 2002

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(6) When a lot inspected under the IP plan is loaded aboard two or more carriers, 

issue a separate export certificate for each portion of the lot, by carrier, 

provided it has not been more than 30 days since the first origin certificate 

was issued.

(a) Do not issue export certificates on any remaining portion of a lot after the 

expiration of the 30-day period.

(b) Attach and file the superseded origin certificate(s) with a copy of the first

 export certificate issued.

(c) Document export certificate numbers on the work records.

(7) Certificate rice loaded on board a ship found not uniform in quality as a 

separate lot. When the rice is non-uniform, the certificate for each lot loaded 

on board the vessel will show:

(a) The grade of the lot;

(b) A statement that the rice has been loaded on board with other rice;

(c) The grade, location, and approximate quantity of the other rice; and 

(d) Any additional information required by the Administrator.

8. QUESTIONS

Direct any questions concerning this notice to AMS - FGIS Policies Procedures and 

Market Analysis Branch