United States Department of Agriculture

Agricultural Marketing Service

Federal Grain Inspection Service

Directive FGIS 9180.40 March 12, 2024

Distribution: FGIS, OSP, Industry Originating Office: TSD ACB

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and 

policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA 

programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity 

(including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income 

derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, 

in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and 

complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, 

large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET 

Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. 

Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, 

found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed 

to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint 

form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, 

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) 

fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

PESTICIDE RESIDUE TESTING FOR GRAIN

Contents

PESTICIDE RESIDUE TESTING FOR GRAIN �����������������������������������������������������������������1

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

2. REPLACEMENT HIGHLIGHTS �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

3. BACKGROUND �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

4. RESPONSIBILITIES ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

5. PREPARING AND FORWARDING SAMPLES �����������������������������������������������������������������

6. REVIEW INSPECTIONS �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

7. CERTIFICATION �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

8. FEES ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

9. ATTACHMENTS �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

Attachment 1 �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6

Attachment 2 �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������9
FGIS Directive 9180.40 March 12, 2024

Page 2

1. PURPOSE

This directive specifies the procedures for obtaining pesticide residue testing services 

for grain under the U.S. Grain Standards Act (USGSA).

2. REPLACEMENT HIGHLIGHTS

This directive supersedes FGIS Program Directive 9180.40, Pesticide Residue Testing

for Grain, dated May 11, 2023. This directive updates responsibilities of the Technology 

and Science Division (TSD), Official Service Providers (OSP), including Field Offices 

(FO) for official samples. All official samples must be accompanied with a 907 Form 

filled out by the applicant, Pesticide Residue Transmittal Form, and the Load Orders. 

Sample submissions must include a 907 Form filled out by the applicant and Pesticide 

Residue Transmittal Form.

3. BACKGROUND

Upon request, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural 

Marketing Service (AMS) Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) provides pesticide 

residue testing service for grains.

The service is performed by FGIS, Technology and Science Division (TSD) in Kansas

City, Missouri. The service is provided using gas chromatography/tandem mass

spectrometry and/or liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry for routine

compounds.

a. Compounds Tested  FGIS tests for the following residue compound

(1) Routine Compounds. Compounds are listed in Attachment 1 by commodity.

The applicant must select which lists will be tested for in the sample.

(2) Special Compounds. Compounds are by request and are subject availability.

Contact TSD’s Analytical Chemistry Branch (ACB) at 816-702-3800 for

expected sample availability, pricing and turnaround time.

b. Types of Services. There are three types of pesticide residue testing services

available:

(1) Official Sample-Lot Service. Analysis is based on an official sample obtained

and analyzed by official personnel.

(2) Submitted Sample Service. Analysis is based on a sample submitted by the

applicant for service and analyzed by official personnel.

(3) Warehouseman’s Sample-Lot Inspection Service. Analysis is based on an

official sample obtained by a licensed warehouseman sampler and analyzed 

by official personnel.
FGIS Directive 9180.40 March 12, 2024

Page 3

c. Basis of Determination  All grains are tested on the basis of the sample as

whole. Shiplots and combined lots are tested on a composite sample. Upon 

request, testing can be performed on a sublot basis.

4. RESPONSIBILITIES

a. Applicant for Service  All submitted samples must include load orders (if officia

sample), Pesticide Residue Testing Transmittal Form (see Attachment 2), and a 

907 Form. The 907 Form can be found at 

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FGIS907. The request must 

include the applicant’s name, address, and telephone number; and the desired 

test(s). The applicant must have an active account. If the account is charge, on 

demand payment is required in advance.

b. Technology and Science Division.

(1) Official Sample-Lot Service and Warehouse Samples. For official sample

lot service and warehouseman’s samples sent to TSD, TSD is responsible 

for performing the requested test, maintaining a file sample, issuing the 

certificate, and billing the applicant for the services.

(2) Submitted Sample Service. For submitted samples, TSD is responsible for

performing the requested test, maintaining a file sample, issuing the 

certificate, and billing the applicant for the services. 

c. Official Service Providers including Field Office

(1) Official Sample Lot Services and Warehouse Samples. For official sample lot

service and warehouse samples, the applicant must submit a 907 form and 

Pesticide Residue Testing Transmittal Form (see Attachment 2). The sample 

load orders should be forwarded as well.

(2) Submitted Sample Service. FGIS Field Offices and Official Service Providers 

must direct applicants to forward samples directly to TSD for testing and 

certification.

5. PREPARING AND FORWARDING SAMPLES

a. Sample Preparation. From a representative sample, use a Boerner divider to

obtain a minimum 500-gram sample and place in an airtight container. Retain 

a second sample of at least 500-grams as a reserve in an airtight container 

(e.g., double-sealed plastic bag) in case the first test sample is lost and must be 

resubmitted. Work samples may be used once they have served their intended 

purpose.
FGIS Directive 9180.40 March 12, 2024

Page 4

b. Sample Forwarding. Place the container inside a canvas bag and include a copy

of the certificate, a copy of the request for service, and completed Pesticide 

Residue Testing Transmittal Form (see Attachment 2).

Provide all necessary information to ensure timely results. Write “PAS” on the 

shipping label in large bold letters. If the applicant arranges for sample delivery, 

affix a blank tag to the sealed sample marked accordingly with the desired test 

service before surrendering it to the applicant.

Mail all samples to:

USDA, AMS, FGIS, PAS

Technology and Science Division

10383 North Ambassador Drive

Kansas City, Missouri 64153-1394

6. REVIEW INSPECTIONS

a. 7 CFR 800.125 and 800.135 permit a review inspection on either official 

grade/factors or official criteria. When requested, a review inspection for official

grade/factors and official criteria may be handled separately even though both sets

of results are reported on the same certificate.

b. Applicants may request either qualitative or quantitative review analysis unless 

the original or a review analysis was quantitative. Then, only a quantitative 

analysis is available. All review inspection results replace previous results.

7. CERTIFICATION

a. Residue results may be reported on a separate certificate or on the certificate for

grade (at the applicant’s option). When residues are certified for export 

certificates, the date of the certificate is the date that loading was completed. The 

date of domestic certificates is the date that pesticide residue testing results are 

received. See the Grain Inspection Handbook, Book IV, Chapter 3, Certificates, for 

further certification instructions.

b. Certify the test results in the “Results” section of the certificate:

(1) Show the results that meet or exceed the detection limit as reported by

TSD. Occasionally, detection limits for certain compounds may need to be

higher than the limits shown in the compound lists based on quality control

results.

For example: Fluridone 10.5 ppb

Oxadixyl 21 ppb

Malathion 610 ppb
FGIS Directive 9180.40 March 12, 2024

Page 5

For test results that are less than the detection limit, certify as less than the 

detection limit.

For example: Aldrin < 20 ppb, Malathion < 10 ppb

c. Optional Certification:

If requested by the applicant, use the following statement in the “Remarks” section 

of the certificate.

“(Name of pesticide) residue less than (record contract specification).”

8. FEES

Fees are shown in FGIS Program Directive 9180.74 found on the AMS FGIS website at

https://www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams/fgis-program-directives

Testing fees are applicable to any level of service (original inspection, review inspection, 

appeal inspection, or Board appeal inspection) and do not include a sampling service 

fee that, if applicable, is assessed separately in accordance with the applicable fee 

schedules.

9. ATTACHMENTS

Attachment 1 – Routine Compound Lists By Commodity and Pesticide Analysis Method 

(PAM) 

Attachment 2 – Pesticide Residue Testing Transmittal Form
FGIS Directive 9180.40 March 12, 2024

Page 6

Attachment 1

Corn, Soybeans, and Wheat - PAM - 1

PESTICIDE RESIDUE

Detection 

Limit

(ppb)

PESTICIDE RESIDUE

Detection 

Limit

(ppb)

PESTICIDE 

RESIDUE

Detection

Limit

(ppb)

Acetochlor 10 Disulfoton sulfoxide 5 Methoxychlor 5

Alachlor 10 Endosulfan I 10 Metolachlor 10

Aldrin 20 Endosulfan II 10 Metribuzin 20

Allethrin 100 Endosulfan sulfate 10 Myclobutanil 10

Atrazine 5 Endrin 10 Norflurazon 10

Bifenthrin 10 Esfenvalerate 20 Norflurazon desmethyl 10

Boscalid 5 Ethalfluralin 5 Omethoate 10

Bromuconazole 10 Etridiazole 10 Oxadixyl 10

Carboxin 5 Fenbuconazole 20 Oxyfluorfen 10

Carfentrazone ethyl 5 Fenbuconazole 9129 10 Parathion 10

Chlorpyrifos 10 Fenbuconazole 9130 10 Parathion methyl 10

Chlorpyrifos methyl 10 Fenitrothion 10 Parathion methyl 

O-analog 10

Clodinafop propargyl 10 Fenoxaprop ethyl 5 Parathion O-analog 10

Clomazone 10 Fenpropathrin 10 Pendimethalin 10

Cyanazine 10 Fluazifop-p-butyl 10 Permethrin 20

Cyfluthrin 20 Fludioxonil 10 Phorate 20

Cyhalothrin 20 Flufenacet 10 Phorate sulfone 20

Cypermethrin 50 Flumioxazin 10 Piperonyl butoxide 10

DDD-p,p’ 5 Fluridone 10 Pirimiphos methyl 10

DDE-p,p’ 5 Heptachlor epoxide 5 Prallethrin 100

Deltamethrin 20 Hexaconazole 5 Propanil 10

Diazinon 5 Hydroprene 100 Pyriproxyfen 50

Diazinon O-analog 5 Imazalil 10 Quizalofop ethyl 10

Diclofop methyl 10 Indoxacarb 20 Resmethrin 10

Dieldrin 5 Lactofen 10 TCMTB 20

Dimethenamid 5 Lindane 10 Tetrahydrophthalimide 50

Dimethoate 10 Malathion 10 Triadimefon 5

Dimethomorph 10 Malathion O-analog 10 Triadimenol 50

Disulfoton 5 Metalaxyl 10 Triallate 5

Disulfoton sulfone 5 Methoprene 20 Trifluralin 10

Triticonazole 5
FGIS Directive 9180.40 March 12, 2024

Page 7

Attachment 1

Corn, Soybeans, and Wheat

PAM - 2

PESTICIDE RESIDUE Detection Limit

(ppb)

3-Hydroxycarbofuran 10

5-Hydroxythiabendazole 10

Acephate 40

Aldicarb 10

Aldicarb sulfone 10

Aldicarb sulfoxide 10

Bendiocarb 5

Benoxacor 10

Carbaryl 10

Carbendazim 5

Carbofuran 10

Chlorimuron ethyl 10

Clethodim 50

Clofencet 30

Clothianidin 10

Dichlorvos 20

EPTC 20

Flumetsulam 10

Imazamox 10

Imazaquin 10

Imidacloprid 10

Linuron 10

Methamidophos 30

Methomyl 10

Methoxyfenozide 10

Oxamyl 10

Prothioconazole-desthio 100

Saflufenacil 20

Spinosad 10

Sulfentrazone 50

Thiabendazole 10

Thifensulfuron methyl 20

Corn, Soybeans, and Wheat

PAM - 3

PESTICIDE RESIDUE Detection Limit

(ppb)

Azoxystrobin 5

Benzovindiflupyr 5

Boscalid 10

Cyproconazole 5

Difenoconazole 5

Epoxiconazole 5

Fenarimol 50

Fluoxastrobin 5

Fluquinconazole 15

Flutriafol 5

Fluxapyroxad 5

Myclobutanil 5

Propiconazole 5

Pymetrozine 5

Pyraclostrobin 5

Pyroxasulfone 5

Sedaxane 5

Tebuconazole 5

Tetraconazole 10

Thiamethoxam 5

Trifloxystrobin 5
FGIS Directive 9180.40 March 12, 2024

Page 8

Attachment 1

Corn, Soybeans, and Wheat 

PAM - 10

 

PESTICIDE RESIDUE Detection Limit

(ppb)

3-Methylphosphinicopropionic 

acid (3-MPPA) 50

Aminomethylphosphonic acid 

(AMPA) 50

Glufosinate ammonium 50

Glyphosate 10

Soybeans

PAM - 12

 

PESTICIDE RESIDUE Detection Limit

(ppb)

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic 

acid (2,4-D) 10

2,6-Dichlorosaicylic acid 

(DCSA) 200

5-Hydroxy-dicamba (5-OH) 100

Dicamba 100

Corn, Soybeans, and Wheat

PAM - 11

 

PESTICIDE RESIDUE Detection Limit

(ppb)

Diquat 10

Mepiquat 10

Paraquat 10

Corn and Soybeans

PAM - 5

 

PESTICIDE RESIDUE Detection Limit

(ppb)

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic

acid (2,4-D) 5
FGIS Directive 9180.40 March 12, 2024

Page 9

Attachment 2

Pesticide Residue Testing Transmittal Form

Applicant’s Name

Applicant’s Address

Applicant’s Telephone Number

Email Address to Receive Certificate(s)

Desired Certification

(Qualitative/Quantitative)

Contract Specification(s)

Type of Pesticide Testing

• Check Routine Compound Lists for 

desired testing

• Contact ACB for special compounds

availability and pricing

For corn, soybean or wheat unless stated 

Routine Compound List

q PAM - 1 

q PAM - 2

q PAM - 3

q PAM - 5 (corn and soybeans) 

q PAM - 10

q PAM - 11

q PAM - 12 (soybeans only)

Sampling Method

Customer Sample Identification (Official 

Samples include Load Orders)

Official Weight of Sample

Sampling Location

Date Sampled

Date Sample Mailed to TSD