United States Department of Agriculture

Agricultural Marketing Service

Federal Grain Inspection Service

Program Notice FGIS-PN-18-05 March 29, 2018

Distribution: FGIS, OSP Disposal Date: 3-29-2019 Originating Office: FMD PPMAB

Cover

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, 

national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, and marital or familial status. (Not all prohibited 

bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternate means for communication of program 

information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and 

TDD).

To file a complaint, write to the USDA, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, 

Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal employment opportunity 

employer.

Soybean Systems Approach: Sampling and Testing Working Group 

Weed Seed Survey Protocol

Contents

1. PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................2

2. BACKGROUND ....................................................................................................................2

3. SAMPLE COLLECTION PROCEDURE ...............................................................................2

4. SAMPLE SHIPPING INFORMATION ...................................................................................3

5. EFFECTIVE DATE ...............................................................................................................3

6. QUESTIONS ........................................................................................................................3

Appendix...................................................................................................................................4
FGIS Notice PN-18-05 March 29, 2018

Page 2

1. PURPOSE

This notice outlines procedures for collecting composite samples from all shiplots and 

containerlots of soybeans exported to China.

2. BACKGROUND

The United States and China agreed to implement a systems approach for U.S. 

soybeans exported to China. The systems approach includes all participants in the 

supply chain from farms to export terminals in the United States and ports of entry in 

China. 

The systems approach includes best agricultural practices, such as weed control and 

cleaning at the farm; USDA soybean sampling and analysis for foreign material; and 

phytosanitary inspection and certification at the export terminal. This sample collection 

program is a collaboration between FGIS and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection 

Service (APHIS).

3. SAMPLE COLLECTION PROCEDURE 

• All shiplots exported to China with a certificate date of service of January 1, 2018,

or after, and all containerlots with a certificate date of service of January 1, 2018, 

or after or an inspection date of January 1, 2018, or after on the 921-2, are 

included in the survey. 

• The FGIS Field Office or Official Agency will obtain an approximately 1,000 - 1,050

gram representative composite sample of the ship or containerlot (one sample per 

921-2). Use official procedures. – See Appendix A for shiplot procedures.

• Place the composite sample in a secured (e.g. heat sealed, zip tie, rubber band) 

polyethylene bag. No official seal is required.

• Identify the samples by attaching either a copy of the 921-2, or a copy of the

certificate (provided the certificate lists all carrier identification numbers) to the 

plastic bag. Additionally, provide the specified service point (SSP) number on the 

copy of the 921-2 or the copy of the certificate. 

• Send all composites to the FGIS Toledo Field Office. The Toledo Field Office will 

determine Fine Foreign Material, Course Foreign Material, and Total Foreign 

Material using procedures, outlined in FGIS Grain Inspection Handbook II Chapter 

10. The FGIS Toledo Field Office will forward foreign material to the AMS Seed 

Laboratory in Gastonia, NC.
FGIS Notice PN-18-05 March 29, 2018

Page 3

4. SAMPLE SHIPPING INFORMATION

All samples will be shipped using, UPS 2nd day air to the FGIS Toledo Field Office. Use 

UPS Third Party Code: 22AV49

Address: 

USDA/AMS/FGIS

1910 Indian Wood Circle, Suite 401

Maumee, Ohio 43537

5. EFFECTIVE DATE

This program notice is effective April 1, 2018. The sample collection program will 

continue until FGIS is advised of the termination of the program by APHIS.

6. QUESTIONS

Direct any questions concerning this Program Notice to AMS-FGIS Policies Procedures 

and Market Analysis Branch.
FGIS Notice PN-18-05 March 29, 2018

Page 4

Appendix A 

Obtaining a Composite Sample of a Shiplot.

When a composite sample is requested, official inspection personnel shall:

(1) Obtain a sufficient portion of grain from each sublot using official procedures so 

that the composite sample and the quantity requested can be obtained.

(2) Identify each composite sample by name of vessel and date loaded.

(3) When loading is finished, break the composite sample down to approximately

1,000 - 1,050 grams using an approved divider and official procedures. Place the 

composite sample in a polyethylene bag for shipping and seal securely (e.g. heat 

seal, zip tie, rubber band).