Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Specialty Crops Inspection Division

This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed above. After incorporation into the document listed above this PATCH will 

become obsolete. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

PATCH # 007 Grade Statements and CFIA Export for Apples (July 20, 2016)

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 1 of 5

PATCH # 007

DOCUMENT: Apples Shipping Point and Market Inspection Instructions March 2005

REMARKS: This patch provides examples that reiterate current USDA policy regarding the 

scoring of condition defects for fresh apples after storage or transit, and corresponding grade 

statements. In addition, information regarding exporting apples from the U.S. or through the 

U.S. to Canada is included.

The restrictive percentages of defects listed in the Export Apple Act, and in Section 51.321 U.S. 

Condition Standards for Export, in the U.S. Standards for Grades of Apples are separate from the 

requirements of the grade. Therefore, all condition defects must be evaluated on the basis of 

injury, damage and serious damage based on the grade being applied.

Determining and Reporting Grade When Applicable Grade Tolerances Are Exceeded

Shipping Point:

At time of packing, prior to storage or transit: Score all defects (permanent quality and 

condition defects) against the grade. For example, report a lot with 12% injury by bruising, and 

no other defects, as “Fails to grade U.S. Extra Fancy account grade defects” or applicable grade 

according to the facts (see certificate example 1).

After storage (more than 7 days): Separate defects based on quality and condition factors. For 

example, report a lot with 12% injury by limb rubs as “Fails to grade U.S. Extra Fancy account 

grade defects” or applicable grade. If the lot had 12% injury by bruising, or other condition 

defect(s) that exceeded the tolerances for grade, and the quality defects did not exceed the 

lot/container tolerance, report the lot as “U.S. Extra Fancy, bruising being a factor of condition”

or applicable grade (see certificate example 2).

Market Inspections (en route or at destination):

Separate defects based on quality and condition factors. Report a lot with 12 % injury by limb 

rubs as “Fails to grade U.S. Extra Fancy account quality” or applicable grade. If the lot had 12% 
This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed on the first page. After incorporation into the document listed above this 

PATCH will become obsolete.

PATCH # 007 Grade Statements and CFIA Export for Apples (July 20, 2016)

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 2 of 5

injury by bruising, or other condition defect(s) that exceeded the tolerances for grade, report the 

lot as “U.S. Extra Fancy, bruising being a factor of condition” (see certificate example 3).

Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Requirements for Apples Exported from the 

U.S. or Through the U.S. to Canada

Minimum Grade Requirements:

Apples must meet Canada Extra Fancy or Canada Fancy Grade. These grades are met when

apples meet U.S. Extra Fancy, U.S. Fancy, or U.S. No. 1 (Canada Fancy color). Minimum size 

is 60 mm (2 3/8 inches).

Minimum Color Requirements:

Apples must meet the color for the grade stated, except U.S. No. 1, which must meet Canada 

Fancy color.

Applicable Marking Requirements for Both Master and Consumer Units:

Consumer: Common name, apple variety, grade designation, diameter size range, net quantity, 

country of origin, and responsible party name and address. All but responsible party must be in 

English and French. Nutrition Facts table is optional but if present must be in the Canadian 

format.

Master: Common name, apple variety, responsible party name & address, and country of origin.

May use English or French. When the information is easily and clearly discernible in or on the 

inner container without opening the outer container, the same information is not required on the 

outer container.

U.S. Condition Standards for Export (51.321):

The CFIA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Regulations require apples to meet the U.S. Condition 

Standards for Export. Meeting the U.S. Condition Standards for Export is in addition to meeting 

the minimum grade requirements.

Condition Defects Applied Against the Grade:

When apples are being certified for export to Canada, all defects (permanent quality and 

condition) apply against the grade. Therefore, lots of apples being certified with “factors of 

condition” grade statements would not meet CFIA import requirements.
This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed on the first page. After incorporation into the document listed above this 

PATCH will become obsolete.

PATCH # 007 Grade Statements and CFIA Export for Apples (July 20, 2016)

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 3 of 5

Certificate Example 1
This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed on the first page. After incorporation into the document listed above this 

PATCH will become obsolete.

PATCH # 007 Grade Statements and CFIA Export for Apples (July 20, 2016)

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 4 of 5

Certificate Example 2
This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the document listed on the first page. After 

incorporation into the document listed above this PATCH will become obsolete.

PATCH #007 Grade Statements and CFIA Export for Apples (July 20, 2016)

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 5 of 5

Certificate Example 3