Last updated on July 29th, 2024 at 10:10 pm
Title 7—Agriculture–Volume 2
Subtitle B—Regulations of the Department of Agriculture
CHAPTER I—AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (STANDARDS, INSPECTIONS, MARKETING PRACTICES), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
SUBCHAPTER A—COMMODITY STANDARDS AND CONTAINER REQUIREMENTS
PART 27—COTTON CLASSIFICATION UNDER COTTON FUTURES LEGISLATION
For regulations relating to cotton classing, testing, and standards, and cottonseed sold or offered for sale for crushing purposes, see parts 28 and 61 of this chapter.
Subpart A—Requirements
Definitions
§ 27.1 Meaning of words.
Words used in this subpart in the singular form shall be deemed to import the plural and vice versa, as the case may demand.
§ 27.2 Terms defined.
As used throughout this subpart, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall be construed, respectively, to mean:
(a) The Act. The United States Cotton Futures Act (90 Stat. 1841-1846; 7 U.S.C. 15b).
(b) Department. The United States Department of Agriculture.
(c) Service. The Agricultural Marketing Service of the Department.
(d) Administrator. The Administrator of the Service, or any officer or employee of the Service, to whom authority has heretofore been delegated, or to whom authority may hereafter be delegated, to act in the Administrator’s stead.
(e) Cotton Division. The Cotton Division of the Service.
(f) Director. The Director of the Cotton Division, or any officer or employee of the Division to whom authority has heretofore been delegated, or to whom authority may hereafter be delegated to act in the Director’s stead.
(g) Marketing Services Office. A facility of the Cotton Division established under the Act at any point.
(h) Quality Assurance Division. The Quality Assurance Division at Memphis, Tennessee; shall provide supervision of futures cotton classification.
(i) Exchange. Exchange, board of trade, or similar institution or place of business, at, on, or in which a basis grade contract may be made.
(j) Exchange inspection agency. The inspection agency of the New York Cotton Exchange, the New Orleans Cotton Exchange, the Board of Trade of the city of Chicago, or of any other exchange which may have an organized inspection agency recognized as such by the Director, as the case may be.
(k) Basis grade contract. Contract of sale of cotton for future delivery mentioned in the Act, made at, on, or in any exchange in compliance with subsection 15b(f) of the Act.
(l) Person. Individual, association, partnership, or corporation.
(m) Owner. Person who owns, controls, or has the disposition of any cotton.
(n) Classification. The classification of any cotton shall be determined by the quality of a sample in accordance with the Universal Cotton Standards (the official cotton standards of the United States) for cotton property measurements of American Upland cotton. High Volume Instruments will determine all cotton property measurements except extraneous matter. Cotton classers authorized by the Cotton and Tobacco Program will determine the presence of extraneous matter. Original Smith-Doxey data may serve as certification that bales submitted for quality verification meet quality and age parameters set by an applicable exchange inspection agency as a futures classification option.
(o) Micronaire determination. The measure of the fiber fineness and maturity of cotton, in combination, in terms of Micronaire readings as determined by an authorized employee of the Department in accordance with the official cotton standards of the United States for fiber fineness and maturity.
(p) Smith-Doxey data. Data reflecting the original classification of a cotton bale provided to producers of cotton under the Smith-Doxey Act of April 13, 1937 (Pub. L. 75-28).
General
§ 27.3 Requirements of subsection 15b(f) of the Act.
The inspection, sampling, classification, and Micronaire determination of cotton pursuant to subsection 15b(f) of the Act shall be performed as prescribed in this subpart. All tenders of cotton and settlements therefor under basis grade contracts shall be made subject to the regulations in this subpart. No contract shall for the purposes of this subpart be deemed to comply with subsection 15b(f) of the Act if it contain or incorporate therein, by reference or otherwise, any provision or any bylaw, rule, or custom of an exchange which is inconsistent or in conflict with any requirement of said subsection 15b(f), nor if the parties enter into any collateral or additional agreement or understanding, either verbal or written, respecting the subject matter of such contract which is inconsistent or in conflict with any requirement of said subsection 15b(f).
§ 27.4 Obligations and rights under Act: not affected by regulations.
Nothing in this subpart shall be construed as relieving any party to a basis grade contract of any obligation imposed upon the party, or as depriving the party of any right to which the party might be entitled under any provision of the contract or exchange rule made a part thereof which shall not be inconsistent with the act or the regulations made under the Act.
§ 27.5 Effect of amendments.
Any amendment to this subpart, unless otherwise stated therein, shall apply to all tenders of cotton and settlements therefor made on and after the effective date of such amendment, under basis grade contracts entered into prior, as well as subsequent, to such effective date.
Administration
§ 27.8 Director.
The Director shall perform for and under the supervision of the Administrator, such duties as the Administrator may require in enforcing the provisions of the Act and this subpart.
§ 27.9 Classing Offices; Quality Assurance Division.
Classing Offices shall be maintained at points designated for the purpose by the Administrator. The Quality Assurance Division shall provide supervision of futures cotton classification and perform other duties as assigned by the Deputy Administrator.
§ 27.10 Supervision of cotton inspection, weighing, sampling; and other duties.
Authorized employees of the Cotton Division will act, when necessary, as supervisors of cotton inspection to supervise the inspection, weighing, and sampling of cotton to be classified and will perform such other duties as may be required of them for the purposes of this subpart.
§ 27.11 Area Director, Marketing Services Office; responsibility.
Subject to this subpart and the instructions of the Director, the Area Director of each Marketing Services Office shall be responsible for the proper performance of the duties imposed on such office and on the persons connected therewith.
Classification Requests
§ 27.12 Classification request for each lot of cotton.
For each lot or mark of cotton of which the applicant desires separate classification and certification, the applicant shall make a separate written request in a form prescribed or supplied by the Cotton Division for that purpose.
§ 27.13 Micronaire determination request incidental to classification request.
The classification request may include a request for Micronaire determination.
§ 27.14 Filing of classification requests.
Requests for futures classification shall be filed with the Quality Assurance Division within 10 days after sampling and before classification of the samples.
§ 27.15 Withdrawal or rejection of classification or Micronaire determination requests.
Any request for classification or for Micronaire determination may be withdrawn by the applicant at any time before the classification or Micronaire determination of the cotton covered thereby, subject to the payment of such fees, if any, as may be prescribed under §§ 27.80 to 27.92. Any request for classification or for Micronaire determination may be rejected for noncompliance with the act or this subpart.
Inspection and Samples
§ 27.16 Inspection; weighing; samples; supervision.
The inspection, weighing, and sampling of cotton for which classification is desired and the preparation and delivery of samples to the Marketing Services Office shall be (a) under the supervision of a supervisor of cotton inspection, or (b) by or under the direction of an exchange inspection agency and subject to the supervision of a supervisor of cotton inspection.
§ 27.18 Persons not to be employed for inspection or sampling.
No person shall, after notice to the interested parties, be employed in any way in connection with any phase of the inspection and sampling of cotton or the preparation of the samples thereof, for the purposes of classification under this subpart, who for good cause is disapproved by the Director.
§ 27.20 Drawing and handling of samples of cotton; inspection of bales.
One sample shall be drawn from the top side of each bale and one from the bottom side. Each such sample shall weigh not less than 5 ounces, the two samples from each bale to weigh together not less than 10 ounces. The bale shall be inspected and any condition not fully indicated by the samples shall be explained by the supervisor of cotton inspection or exchange inspection agency in a written memorandum, which shall acompany the samples to the Marketing Services Office. Samples shall not be dressed or trimmed and shall be carefully handled in such manner as not to cause loss of leaf, sand, or other material, or otherwise change their representative character. Any sample which does not meet the requirements of this section may be rejected by the supervisor of cotton inspection or the Area Director.
§ 27.21 [Reserved]
§ 27.22 Wrapping and marking of samples of cotton.
The original sets of samples of the bales constituting a lot or mark to be classified separately shall be inclosed in one or more wrappers or containers, as the case may require. The wrappers or containers of original samples shall be so labeled or marked, or both, as to show that they contain original samples, together with the lot number, if any, the marks, and the number of bales, and such other information as may be necessary in accordance with the instructions of the Area Director of the Marketing Services Office to which the samples are to be delivered.
§ 27.23 Duplicate sets of samples of cotton.
The duplicate sets of samples shall be inclosed in wrappers or containers separate and apart from the original sets in the manner prescribed or original samples in the foregoing section, except that the wrappers or containers shall be labeled or marked, or both, so as to show that they contain duplicate samples and shall be delivered to the person requesting the classification of the cotton.
§ 27.24 Delivery of samples of cotton.
The original sample from each bale to be classified shall be delivered to the Marketing Services Office with which the classification request was filed, at its classification room. If there is no Marketing Services Office at the point where the cotton is sampled, the supervisor of cotton inspection or the exchange inspection agency shall forward the samples to the proper Marketing Services Office. No samples covered by pending classification requests which are ready for delivery as provided for herein shall be withheld from such delivery except as authorized in writing by the Area Director or the Director.
§ 27.25 Additional samples of cotton; drawing.
In addition to the samples hereinbefore prescribed, separate samples, if desired, may be drawn and furnished to the owner of the cotton.
§ 27.28 Disposition of samples.
Samples submitted to a Marketing Services Office shall become the property of the Department and shall be disposed of in accordance with the property regulations of Department when no longer needed for classification or Micronaire determinations.
Classification and Micronaire Determinations
§ 27.31 Classification of cotton.
For purposes of subsection 15b (f) of The Act, classification of cotton is the determination of the quality of a sample in accordance with the Universal Cotton Standards (the official cotton standards of the United States) for the color grade and leaf grade of American upland cotton, and fiber property measurements such as micronaire. High Volume Instruments will determine all fiber property measurements except extraneous matter. High Volume Instrument colormeter measurements will be used for determining the official color grade. Cotton classers authorized by the Cotton and Tobacco Programs will determine the presence of extraneous matter and authorized employees of the Cotton and Tobacco Programs will determine all fiber property measurements using High Volume Instruments.
§ 27.32 Order of classification.
All cotton for which classifications requests shall be pending shall be classified as far as practicable in the order in which proper samples thereof, ready for such classification, shall have been delivered to the Marketing Services Office, except as otherwise provided in this subpart or when the Area Director or the Director shall find that an emergency exists and shall order otherwise.
§ 27.33 Exposing of samples for classification.
Classification shall not proceed until the samples, after being delivered to the Marketing Services Office, shall have been exposed for such length of time as in the judgment of the Area Director shall be sufficient to put them in proper condition for the purpose.
§ 27.34 Classification procedure.
Classification shall proceed as rapidly as possible, but not when light or other conditions make uncertain the accuracy of the results to be obtained.
§ 27.35 Lower class of two samples to prevail.
In case a sample drawn from one portion of a bale is lower in class than one drawn from another portion of such bale, except as otherwise provided in this subpart, the classification of the bale shall be that of the sample showing the lower class.
§ 27.36 Classification determinations based on official standards.
All cotton shall be classified on the basis of the official cotton standards of the United States in effect at the time of such classification.
§ 27.37 Cotton reduced in grade.
If cotton be reduced in grade, by reason of the presence of extraneous matter or other irregularities or defects, below its grade according to the official cotton standards of the United States, the grade from which it is so reduced, and the condition or reason which so reduces its grade shall be determined and stated.
§ 27.38 Terms defined for purposes of classification.
For the purposes of classification the following terms shall be construed, respectively, to mean:
(a) Cotton of perished staple. Cotton that has the strength of fiber as ordinarily found in cotton destroyed or unduly reduced through exposure to the weather either before picking or after baling, or through heating by fire, or on account of water packing, or by other causes.
(b) [Reserved]
(c) Gin cut cotton. Cotton that shows damage in ginning, through cutting by the saws, to an extent that reduces its value more than two grades.
(d) Reginned cotton. Cotton that has passed through the ginning process more than once, and cotton that, after having been ginned, has been subjected to a cleaning process and then baled.
(e) Repacked cotton. Cotton that is composed of factors’, brokers’, or other samples, or of loose or miscellaneous lots collected and rebaled, or cotton in a bale which is composed of cotton from two or more smaller bales or parts of bales that are combined after the cotton leaves the gin.
(f) False packed cotton. Cotton in a bale (1) containing substances entirely foreign to cotton, (2) containing damaged cotton in the interior with or without any indication of such damage upon the exterior, (3) composed of good cotton upon the exterior and decidedly inferior cotton in the interior, in such manner as not to be detected by customary examination, or (4) containing pickings or linters worked into the bale.
(g) Mixed packed cotton. Cotton in a bale which, in the sample taken therefrom, shows (1) a difference of three or more grades, or (2) a difference of three or more color groups, or (3) a difference in length of staple of one-eighth inch or more. For purposes of this paragraph, White Cotton (including the Plus grades), Light Gray Cotton, and Gray Cotton shall constitute one color group, and Light Spotted Cotton, Spotted Cotton, Tinged Cotton, and Yellow Stained Cotton shall each constitute a color group.
(h) Water packed cotton. Cotton in a bale that has been penetrated by water during the baling process, causing damage to the fiber, or a bale that through exposure to the weather or by other means, while apparently dry on the exterior, has been damaged by water in the interior.
Cotton Class Certificates
§ 27.39 Issuance of classification records.
Except as otherwise provided in this section, as soon as practicable after the classification of cotton has been completed by the Cotton and Tobacco Programs, the Quality Assurance Division shall issue an electronic cotton classification record showing the results of such classification. Each electronic record shall bear the date of its issuance. The electronic record shall show the identification of the cotton according to the information in the possession of the Cotton and Tobacco Programs, the classification of the cotton and such other facts as the Deputy Administrator may require.
§ 27.40 New certificates; conditions of issuance.
For the business convenience of a holder of a cotton class certificate issued under this subpart a new certificate may be issued at the request of the holder, to take the place of the former certificate without the reclassification of the cotton and without a new Micronaire determination for the cotton. In any case where a new certificate is issued in accordance with this section, the former certificate shall be surrendered for cancellation, and such new certificate shall bear a new number, the date of its issuance, and the date of original certification, and shall otherwise comply with this subpart.
§ 27.41 Lost certificate; duplicate.
Upon the written request of the last holder of a valid cotton class certificate and a showing to the satisfaction of the Area Director of the Marketing Services Office which issued such certificate, that it has been lost or destroyed and, if lost, that diligent effort has been made to find it without success, a new certificate shall be issued without the reclassification of the cotton and without a new Micronaire determination for the cotton. Such new certificate shall bear the same number and date of issuance as the lost or destroyed certificate, and shall include a statement to the effect that it is a duplicate issued in lieu of the lost or destroyed original, as the case may be.
§ 27.42 Surrender of certificate.
For good cause any certificate issued under this subpart shall be surrendered to a Marketing Services Office for correction or cancellation. If such certificate be not surrendered upon request it shall nevertheless be invalid under subsection 15b(f) of the Act and this subpart.
§ 27.43 Validity of cotton class certificates.
Each cotton class certificate for cotton classified as tenderable shall be valid for use in the tender of such cotton on a basis grade contract made in accordance with the Act and this subpart and the rules of an exchange not inconsistent therewith.
§ 27.44 Invalidity of cotton class certificates.
Any cotton class certificate shall become invalid for use in the tender or delivery of the cotton covered thereby on a basis grade contract whenever such cotton shall be removed from the place of storage specified therein, except when it is handled and re-stored or transferred to a different place of storage and restored under the supervision of an exchange inspection agency or a supervisor of cotton inspection.
§ 27.45 No storage of cotton for classification at disapproved place.
No cotton submitted for classification under subsection 15b(f) of the Act shall be located or stored at a place disapproved for the purpose by the Area Director or the Director on account of being unsuitable for the safekeeping or proper storage of such cotton, or on account of the failure or refusal of the custodian thereof to comply or to permit compliance with the requirements of this subpart. Notice of such disapproval shall be given in such manner as the Director may direct. Thereafter every cotton class certificate previously issued for cotton located or stored at such place shall be invalid for the delivery of such cotton on a basis grade contract, unless the cotton shall be removed under the supervision of an exchange inspection agency, or a supervisor of cotton inspection, to a place which shall be suitable for the purpose. Upon such removal and the request of the holder of the cotton class certificate for such cotton a new certificate in lieu thereof, as provided elsewhere in this subpart, shall be issued.
§ 27.46 Cotton withdrawn from storage.
The exchange inspection agency under the supervision or control of which any cotton classified pursuant to this subpart shall be held or stored shall furnish to the Marketing Services Office which classified such cotton, on the first business day of each week, a written statement of all cotton withdrawn from storage, or the lot number or other identification of which has been changed, or which has otherwise been removed from the supervision or control of such exchange inspection agency during the next preceding week. Such statement shall show each lot number, and, if changed, the new lot number, and in case of the withdrawal or removal of a portion only of the lot, the tag numbers of the bales so withdrawn or removed. If such removal shall be to a different place of storage under the supervision or control of the exchange inspection agency, the statement shall show the new location.
§ 27.47 Tender or delivery of cotton; conditions.
Subject to the provisions of §§ 27.52 through 27.55, no cotton shall be tendered or delivered on a basis grade contract unless on or prior to the date fixed for delivery under such contract, and in advance of final settlement of the contract, the person making the tender shall furnish to the person receiving the same a valid outstanding cotton classification record complying with the regulations in this subpart, showing such cotton to be tenderable on a basis grade contract.
Delayed Certification
§ 27.52 Delivery without certification.
If upon the date fixed for delivery in accordance with subsection 15b(f) of the Act cotton class certificates shall not have been issued by a Marketing Services Office for cotton to be delivered pursuant to such notice, samples of which cotton shall have been in the custody of the Marketing Services Office for the time hereinafter prescribed, the delivery of such cotton may be made upon compliance with and subject to the conditions specified in §§ 27.52 through 27.55. Sections 27.52 through 27.55 shall not apply to cotton upon which a Marketing Services Office has already issued cotton class certificates pursuant to this subpart.
§ 27.53 Notice for delayed certification; requirements.
On the date of giving the transferable notice of the delivery in accordance with subsection 15b(f) of the act the person issuing such notice or the person on whose behalf it was issued shall also give written notice to the Marketing Services Office with which the classification request was required to be filed, specifying the date of delivery and the number of bales so to be delivered which have not been certified. In such notice, or later in writing before the delivery of the samples to the Marketing Services Office the lot numbers of the cotton so to be delivered shall be specified.
§ 27.54 Inspection and sampling for delayed certification.
Such cotton must have been duly inspected and sampled, and the original samples thereof properly prepared in accordance with this subpart must be delivered to the Marketing Services Office not later than the date of issuance of the transferable notice, except when the delivery day fixed by such transferable notice is the last delivery day in the month of delivery. In such case the cotton must have been duly inspected and sampled, and the original samples thereof properly prepared in accordance with this subpart must have been delivered to the Marketing Services Office in accordance with all regulations applicable and in readiness for classification not later than 8 p.m. of the second business day preceding such last delivery day.
§ 27.55 Requirements in lieu of cotton class certificates on delivery day.
If on the morning of the delivery day specified in the transferable notice the cotton class certificates covering the cotton involved are not ready for delivery when called for, the tenderer of the cotton shall present to the receiver a receipt issued by an exchange inspection agency certifying that warehouse receipts, listed by lot numbers, representing cotton weighed and sampled in an approved warehouse under the supervision of such agency, have been received by the exchange inspection agency and are in the custody of the Cotton Division Marketing Services Office where certification requests are required to be filed. The requirements of §§ 27.52-27.55 shall be complied with prior to delivery by the tenderer of the agency’s receipt to the receiver. Upon issuance by Marketing Services Office, the tenderer shall furnish to the receiver the cotton class certificates complying with the regulations in this subpart, showing the cotton to be tenderable on a basis grade contract.
Postponed Classification
§ 27.57 Request for postponement.
If the applicant desires the postponement of the classification of any cotton covered by a classification request filed pursuant to the regulations in this subpart until later notice, the original classification request must so state, or the applicant must so advise the Marketing Services Office in writing before the classification has been entered upon. Such request must show cause and that it is not made merely for dilatory reasons.
§ 27.58 Postponed classification; must be within 30 days.
If thereafter the classification of the cotton be desired, notice thereof shall be filed not later than the expiration of 30 days after the date upon which the samples were drawn from the cotton, and the original samples must have remained continuously in the possession of the Marketing Services Office or under its control.
§ 27.59 Postponed classification; interference.
Classification pursuant to such suspended request shall not be allowed to interfere with or delay the classification of other samples previously made ready for classification or which are otherwise entitled to priority.
§ 27.60 When original request deemed withdrawn.
If the period of 30 days specified in § 27.58 shall expire without the filing of the notice of desire for classification the applicant shall be deemed to have withdrawn the original request for the classification of such cotton.
§§ 27.61-27.72 [Reserved]
§ 27.73 Supervision of transfers of cotton.
Whenever the owner of any cotton inspected and sampled for classification pursuant to this subpart and for which the owner holds valid cotton class certificates desires to transfer such cotton to a different delivery point, or to a different warehouse at the same delivery point, for the purpose of having it made available for delivery upon a basis grade contract, such transfer shall be effected under the supervision of an exchange inspection agency or a supervisor of cotton inspection.
Costs of Classification and Micronaire
§ 27.80 Fees; review classification, futures classification and supervision.
For services rendered by the Cotton and Tobacco Programs pursuant to this subpart, whether the cotton involved is tenderable or not, the person requesting the services shall pay fees as follows:
(a) For each calendar year, AMS will calculate the rate for services, per hour per program employee using the following formulas:
(1) Regular rate. The total AMS grading or classification program personnel direct pay divided by direct hours, which is then multiplied by the next year’s percentage of cost of living increase, plus the benefits rate, plus the operating rate, plus the allowance for bad debt rate. If applicable, travel expenses may also be added to the cost of providing the service.
(2) Overtime rate. The total AMS grading or classification program personnel direct pay divided by direct hours, which is then multiplied by the next year’s percentage of cost of living increase and then multiplied by 1.5 plus the benefits rate, plus the operating rate, plus an allowance for bad debt. If applicable, travel expenses may also be added to the cost of providing the service.
(3) Holiday rate. The total AMS grading or classification program personnel direct pay divided by direct hours which is then multiplied by the next year’s percentage of cost of living increase and then multiplied by 2, plus benefits rate, plus the operating rate, plus an allowance for bad debt. If applicable, travel expenses may also be added to the cost of providing the service.
(b) For each calendar year, based on historical costs, AMS will calculate the benefits, operating, and allowance for bad debt components of the regular, overtime and holiday rates as follows:
(1) Benefits rate. The total AMS grading or classification program direct benefits costs divided by the total hours (regular, overtime, and holiday) worked, which is then multiplied by the next calendar year’s percentage cost of living increase. Some examples of direct benefits are health insurance, retirement, life insurance, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) retirement basic and matching contributions.
(2) Operating rate. The total AMS grading or classification program operating costs divided by total hours (regular, overtime, and holiday) worked, which is then multiplied by the percentage of inflation.
(3) Allowance for bad debt rate. Total AMS grading or classification program allowance for bad debt divided by total hours (regular, overtime, and holiday) worked.
(c) Basis. The calendar year cost of living expenses and percentage of inflation factors used in the formulas in this section are based on the most current Office of Management and Budget’s Presidential Economic Assumptions.
§ 27.81 Fees; certificates.
For each new certificate issued in substitution for a prior certificate at the request of the holder thereof, for the purpose of business convenience, or when made necessary by the transfer of cotton under the supervision of any exchange inspection agency as provided in § 27.73, the person making the request shall pay a fee determined as described in § 27.80.
§ 27.83 No fees for certain certificates.
No fee shall be collected for a new cotton class certificate issued in lieu of a prior certificate solely for the purpose of correcting clerical errors therein or for the purpose of substituting a new form applicable to outstanding certificates, or without an application therefor.
§ 27.85 Fees; withdrawn requests or applications.
When the request for classification, or the application for review or classification, of any cotton or the request for Micronaire determination for any cotton shall be withdrawn after the service requested has been started pursuant to such request or application, the person making such request or application shall pay the fee prescribed by § 27.80 as to any service completed prior to such withdrawal.
§ 27.87 Fees; classification and Micronaire determination information.
Whenever the person who requests the classification of, or Micronaire determination for, any cotton, or the person on whose behalf such request is made, also requests the transmission by telegraph or telephone of information concerning such classification or Micronaire determination, the person making the request for such classification or determination shall pay, in addition to the applicable costs prescribed in this subpart, the cost of tolls incurred in such transmission.
§ 27.89 Expenses; inspection; sampling.
Expense of inspection and sampling, the preparation of the samples and the delivery of such samples in accordance with § 27.24, shall be borne by the party requesting the classification of the cotton involved. When a review of classification or a Micronaire determination is requested and samples of the cotton involved are not in possession of a Marketing Services Office, the expense of inspection, sampling, preparation of samples, and delivery of the samples to the Marketing Services Office shall be borne by the party requesting the service.
§ 27.90 Bills for payment of fees and expenses.
The Cotton Division shall deliver bills to all persons from whom payment for fees or expenses on account of services under this subpart shall be due. Such bills shall be rendered as soon as practicable after the last day of each month for the amounts due and unpaid on such day. When necessary, in the discretion of the Area Director or the Director, any bill may be rendered at an earlier date for any fees and expenses then due by the person to whom such bill shall be rendered. Payment of any such bill shall be made as soon as possible after the rendition thereof, but in any event not later than 2 weeks after such rendition.
§ 27.91 Advance deposit may be required.
If requested by the Area Director with whom the classification request is required to be filed or by the Director, the person from whom any payment under this subpart may become due shall make an advance deposit to cover such payment in such amount as may be necessary in the judgment of the official requesting the same.
§ 27.92 Method of payment; advance deposit.
Any payment or advance deposit under this subpart shall be by check, draft, or money order, payable to the order of “Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA,” and may not be made in cash except in cases where the total payment or deposit does not exceed $1.
Spot Markets
§ 27.93 Bona fide spot markets.
The following markets have been determined, after investigation, and are hereby designated to be bona fide spot markets within the meaning of the act:
Southeastern; North Delta; South Delta; East Texas and South Texas; West Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma; Desert Southwest; and San Joaquin Valley. Such markets will comprise the following areas:
All counties in the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia and all counties in the state of Tennessee east of and including Stewart, Houston, Humphreys, Perry, Wayne and Hardin counties.
All counties in the states of Arkansas and Missouri and all counties in Tennessee west of and including the counties of Henry, Benton, Henderson, Decatur, Chester and McNairy counties and the Mississippi counties of Alcorn, Benton, Calhoun, Chickasaw, DeSoto, Grenada, Itawamba, Lafayette, Lee, Marshall, Monroe, Panola, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Tate, Tippah, Tishomingo, Union and Yalobusha.
All counties in the state of Louisiana and all counties in the state of Mississippi not included in the North Delta market.
Texas counties east of and including Montague, Wise, Parker, Erath, Comanche, Mills, San Saba, Mason, Sutton, Edwards, Kinney, Maverick, Webb, Zapata, Star, and Hidalgo counties.
All counties in Kansas and Oklahoma, all Texas counties not included in the East Texas, South Texas, and Desert Southwest Markets, and the New Mexico counties of Union, Quay, Curry, Roosevelt, and Lea.
The Texas counties of Val Verde, Crockett, Terrell, Pecos, Brewster, Presidio, Jeff Davis, Culberson, Hudspeth and El Paso, all New Mexico counties except those included in the West Texas market, all counties in the state of Arizona and the California counties south of and including Riverside and Orange counties.
All California counties except those included in the Desert Southwest market.
§ 27.94 Spot markets for contract settlement purposes.
The following are designated as spot markets for the purpose of determining as provided in paragraph 15b(f)(3) of the act, the differences above or below the contract price which the receiver shall pay for grades tendered or deliverable in settlement of a basis grade contract:
(a) For cotton delivered in settlement of any No. 2 contract on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE); Southeastern, North and South Delta, East Texas and South Texas, West Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Desert Southwest.
(b) [Reserved]
Price Quotations and Differences
§ 27.95 Spot markets to conform to Act and regulations.
Every bona fide spot market shall, as a condition of its designation and of the retention thereof, conform to the act and any applicable regulations.
§ 27.96 Quotations in bona fide spot markets.
The price or value and differences between the price or value of grades and staple lengths of cotton shall be based solely upon the official cotton standards of the United States and shall be the actual commercial value or price and differences as determined by the sale of spot cotton in such spot market. Quotations shall be determined and maintained in each designated spot market by the Cotton Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, as follows:
(a) In spot markets designated to determine differences for the settlement of futures contracts, the Cotton Division will on each business day determine and quote by bale volume the prices or values of base qualities which are deliverable on any active futures contracts, as well as the differences for all other qualities deliverable on such contracts. The prices or differences for non-deliverable qualities will be determined and quoted by bale volume in each such spot market for those qualities normally produced or traded in that particular market.
(b) In spot markets not designated to determine differences for the settlement of futures contracts, the Cotton Division will on each business day determine and quote by bale volume the prices or differences for all qualities of cotton normally produced or traded in each such spot market.
§ 27.97 Ascertaining the accuracy of price quotations.
The buyers and sellers of cotton in each spot market shall be responsible for providing accurate and timely price, quality, and volume of purchases data by growth area to the Cotton Division. The Cotton Division is responsible for ascertaining the accuracy of the price quotations in each designated spot market. The Cotton Division will carry out this responsibility by performing the following duties and functions:
(a) The Cotton Division will collect and analyze pertinent information on the prices and values of spot cotton from each spot market.
(b) In the process of determining price quotations, the Cotton Division will contact a minimum of three buyers and sellers of cotton in each bona fide market at least two times per week during the active trading season and one time per week during the remainder of the year to obtain information on prices, qualities, volume, and terms of sales in sufficient detail to determine quotations.
(c) The Cotton Division will summarize the price and quality data and, based on analysis of this summary, make determinations regarding quotations of price, value and differences.
(d) Quotations for each spot market shall be reviewed and approved by the Cotton Division’s Market News Branch Chief or Assistant Branch Chief prior to publication.
(e) The Cotton Division will publish the appropriate quotations by bale volume for grades, staple lengths, micronaire determinations, and other quality factors for each spot market on a daily basis.
§ 27.98 Value of grade where no sale; determination.
As provided in § 27.96, whenever no sale of a particular grade of cotton shall have been made on a given day in a particular spot market, the value of such grade in the market on that day will be determined as follows:
(a) If on such given day there shall have been in such market both a sale of any higher grade and a sale of any lower grade, the average of the declines, or advances, or decline and advance, as the case may be, of the next higher grade and the next lower grade so sold shall be deducted from, or added to, as the case may be, the value, on the last preceding business day, of the grade the value of which on such given day is sought to be ascertained.
(b) If on such given day there shall have been in such market a sale of either a higher or a lower grade, but not sales of both, the decline or advance of the next higher or the next lower grade so sold shall be deducted from, or added to, as the case may be, the value on the last preceding business day of the grade the value of which on such given day is sought to be ascertained.
(c) If on such given day there shall have been in such market no sale of spot cotton of any grade, the value of each grade shall be deemed to be the same as its value therein on the last preceding business day, unless in the meantime there shall have been bona fide bids and offers, or sales of hedged cotton, or other sales of cotton, or changes in prices of futures contracts made subject to the act, which in the usual course of business would clearly establish a rise or fall in the value of spot cotton in such market, in which case such rise or fall may be calculated and added to or deducted from the value on the preceding business day of cotton of all grades affected thereby.
§ 27.99 Values; expression.
For the purpose of this subpart values shall be expressed in terms of cents and hundredths of a cent. A fraction of a hundredth, when equal to, or greater than, the half thereof, shall be treated as a hundredth, and when less than a half of a hundredth shall be disregarded.
§ 27.100 Administration.
The details of the method of carrying out the provisions of this subpart in each bona fide spot market shall be subject to the approval of the Director or shall be prescribed by the Director.
Subpart B [Reserved]
PART 28—COTTON CLASSING, TESTING, AND STANDARDS
For regulations relating to cotton classification under cotton futures legislation, and cottonseed sold or offered for sale for crushing purposes, see parts 27 and 61 of this chapter.
Subpart A—Requirements Under the United States Cotton Standards Act
definitions
§ 28.1 Meaning of words.
Words used in this part in the singular form shall be deemed to import the plural, and vice versa, as the case may demand.
§ 28.2 Terms defined.
As used throughout this subpart, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall be construed, respectively, to mean:
(a) The Act. The United States Cotton Standards Act, approved March 4, 1923 (42 Stat. 1517; 7 U.S.C. 51 et seq.) with such amendments as may be made from time to time.
(b) Regulations. Regulations mean the provisions in this subpart.
(c) Department. The United States Department of Agriculture.
(d) Secretary. The Secretary of Agriculture of the United States, or any officer or employee of the Department who has been delegated, or who mayhereafter be delegated the authority to act for the Secretary.
(e) Service. The Agricultural Marketing Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
(f) Administrator. The Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service, or any officer or employee of the Service, who has been delegated, or who may hereafter be delegated the authority to act for the Administrator.
(g) Program. The Cotton and Tobacco Program of the Agricultural Marketing Service.
(h) Director. The Director of the Cotton Division, or any officer or employee of the Division who has been delegated, or who may hereafter be delegated the authority to act for the Director.
(i) Classing Office. A facility of the Cotton Division established under the act at any point.
(j) Quality Assurance Division. The national classing supervision office at Memphis, Tennessee performing final review of cotton classification.
(k) Cotton classer. An employee of the Department so designated by the Director after having passed the prescribed practical cotton classing examination.
(l) License. A license issued under the Act by the Secretary to sample cotton.
(m) Licensed warehouse or gin. A cotton warehouse or gin licensed under the United States Cotton Standards Act to sample cotton.
(n) Cotton. The word cotton means cotton of any variety produced within the continental United States. In this subpart, for administrative convenience the word “cotton” is used to signify vegetable hair removed from cottonseed in the usual process of ginning.
(o) Upland Cotton. All cotton grown anywhere within the continental United States including the growths sometimes referred to as Upland, Gulf, and Texas cotton, but excluding American Pima growths.
(p) Official Cotton Standards. Official Cotton Standards of the United States for the color grade and the leaf grade of American upland cotton, the color grade and the leaf grade of American Pima cotton, the length of staple, and fiber property measurements, adopted or established pursuant to the Act, or any change or replacement thereof.
(q) Universal Cotton Standards. The official cotton standards of the United States for the grade of American upland cotton. May be referenced informally as “Universal standards.”
(r) Person. Individual, association, partnership, or corporation, or two or more individuals having a joint or common interest.
(s) Owner. Person who through financial interest, owns, controls, or has the disposition either of cotton or of samples.
(t) Custodian. Person who has possession or control of cotton or of samples, as agent, controller, broker, or factor, as the case may be.
(u) State. A State, Territory, or district of the United States.
administrative and general
§ 28.3 Director.
The Director shall perform for and under the supervision of the Secretary and the Administrator, such duties as the Secretary or the Administrator may require in enforcing the provisions of the Act and the regulations issued thereunder.
§ 28.4 Classing offices.
Classing Offices shall be maintained at points designated by the Administrator. Requests for the review of the classification and/or comparison of cotton performed by Classing Offices may be referred to the Quality Control Section.
§§ 28.5-28.6 [Reserved]
§ 28.7 Area Director, Classing Office; responsibility.
Subject to this subpart and the instructions of the Director, the Area Director of each Classing Office shall be responsible for the proper performance of the duties imposed on such office and on the persons connected therewith. The Area Director shall be responsible for receiving all correspondence relating to the classification of cotton under the act and for providing that all samples are prepared for classification and/or comparison in such manner that the name of the owner and/or the custodian shall be unknown to the cotton classers until after the samples are classified.
§ 28.8 Classification of cotton; determination.
For the purposes of The Act, the classification of any cotton shall be determined by the quality of a sample in accordance with Universal Cotton Standards (the official cotton standards of the United States) for the color grade and the leaf grade of American upland cotton, the length of staple, and fiber property measurements such as micronaire. High Volume Instruments will determine all fiber property measurements except extraneous matter, special conditions and remarks. High Volume Instrument colormeter measurements will be used for determining the official color grade. Cotton classers authorized by the Cotton and Tobacco Programs will determine the presence of extraneous matter, special conditions and remarks and authorized employees of the Cotton and Tobacco Programs will determine all fiber property measurements using High Volume Instruments. The classification record of a Classing Office or the Quality Control Division with respect to any cotton shall be deemed to be the classification record of the Department.
§ 28.9 Inspection; sampling; classification.
The inspection, sampling, and classification of cotton in the United States pursuant to the Act shall be performed as prescribed in this subpart. Subject in general to the provisions of this subpart the Director may issue from time to time instructions for the sampling, classification, and issuance of classification memoranda for cotton classed for special programs and other Government agencies, including the review of any classification performed pursuant to §§ 28.901 through 28.919.
requests for classification and comparison
§ 28.15 Classification and comparison; requests.
All requests for classification and comparison shall be in writing on a form supplied by the Division and shall contain such information as the Director may require. For each lot or mark of cotton which the applicant desires classified or compared separately he shall specify which of the following forms of service is desired:
(a) Form A determination. The classification or comparison of samples freshly drawn and submitted to a Classing Office direct from a licensed warehouseman, at the request of the owner of the cotton or the owner’s agent. Such classification or comparison shall be evidenced by a Form A memorandum which shall be subject to review as provided in § 28.66.
(b) Form C determination. The classification of bales of cotton inspected and sampled under the supervision of an employee of the Division. The classification in such cases shall be evidenced by a Form C certificate which shall be subject to review as provided in § 28.66.
(c) Form D determination. The classification or comparison of samples submitted by the owner of the cotton or the owner’s agent. Such classification or comparison shall be evidenced by a Form D memorandum which shall be subject to review as provided in § 28.66.
(d) Micronaire reading service. Micronaire (mike) reading service is available under Forms A, C, and D determinations upon request from the applicant and subject to the fees specified in § 28.116 of this part 28.
§ 28.16 Request for return of samples.
Any applicant desiring return of the samples after classification or comparison is completed, at the applicant’s expense, shall indicate this service on the form used for requesting such classification or comparison.
§ 28.17 Filing of requests for classification or comparison.
All requests for classification or comparison leading to Form A, Form D memoranda or, Form C certificates shall be filed with the Classing Office which serves the territory in which the cotton is located. Samples which are submitted to any Classing Office for classification or comparison may be referred by such Classing Office to another Classing Office for classification or comparison.
§ 28.18 One request only for classification.
Not more than one request for a Form A determination, or a Form C determination, or a Form D determination of the same cotton, except a request for a review determination, shall be filed by the same owner within any 30-day period. Any subsequent request shall be accomplished by redrawn samples and the Area Director may require that any Form A or Form D memoranda, Form C certificates, or other classification data previously issued by a Classing Office with respect to samples purporting to represent the same cotton shall be returned before such redrawn samples are classed.
§ 28.19 Withdrawal or rejection of classification request.
Any classification request may be withdrawn by the applicant at any time before the classification of the cotton covered thereby, subject to the payment of such fees, if any, as may be prescribed in these regulations. Any classification request may be rejected by the Area Director or the Head of the Quality Control Section for noncompliance with the act or this subpart.
licensing of warehouses and gins for sampling
§ 28.20 When license is required.
Samples for Form A determination shall be accepted under this subpart from licensed warehousemen only. Samples for classification pursuant to §§ 28.901 through 28.917 shall be accepted from licensed gins or warehouses. No license is required to sample cotton for Form C or Form D determination.
§ 28.21 Eligibility and application.
Any cotton warehouse or gin which may desire to submit samples for determination or classification for which a license is required under § 28.20 shall be eligible for a license. Application for licenses to draw and submit samples shall be submitted by warehouses and gins on forms furnished by the Division.
§ 28.22 Authority granted by license.
Licenses issued by the Division shall authorize the warehouse to draw and submit samples from cotton stored in the warehouse for Form A determination or for classification pursuant to §§ 28.901 through 28.917. Licenses issued by the Division shall authorize gins to draw and submit samples from cotton ginned at the gin for classification pursuant to §§ 28.901 through 28.917. Licenses shall be valid for a period of five years.
§ 28.23 Suspension or revocation of license.
(a) Any license issued to a warehouse or gin to sample cotton may be suspended or revoked, following notice and opportunity for hearing, if the licensee has knowingly or carelessly sampled cotton improperly, or has submitted improper samples for classification, or has violated any provision of the Act or the regulations, or has used the license, or allowed it to be used, for any improper purpose.
(b) Procedure. (1) All cases arising under this paragraph shall be conducted under the Uniform Rules of Practice, 7 CFR 1.130 et seq., and instituted upon a complaint filed by the Administrator.
(2) In all cases except those involving willfulness, or in which the public health, interest, or safety otherwise requires, prior to the institution of a formal proceeding, the Administrator shall give written notice to the licensee of facts or conduct which appear to warrant institution of such a proceeding and shall afford the licensee the opportunity, within a reasonable time, to demonstrate or achieve compliance with the Act and regulations.
(c) Suspension pending adjudication. In any situation where the integrity of sampling procedures would be seriously jeopardized if a license remained valid pending formal adjudication, the Administrator may temporarily suspend the license effective on or after the third day after mailing notice thereof to the licensee’s last know address. Notice of temporary suspension may be made at or after the filing of a complaint and shall contain the reasons for the action.
(d) Conditional suspension. (1) The Administrator may temporarily suspend a license, without hearing, for a correctable cause. Such suspension, after appropriate corrective action is taken, will terminate.
(2) Written notice shall be given to the licensee in advance of a temporary suspension if practicable, or within 2 days of oral notice, stating the reasons and grounds for temporary suspension.
(3) A licensee may request a formal hearing procedure following receipt of oral or written notice of temporary suspension.
(e) During any period in which the cotton sampling license of a warehouse or gin is suspended or revoked, the Division will not accept any samples from the licensee for Form A determination, or for classification pursuant to §§ 28.901 through 28.917.
§ 28.24 Surrender of license certificate.
In the event of suspension or revocation of a license, the licensee shall promptly surrender the license to the Division.
drawing, submission and disposition of samples
§ 28.25 Samples for Form A determination.
Samples for Form A determination shall be drawn, handled, identified, and shipped by a licensed warehouse according to the methods and procedures specified in this section. Any samples or set of samples which do not meet these specified requirements may be rejected by the Area Director.
(a) Samples shall be freshly drawn.
(b) Each sample shall consist of two portions, one drawn from each side of the bale. Each portion shall be at least six (6) inches wide and approximately twelve (12) inches long and shall weigh at least three (3) ounces.
(c) Where it is necessary to draw two sets of samples, a single cut should be made in each side of the bale, and the portion of cotton removed from each cut should be broken in half across the layers to provide two complete samples. In those cases where this method would result in samples of insufficient length, it will be acceptable to split the sample lengthwise along the layers provided the outside portion from each side is submitted for the official classification.
(d) Dressing, trimming, or discarding part of the sample is prohibited. No part of the cotton or pieces of bagging, leaf, grass, dirt, sand, or any other material shall be removed from either side of the sample.
(e) A coupon showing the correct warehouse bale number and name and address of warehouse shall be placed between the two portions of each sample.
(f) Samples shall be identified and sacked immediately after they are cut without further handling prior to shipment to the Classing Office.
(g) Samples shall be addressed to and mailed, shipped, or delivered direct to the Classing Office serving the territory in which the warehouse is located. Samples shall in no case be consigned or routed through the owner or custodian of the cotton. Samples mailed or shipped shall be prepaid.
(h) The Area Director may require that any licensed warehouse shall provide the crop year, gin name and gin bale number for each sample submitted whenever the Area Director deems that such information is necessary in order to assure that each sample is properly identified with the correct bale of cotton.
(i) The licensed warehouse shall cooperate with employees of the Division making inspections of sampling procedures, and shall draw or permit the drawing of such additional samples, without charge as may be deemed necessary to appraise sampling procedures.
§ 28.26 Samples for Form C determination.
Samples submitted for Form C determination shall be drawn under the supervision of a Division employee who shall retain custody or control of the samples until they are shipped prepaid or delivered at the applicant’s expense to the Classing Office serving the territory in which the bales of cotton are located.
§ 28.27 Samples for Form D determination.
Samples for Form D determination shall be shipped or delivered at the owner’s expense to the Classing Office serving the territory in which the samples are located. A tag or coupon showing the bale number of the bale from which the sample was drawn, or other identification, shall be placed between the two portions of each sample.
§ 28.28 Lost or damaged samples.
If any samples are lost, damaged, or mutilated, the Area Director shall inform the applicant.
§ 28.29 Return of samples.
When so stipulated in the classification request for Form A, C or D detemination, the samples submitted shall be returned to the applicant at the applicant’s expense, at the time the memorandum is issued or when the request for classification is withdrawn or rejected.
§ 28.30 Samples not returned are property of Department.
Samples not returned in accordance with this subpart, and loose cotton separated from samples in the handling and classification thereof, shall become the property of the Department.
violations
§ 28.31 Denial of service.
The Administrator may for good cause, including the acts or practices set forth in § 28.32, debar any person, including the agents, officers, subsidiaries, or affiliates of such person, from any or all benefits of the Act for a specified period, after notice and opportunity for hearing has been afforded. Procedures outlined, or referred, in part 50 of this chapter (7 CFR 50.1 et seq.) shall govern proceedings under this section.
§ 28.32 Misrepresentation; deceptive or fraudulent acts or practices; violations.
Any of the following acts or practices may result in debarment from any or all benefits of the Act:
(a) Any knowing misrepresentation or deceptive or fraudulent act or practice made or committed, or attempted to be committed, by any person in connection with
(1) Any request for classification,
(2) The drawing, handling, identifying, or submitting of any samples for classification,
(3) The making, issuing, or using of any memorandum or certificate of classification issued by a Classing Office or the Quality Assurance Division or
(b) Any knowing violation of the regulations in this subpart or of the Act.
classification
§ 28.35 Method of classification.
All cotton samples shall be classified on the basis of the Universal Cotton Standards, the official cotton standards of the United States in effect at the time of classification.
§ 28.36 Order of classification.
All samples for which classification requests are pending shall be classified, as far as practicable, in the order in which the samples are delivered for classification. When in the opinion of the Area Director or Quality Assurance Director there is a need to deviate from this order of classification, the director shall designate which samples will be given priority in classification.
§ 28.37 Exposing of samples for classification.
Classification shall not proceed until the samples, after being delivered to the Program, shall have been exposed for such length of time as in the judgment of the Area Director or Quality Assurance Director shall be sufficient to put them in proper condition for the purpose.
§ 28.38 Lower class (of two samples) to determine classification.
If a sample drawn from one portion of a bale is lower class than one drawn from another portion of such bale, except as otherwise provided in this subpart, the classification of the bale shall be that of the sample showing the lower class.
§ 28.39 [Reserved]
§ 28.40 Terms defined; cotton classification.
For the purposes of classification of any cotton or of its comparison with a type or other samples, the following terms shall be construed, respectively, to mean:
(a) Fire-damaged cotton. In those cases where it is certain that the cotton is fire damaged, the classification record shall be marked Code 97 (Fire-Damaged Upland Cotton saw ginned) and no official color grade assigned to the sample.
(b) Micronaire (mike) reading. The measurement of the fiber fineness and maturity, in combination, of cotton as determined by an airflow instrument. For any cotton that has a micronaire reading of 2.6 or lower, the Classing Office will enter the micronaire reading on all classification memoranda issued for such cotton.
(c) Extraneous matter. Extraneous matter is any substance appearing in a cotton sample that is not discernible in the official cotton standards. Such material may consist of rough preparation, sand, dust, oil, grass, whole seeds, parts of seeds, motes, spindle twist, bark, stems, cloth and plastic.
(d) Re-ginned cotton. Cotton that, after having been ginned and baled, has been subjected to a ginning process and then re-baled. Responsibility for identifying cotton, which has been actually re-ginned, rests with the owner of the cotton or the owner’s agent.
(e) Repacked cotton. Cotton that is composed of factors’, brokers’, or other samples, or of loose or miscellaneous lots collected and rebaled, or cotton in a bale which is composed of cotton from two or more smaller bales or parts of bales that are combined after the cotton leaves the gin.
(f) False packed cotton. Cotton in a bale (1) containing substances entirely foreign to cotton; (2) containing damaged cotton in the interior with or without any indication of such damage upon the exterior; (3) composed of good cotton upon the exterior and decidedly inferior cotton in the interior, in such manner as not to be detected by customary examination; or (4) containing pickings or linters worked into the bale.
(g) Mixed-packed cotton. Cotton in a bale which, in the sample taken therefrom, shows a difference of two or more color grades, and/or a difference of two or more color groups, or grade of the other side that is one color grade and one color group higher between the two portions of the sample. White, Light Spotted, Spotted, Tinged, and Yellow Stained shall each constitute a color group. The classification assigned will be that of the portion showing the lower color grade. The classification record for the bale will contain a code 75, to designate mixed quality.
(h) Water-damaged cotton. Cotton in a bale that has been penetrated by water during the baling process, causing damage to the fiber, or a bale that through exposure to the weather or by other means, while apparently dry on the exterior, has been damaged by water in the interior. If such condition can be ascertained, the classification record shall be marked Code 98 (Water-Damaged Upland Cotton saw ginned) and no official color grade will be assigned.
sample or type comparison
§ 28.45 Scope of comparison; requests.
A comparison of cotton samples with a type may be requested with respect to grade, or to staple, including any of the component qualities embodied in the grade, or to all these factors. The classification of the type and the samples in accordance with the official cotton standards of the United States may also be requested. The applicant must specify in a written request the scope of service desired.
§ 28.46 Method of submitting samples and types.
The method of submitting samples and types for comparison shall be the same as that prescribed in this subpart for submitting samples for classification.
§ 28.47 Statement of finding for comparisons.
For requests to compare samples to a type, findings shall be stated in terms of the classification of each sample submitted, the classification of the type as measured by the official cotton standards of the United States, and other explanatory notations as needed.
certificates and memoranda
§ 28.55 Issuance of memoranda and certificates.
As soon as practicable after the classification of cotton has been completed by a Classing Office, there shall be issued a cotton class memorandum or certificate of the appropriate kind showing the results of such classification. Upon request from an applicant, classification results may be issued in preliminary form on record sheets.
§ 28.56 Form A and Form D memorandum.
(a) When a classification and/or comparison has been made of any samples submitted to a Classing Office direct from a public warehouse, the results of such classification and/or comparison may be stated in a Form A memorandum.
(b) When a classification and/or comparison has been made of any samples submitted by the owner of the cotton or the owner’s agent, the results of such classification and/or comparison may be stated in a Form D memorandum.
(c) Form A and Form D memoranda shall not be deemed to be final certificates within the meaning of section 4 of the Act (42 Stat. 1517; 7 U.S.C. 54).
§ 28.57 Form C certificate.
When classification has been made of cotton inspected and sampled under supervision of a Division employee there shall be issued a cotton class certificate known as a Form C certificate. Each Form C certificate shall show the true classification of the cotton in the respects specified in the request. Such certificate, when it has been once reviewed in accordance with § 28.66, shall be deemed to be a final certificate as to the classification shown, within the meaning of section 4 of the Act (42 Stat. 1517; 7 U.S.C. 54), in all cases except when superseded by a certificate or award made as provided in § 28.161.
§ 28.58 New memorandum or certificate; issuance.
Upon the written request of a holder of a cotton class memorandum or certificate issued under this subpart, a new memorandum or certificate shall be issued, without the reclassification of the cotton, to take the place of the former memorandum or certificate for any cotton covered thereby, when necessary on account of the breaking or splitting of a lot or otherwise for the business convenience of such holder. In any case where a new memorandum or certificate is requested in accordance with this section the former memorandum or certificate shall be surrendered for cancellation, and such new memorandum or certificate shall bear a new number and the date of its issuance and the date of original classification and shall otherwise comply with this subpart.
§ 28.59 Lost memorandum or certificate may be replaced by duplicate.
Upon the written request of the last holder of a valid Form A or Form D memorandum, or Form C Certificate and a showing to the satisfaction of the Area Director of the Classing Office which issued such memorandum or certificate that it has been lost or destroyed and, if lost, that diligent effort has been made to find it without success, a new memorandum or certificate shall be issued without the reclassification of the cotton. Such new memorandum or certificate shall bear the same number and date of issuance as the lost or destroyed memorandum or certificate and shall include a statement to the effect that it is a duplicate issued in lieu of the lost or destroyed original, as the case may be.
§ 28.60 Surrender of memoranda or certificates.
For good cause, any memorandum or certificate issued under this subpart shall be surrendered to the Area Director of the Classing Office which issued it, upon the Area Director’s request or upon the request of the Director. A new memorandum or certificate complying with this subpart may be issued in substitution therefor. If such memorandum or certificate be not surrendered upon such request, it shall nevertheless be invalid for the purposes of the act and this subpart.
reviews
§ 28.65 Provisions for reviews.
Reviews of classifications or comparisons represented by Form A or D memoranda or Form C certificates shall be governed by § 28.66.
§ 28.66 Review procedure.
A review of any Form A, C, or D determination may be requested by the owner or custodian of the cotton from which the sample was drawn within 30 days after the issuance of the original memorandum. Such review shall cover all of the quality factors for which the original determination was made. Requests for reviews of Form A or D determinations may be filed with, and the review made by, the Classing Office which issued such memorandum or the Quality Control System. Requests for reviews of Form C determinations shall be filed with, and the reviews made by, the Quality Control System. Redrawn samples shall be required for reviews of Form A and Form C determinations except in cases where the original samples have remained, identity preserved, in the custody of the Division. When redrawn samples are necessary, they shall be drawn and submitted as prescribed in this subpart. As evidence of a review determination, a Form A or D memorandum or Form C certificate appropriately marked to indicate that it represents a review determination shall be issued to the applicant requesting the review. The applicant may be required by the Classing Office or the Quality Control Section issuing such review determination to surrender the original classification memorandum or certificate. In any event the review determination shall supersede and invalidate the original determination.
§ 28.68 Withdrawal of application for review.
Any application for review may be withdrawn by the applicant at any time before the review classification of the cotton covered thereby has been completed, subject to the payment of such fees, if any, as may be prescribed in this subpart.
practical forms of cotton standards
§ 28.105 Practical forms of cotton standards.
(a) Practical forms of the cotton standards of the United States prepared in physical form, each certified under the seal of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and under the signature of the Administrator, thereto affixed by the Administrator or by some other official or employee of the Department duly authorized by the Administrator, and in the case of the standards for grade accompanied by photographs representing the cotton in such practical forms on the date of certification, are available for sale to any person requesting the same, subject to the other conditions of this section.
(b) Each application for practical forms of the cotton standards shall be upon an application form furnished by the Division, shall be signed by the applicant, and shall incorporate the following conditions:
(1) That no practical form of any of the cotton standards for the grade of American Upland cotton shall be considered or used as representing such standards after the date of its cancellation in accordance with this section or in any event after the expiration of 12 months following the date of its certification: Provided, That sets of practical forms stored, protected, and preserved in accordance with certain agreements for the adoption of universal standards may be used for such periods as may be prescribed in such agreements.
(2) That said practical forms and the photographs accompanying them shall be subject to inspection on any business day, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., by the Administrator or by an officer or agent of the Department authorized by the Administrator for that purpose.
(3) That the signature of the Administrator certifying to any practical form, or any photograph of said practical form accompanying the same, or both, may be cancelled if it be found, upon such inspection, either that copy of said forms for any reason misrepresents the cotton standards or that any such photographs have been altered or mutilated.
§ 28.106 Universal cotton standards.
Whenever any of the official cotton standards shall have been adopted as universal standards by an association or exchange located in a country other than the United States, the name of such association or exchange may be shown on the outside of the box or container.
§ 28.107 Original cotton standards and reserve sets.
(a) The containers of the original Universal Standards and other official cotton standards of the United States currently adopted, whenever such official standards are represented by practical forms, shall be marked as prescribed in the order or orders of their establishment, and shall be wrapped and sealed. After being so marked, wrapped and sealed, they shall be held in secure storage in the custody of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Director may authorize the temporary removal of such containers from storage and the transporting of the containers to other locations for purposes of Universal Cotton Standards Conferences and other purposes as deemed necessary by the Director. Such containers shall remain in the control and custody of the Director until the original standards contained therein are superseded by new or revised standards.
(b) At each Universal Cotton Standards Conference held for approving key copies of the Universal Standards there shall be prepared two full sets of practical forms of copies of such standards, which shall be known as “Reserve Sets” and which, upon the certification and recommendation of qualified experts, shall be certified by such experts as true copies of the currently adopted standards as and when established. Such reserve sets shall be enclosed in metal-lined cases and sealed in the presence of a special committee duly authorized by the Director and composed of representatives from the associations attending the conference and the Department. The special committee shall deposit the set designated as the First Reserve Set in a vault in a bank in Memphis, Tenn. The Division shall keep the set designated as the Second Reserve Set in secure storage. These reserve sets shall remain sealed and deposited until such time as they shall be required for examination and use as set forth in paragraph (c) of this section.
(c) At the beginning of the next Universal Cotton Standards Conference, a special committee duly authorized by the Director and composed of representatives from the associations attending the conference and the Department shall deliver the First Reserve Set from its storage place to the site of the conference. This special committee shall witness the opening of the First Reserve Set for display at the conference. The Director shall arrange for removal of the Second Reserve Set from its storage place and for the transport of such set to the site of the conference. If upon examination of the First Reserve Set by representatives at the conference it should appear that such set has undergone any substantial change, the Second Reserve Set shall be opened and used in its stead.
(d) The First Reserve Set of each conference or the Second Reserve Set, if it has been used in place of the First Reserve Set, as provided in paragraph (c) of this section shall be retained by the Division until the currently adopted standards which they represent have been superseded by new or revised standards.
fees and costs
§ 28.115 Fees and costs; payment.
All charges for practical forms of cotton standards and all fees and expenses for services of inspection of bales and supervision of sampling, classification, comparison, or review by a Classing Office shall be paid at the time of filing the request for the service desired, except that in the discretion of the Director bills may be delivered to persons from whom payment or charges or fees may become due. Such bills shall be rendered as soon as practicable after the last day of each month for amounts due and unpaid on such dates. When necessary, in the discretion of the Area Director, any bill may be rendered at an earlier date for any charges or fees then due from the person to whom such bill may be rendered. Payment of any such bill shall be made as soon as possible after the rendition thereof, but in any event not later than the expiration of 2 weeks thereafter.
§ 28.116 Amounts of fees for classification; exemption.
(a) For the classification of any cotton or samples, the person requesting the services shall pay a fee, based on the description that follows, subject to the additional fee provided by paragraph (c) of this section.
(1) For each calendar year, AMS will calculate the rate for services per hour per program employee using the following formulas:
(i) Regular rate. The total AMS grading or classification program personnel direct pay divided by direct hours, which is then multiplied by the next year’s percentage of cost of living increase, plus the benefits rate, plus the operating rate, plus the allowance for bad debt rate. If applicable, travel expenses may also be added to the cost of providing the service.
(ii) Overtime rate. The total AMS grading or classification program personnel direct pay divided by direct hours, which is then multiplied by the next year’s percentage of cost of living increase and then multiplied by 1.5 plus the benefits rate, plus the operating rate, plus an allowance for bad debt. If applicable, travel expenses may also be added to the cost of providing the service.
(iii) Holiday rate. The total AMS grading or classification program personnel direct pay divided by direct hours which is then multiplied by the next year’s percentage of cost of living increase and then multiplied by 2, plus benefits rate, plus the operating rate, plus an allowance for bad debt. If applicable, travel expenses may also be added to the cost of providing the service.
(2) For each calendar year, based on historical costs, AMS will calculate the benefits, operating, and allowance for bad debt components of the regular, overtime and holiday rates as follows:
(i) Benefits rate. The total AMS grading or classification program direct benefits costs divided by the total hours (regular, overtime, and holiday) worked, which is then multiplied by the next calendar year’s percentage cost of living increase. Some examples of direct benefits are health insurance, retirement, life insurance, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) retirement basic and matching contributions.
(ii) Operating rate. The total AMS grading or classification program operating costs divided by total hours (regular, overtime, and holiday) worked, which is then multiplied by the percentage of inflation.
(iii) Allowance for bad debt rate. Total AMS grading or classification program allowance for bad debt divided by total hours (regular, overtime, and holiday) worked.
(3) The calendar year cost of living expenses and percentage of inflation factors used in the formulas in this section are based on the most current Office of Management and Budget’s Presidential Economic Assumptions.
(b) When a comparison is requested of any samples with a type or with other samples, the fees prescribed in paragraph (a) of this section shall apply to every sample involved, including each of the samples of which the type is composed.
(c) An additional fee based on current shipping rates shall be assessed for returning samples unless the request for service is so worded that the samples become government property immediately after classification.
(d) For any review of classification or comparison of any cotton, the fees prescribed in paragraph (a) of this section shall apply. The additional fee prescribed in paragraph (c) of this section is not applicable to review of classification if made on the same sample as the original class or comparison.
§ 28.117 Fee for new memorandum or certificate.
For each new memorandum or certificate issued in substitution for a prior memorandum or certificate at the request of the holder, thereof, on account of the breaking or splitting of the lot of cotton covered thereby or otherwise for his business convenience, the person requesting such substitution shall pay a fee determined as described in § 28.116. If the memorandum is provided by electronic means, the fee shall be determined using the same provisions.
§ 28.118 When no fee collected for new certificate or memorandum.
No fee shall be collected for a new cotton class certificate or memorandum issued in lieu of a prior certificate or memorandum solely for the purpose of correcting clerical errors therein, or for the purpose of substituting a new form applicable to outstanding certificates or memorandums, or without an application therefor.
§ 28.119 Fee when request for classification is withdrawn.
When the request for the classification or comparison of any cotton or an application for review shall be withdrawn after the classification of such cotton has been started pursuant thereto, the person filing the same shall pay the prescribed fee as to any such cotton already classified.
§ 28.120 Expenses to be borne by party requesting classification.
For any samples submitted for Form A, Form C, or Form D determinations, the expenses of inspecting and sampling, or supervising the sampling, and the preparation of the samples and delivery of such samples to the classification room or other place specifically designated for the purpose by the Director shall be borne by the party requesting classification.
§ 28.121 Advance deposits.
Upon request, the person from whom any payment under this subpart may become due shall make an advance deposit to cover such payment in such amount as may be necessary in the judgment of the official of the Program requesting the same.
§ 28.122 Fee for practical classing examination.
The fee for the practical classing examination for cotton shall be determined as described in § 28.116. Any applicant who passes the examination may be issued a certificate indicating this accomplishment. Any person who fails to pass the examination may be reexamined. The fee for this practical reexamination will be determined as described in § 28.116.
§ 28.123 Costs of practical forms of cotton standards.
The costs of practical forms of the cotton standards of the United States are as follows:
| Effective date: July 1, 1992 | Dollars each box or roll | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic shipments | Shipments delivered outside the continental United States | |||
| f.o.b. Memphis, TN | Surface delivery | Air freight collect | Air parcel post delivered | |
| Grade Standards: | ||||
| American Upland | $125 | $130 | $125 | $165 |
| American Pima | 160 | 165 | 160 | 200 |
| Standards for length of staple: | ||||
| American Upland (prepared in one pound rolls for each length) | 19 | 22 | 19 | 33 |
| American Pima (prepared in one pound rolls for each length) | 20 | 23 | 20 | 34 |
§ 28.124 Payments; procedure.
Any payment or advance deposit under §§ 28.115 through 28.123 shall be by check, draft, or money order, payable to the order of the “Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA”, and may not be made in cash except in cases where the total payment or deposit does not exceed $1.
§ 28.125 No voiding or modifying claims for payment.
Nothing in this subpart shall be construed to void or modify any claim which a person or party requesting and paying for a service may have against any other person or party for the payment of part or all of such costs.
§ 28.126 Loaning of forms and exhibits.
In the discretion of the Director, limited numbers of copies of the practical forms of any of the official standards, or specially prepared exhibits illustrating any of such standards or cotton samples, may be loaned to governmental agencies for official purposes or to educational and other institutions or organizations for demonstration purposes.
adjustment of contract disputes
§ 28.160 Cotton examiners on foreign exchanges.
Whenever any association or exchange in any country other than the United States shall adopt the universal standards and establish them as the basis of all transactions and contracts for American upland cotton, made and executed according to its rules, the Director may appoint certain members or officials of such exchanges as cotton examiners. Insofar as the administration of the act applies to cotton involved in contracts made in accordance with the rules of such exchange, the administration shall be as prescribed in §§ 28.161 through 28.162.
§ 28.161 Disputes involving contracts for shipment of cotton from United States.
When an association or exchange located in a country other than the United States shall adopt any of the official cotton standards of the United States and when the members of the committee of such association or exchange having final jurisdiction in the matter of appeals have been designated as cotton examiners by the Director, such committee may be constituted for the purposes of this act a Board of the Department and authorized to act as follows:
(a) Insofar as the exchange has adopted the universal standards the committee may pass upon the classification of cotton involved in a dispute between a party in the United States and a party without the United States to a contract made under the rules of the association or exchange.
(b) The submission of samples of cotton involved in such a dispute to such association or exchange or such committee in accordance with the rules of the association or exchange shall be deemed to be a submission to the Department.
(c) Determinations of classification made by the boards so constituted shall be final. When so provided in the articles, rules, or bylaws of the association or exchange, such determinations may be evidenced by awards. If an award is made which does not state the classification, such board will, upon request of the owner or custodian of the cotton and the payment of a reasonable additional fee, issue a certificate showing in detail the true classification for grade and color of such cotton, based upon a comparison of the samples with the universal standards or with a type or other samples on which the cotton has been sold, as the case may be.
§ 28.162 Procedure.
The manner of procedure in submitting and handling samples, in classification and in instituting and conducting arbitrations and appeals shall be as prescribed in the articles, bylaws, and rules of the association or exchange.
publications media
§ 28.165 OMB control numbers assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act.
(a) Purpose. This section collects and displays the control numbers assigned to information collection requirements of the Office of Management and Budget contained in 7 CFR part 28 under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980.
(b) Display.
| 7 CFR sections where identified and described | Current OMB control No. |
|---|---|
| 28.15-28.19 | 0581-0008 |
| 28.20-28.24 | 0581-0008 |
| 28.25 | 0581-0009 |
| 28.66 | 0581-0008 |
| 28.105 | 0581-0008 |
| 28.115 | 0581-0008 |
| 28.120 | 0581-0008 |
| 28.122 | 0581-0008 |
| 28.139 | 0581-0008 |
| 28.146 | 0581-0008 |
| 28.177 | 0581-0008 |
| 28.181-28.184 | 0581-0008 |
| 28.904 | 0581-0009 |
| 28.906 | 0581-0009 |
| 28.911 | 0581-0008 |
Subpart B—Classification for Foreign-Growth Cotton
§ 28.175 Administrative and general.
Insofar as applicable, and not inconsistent with this subpart, the provisions of subpart A of this part shall likewise apply to the classification and comparison of foreign-growth cotton. For the purposes of this subpart, foreign-growth cotton is defined as either cotton produced outside the continental United States or cotton produced in the continental United States but it is stored in and sample submitted for classification from location outside the continental United States.
§ 28.176 Designation of official certificates, memoranda, marks, other identifications, and devices for purpose of the Agricultural Marketing Act.
Subsection 203(h) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended by Public Law 272, 84th Congress, provides criminal penalties for various specified offenses relating to official certificates, memoranda, marks or other identifications, and devices for making such marks or identifications, issued or authorized under section 203 of said Act and certain misrepresentations concerning the inspection or grading of agricultural products under said section. For the purposes of said subsection and the provisions in this subpart, the terms listed below shall have the respective meanings specified:
(a) Official certificate means any form of certification, either written, printed or electronic, used under this subpart to certify with respect to the fiber quality and conditions of samples submitted (including the compliance of submitted samples with applicable specifications).
(b) Official memorandum means any initial record of findings made by an authorized person in the process of grading and classing, pursuant to this subpart, any processing or plant-operation report made by an authorized person in connection with grading and classing under this subpart, and any report made by an authorized person of services performed pursuant to this subpart.
(c) Official mark, for the purposes of this subpart, means the grade mark, inspection mark, and any other mark associated only with the samples submitted to the Department for classification.
(d) Official identification means any United States (U.S.) standard designation of class, grade, quality, or condition specified in this subpart or any symbol, stamp, label, or seal indicating that the submitted sample has been officially graded and/or indicating the class, grade, quality, or condition of the submitted sample.
(e) Official device means a stamping appliance branding device, stencil, printed label or any other mechanically or manually operated tool that is approved by the Administrator for the purpose of applying any official mark or other identification to any product or the packaging material thereof.
§ 28.177 Request for classification and comparison of cotton.
The applicant shall make a separate request, using an application supplied by the Program, for each lot or mark of cotton that the applicant desires classified or compared separately. All requests for classification or comparison shall be filed with the Quality Assurance Division or the Classing Office designated by the Deputy Administrator of the Cotton and Tobacco Program.
§ 28.178 Submission of cotton samples.
Samples for foreign-growth cotton classification or comparison shall be drawn, handled, identified, and shipped according to the methods and procedures specified in this section. Any samples or set of samples which do not meet these specified requirements may be rejected by the Program.
(a) Samples shall be freshly drawn.
(b) Each sample shall consist of two portions, one drawn from each side of the bale. Each portion shall be at least six (6) inches (15.25 cm) wide and approximately twelve (12) inches (30.5 cm) long and shall weigh at least eight (8) ounces (227 grams).
(c) Dressing, trimming, or discarding part of the sample is prohibited. No part of the cotton or pieces of bagging, leaf, grass, dirt, sand, or any other material shall be removed from either side of the sample.
(d) A barcoded coupon showing the correct location/warehouse code and bale number along with the name and address of owner/owner’s agent shall be placed between the two portions of each sample.
(e) Samples shall be identified and sacked immediately after they are cut without further handling prior to shipment to the Program.
(f) Samples shall be addressed to and mailed, shipped, or delivered direct to the Program without being routed through the owner of the cotton or the owner’s agent. All expenses related to the sampling and transportation of samples—including but not limited to any fees related to Customs clearance such as fumigation and/or phytosanitary certification—shall be prepaid by the owner of the cotton or the owner’s agent.
(g) All foreign-growth cotton samples submitted for classification and/or comparison shall be enclosed in one or more wrappers, which shall be labeled or marked, or both, in such manner as to show the location/warehouse code; name and address of the owner/owner’s agent; the number of bales represented by the samples in each wrapper; and such other information as may be necessary in accordance with the instructions of the Deputy Administrator.
§ 28.179 Lost or damaged samples.
The Program is not responsible for compensating the owner or owner’s agent of cotton samples that are lost, damaged or mutilated prior to the Program taking receipt of said samples. The Program shall inform applicants in the event that samples are lost, damaged or mutilated.
§ 28.180 No return of samples.
Samples submitted for foreign-growth classification and/or comparison will not be returned to the applicant. Loosed cotton samples shall become the property of the Program.
§ 28.181 Withdrawal of classification request.
Any classification or comparison request may be withdrawn by the applicant at any time before the classification of the cotton covered thereby. If the withdrawal request is communicated after the classification/comparison has been started, the applicant shall pay the fees prescribed in § 28.188.
§ 28.182 Denial of service.
The Deputy Administrator may for good cause, including the acts or practices set forth in § 28.32(a) or any knowing violation of the regulations in this subpart, deny any person, including the agents, officers, subsidiaries, or affiliates of such person, from any or all benefits of this subpart for a specified period, after notice and opportunity for hearing has been afforded. Procedures outlined, or referred, in part 50 of this chapter (7 CFR 50.1 through 50.12) shall govern proceedings under this section.
§ 28.183 Methods of cotton classification and comparison.
(a) The classification of foreign-growth cotton samples shall be determined by the quality of a sample in accordance with the Universal Cotton Standards (the official cotton standards of the United States) for the color grade and the leaf grade of Upland Cotton, the length of staple, and fiber property measurements such as length uniformity, strength, and micronaire. High Volume Instruments will determine all fiber property measurements except the determination of the presence of extraneous matter, special conditions and remarks. High Volume Instrument colorimeter measurements will be used for determining the official color grade. Cotton classers certified by the Cotton and Tobacco Program will determine the presence of extraneous matter, special conditions and remarks and authorized employees of the Cotton and Tobacco Program will determine all fiber property measurements using High Volume Instruments. The classification record issued by the Quality Assurance Division with respect to any cotton sample shall be deemed to be the classification record of the Department.
(b) Additional procedures and methods pertaining to the classification of foreign-growth cotton samples are outlined in §§ 28.36 through 28.40.
(c) When a comparison of such cotton samples with other actual samples or with a type is requested, the procedure and methods shall be as outlined in §§ 28.45 through 28.47.
§ 28.184 Availability of electronic cotton classification data.
As soon as practicable after the classification or comparison of cotton has been completed, electronic cotton classification data for each sample submitted will be made available for the owner or the owner’s agent to retrieve. The data record transmitted is representative of only the sample submitted by the owner or the owner’s agent rather than any particular cotton bale.
§ 28.185 Issuance of cotton classification memoranda.
Upon request, there shall be issued a cotton classification memorandum which shall embody within its written or printed terms:
(a) The results of the classification or comparison.
(b) The name of the country in which the cotton was produced.
(c) The source from which the samples were received for classification.
(d) A statement that any classification made has been on the basis of the Universal Cotton Standards (the official cotton standards of the United States) at the time of such classification.
(e) A statement that any classification made applies only to the samples as submitted by the owner or the owner’s agent and does not purport to represent any particular cotton bales.
(f) The signature of the Director of the facility providing the classification service and the date of issuance of the memorandum.
§ 28.186 Review of cotton classification or comparison.
An immediate review of every classification or comparison made pursuant to this subpart is performed automatically. Therefore, separate review classification services for foreign-growth cotton are not offered by the Program. Costs associated with such review classifications are integrated into the fees established in § 28.188.
§ 28.187 Surrender of memoranda.
For good cause, any memorandum issued under this subpart shall be surrendered to the Program, upon the request of the Director of the Quality Assurance Division, and a new memorandum complying with this subpart issued in substitution therefor. If the memorandum is not surrendered upon such request, it shall nevertheless be invalid for the purpose of this subpart.
§ 28.188 Fee amounts.
The provisions of §§ 28.116 through 28.119 relating to fees shall apply to services performed with respect to foreign-growth cotton.
§ 28.189 Expenses to be borne by party requesting classification.
For any samples submitted for foreign-growth classification, all expenses related to the sampling and transportation of samples, which may include but is not limited to any fees related to Customs clearance such as fumigation and/or phytosanitary certification, shall be prepaid by the owner of the cotton or the owner’s agent.
§ 28.190 Advance deposits.
Advance deposit requirements for services rendered under this subpart are specified in § 28.121.
§ 28.191 Payments methods.
Acceptable methods of payment or advance deposit for fees specified in § 28.188 are as follows:
(a) Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express): For remittance of payment by credit card, cardholder’s name, billing address, credit card number, expiration date, etc. are required.
(b) Wire transfers/Electronic Fund Transfers (EFT): Electronic payments are processed through the Federal Reserve Bank. Customer/company name and government issued identification number are required. All fees associated with wire transfers/EFT are the responsibility of the remitter. Orders will not be processed until the total amount of the order is collected.
(c) Check: Checks must be drawn on a United States bank in United States currency and include the bank routing number on the check. Checks should be made payable to “USDA, AMS, Cotton and Tobacco Program”.
§ 28.192 No voiding or modifying claims for payment.
Nothing in this subpart shall be construed to void or modify any claim which a person or party requesting and paying for a service may have against any other person or party for the payment of part or all of such costs.
Subpart C—Standards
Official Cotton Standards of the United States for Length of Staple
§ 28.301 Measurement: humidity; temperature.
The length of staple of any cotton shall be the normal length by measurement, without regard to quality or value, of a typical portion of its fibers under a relative humidity of the atmosphere of 65 percent and a temperature of 70 °F.
§ 28.302 Terms of designation.
The length of staple of any cotton shall be designated by that one of the following terms which expresses its measurement in inches and fractions of an inch in accordance with § 28.301:
“Below
§ 28.303 Standards for length of staple for American upland cotton.
(a) Effective July 12, 1985, standards for the lengths of staple of American upland cotton shall be measurements as determined by the Suter-Webb Duplex Cotton Fiber Sorter in accordance with the test method prescribed in paragraph (c) of this section. Ranges for each official staple length are shown in the table below. Staple standards exceeding 1
[In inches]
| Staple length | Upper quartile length range |
|---|---|
| .827-.847 | |
| .909-.929 | |
| .950-.970 | |
| .990-1.010 | |
| 1.031-1.051 | |
| 1 | 1.072-1.092 |
| 1 | 1.113-1.133 |
| 1 | 1.154-1.174 |
| 1 | 1.195-1.215 |
| 1 | 1.236-1.256 |
| 1 | 1.277-1.297 |
| 1 | 1.318-1.338 |
| 1 | 1.359-1.379 |
| 1 | 1.400-1.420 |
(b) Cotton selected for the preparation of practical forms of staple standards shall, to the extent practicable, measure at the mid-point of the appropriate staple range indicated in paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) Length measurements shall be performed in accordance with the “Standard Test Method for Length and Length Distribution of Cotton Fibers (Array Method), ANSI/ASTM D 1440-77 (1982), which is incorporated by reference pursuant to the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552(a). This standard test method has been adopted by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and approved as an American National Standard by the American National Standards Institute. It is published in the “Annual Book of ASTM Standards,” Part 33, volume 07.02. Copies of the ASTM book and copies of ASTM standard D 1440-77 as a separate publication may be obtained from ASTM, Customer Service, 1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. A copy of the ASTM standard test method is also on file at the Office of the Federal Register. A notice of any change in the ASTM standard test method cited herein will be published in the
§ 28.304 Original representation of American Pima cotton staple lengths.
The following lengths of American Pima staple are represented by a quantity of cotton in the custody of the United States Department of Agriculture suitably contained and marked “Original Representation of Official Cotton Standards of the United States” followed in each instance by the name of growth, appropriate designation for staple length, and the effective date.
| Staple length (inches) | Effective date |
|---|---|
| 1 | Aug. 1, 1961. |
| 1 | Aug. 10, 1943. |
| 1 | Aug. 10, 1943. |
| 1 | Aug. 1, 1929. |
§ 28.306 Over
13/16 inch staple.
Cotton which is more than thirteen-sixteenths of an inch in length of staple but is not exactly one of the measurements specified in § 28.302, shall be designated by that one of such measurements which comes nearest under its true measurement.
§ 28.307 Bale of different staple lengths.
Whenever the length of staple of cotton taken from one part of a bale is different from that taken from another part of the same bale, the length of staple of the cotton in such bale shall be that of the part which is the shorter.
Official Cotton Standards of the United States for the Color Grade of American Upland Cotton
white cotton
§ 28.401 Good Middling Color.
Good Middling Color is color which is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the United States Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Upland, Good Middling, effective July 1, 1987.”
§ 28.402 Strict Middling Color.
Strict Middling Color is color which is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the United States Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Upland, Strict Middling, effective July 1, 1987.”
§ 28.403 Middling Color.
Middling Color is color which is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the United States Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Upland, Middling, effective July 1, 1987.”
§ 28.404 Strict Low Middling Color.
Strict Low Middling Color is color which is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the United States Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Upland, Strict Low Middling, effective July 1, 1987.”
§ 28.405 Low Middling Color.
Low Middling Color is color which is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the United States Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Upland, Low Middling, effective July 1, 1987.”
§ 28.406 Strict Good Ordinary Color.
Strict Good Ordinary Color is color which is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the United States Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Upland, Strict Good Ordinary, effective July 1, 1987.”
§ 28.407 Good Ordinary Color.
Good Ordinary Color is color which is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the United States Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Upland, Good Ordinary, effective July 1, 1987.”
Light Spotted Cotton
§ 28.411 Good Middling Light Spotted Color.
Good Middling Light Spotted Color is color which in spot or color, or both, is between Good Middling Color and Good Middling Spotted Color.
§ 28.412 Strict Middling Light Spotted Color.
Strict Middling Light Spotted Color is color which in spot or color, or both, is between Strict Middling Color and Strict Middling Spotted Color.
§ 28.413 Middling Light Spotted Color.
Middling Light Spotted Color is color which in spot or color, or both, is between Middling Color and Middling Spotted Color.
§ 28.414 Strict Low Middling Light Spotted Color.
Strict Low Middling Light Spotted Color is color which in spot or color, or both, is between Strict Low Middling Color and Strict Low Middling Spotted Color.
§ 28.415 Low Middling Light Spotted Color.
Low Middling Light Spotted Color is color which in spot or color, or both, is between Low Middling Color and Low Middling Spotted Color.
§ 28.416 Strict Good Ordinary Light Spotted Color.
Strict Good Ordinary Light Spotted Color is color which in spot or color, or both, is between Strict Good Ordinary Color and Strict Good Ordinary Spotted Color.
Spotted Cotton
§ 28.421 Good Middling Spotted Color.
Good Middling Spotted Color is color which is better than Strict Middling Spotted Color.
§ 28.422 Strict Middling Spotted Color.
Strict Middling Spotted Color is color which is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the United States Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Upland, Strict Middling Spotted, effective July 1, 1987.”
§ 28.423 Middling Spotted Color.
Middling Spotted Color is color which is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the United States Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Upland, Middling Spotted, effective July 1, 1987.”
§ 28.424 Strict Low Middling Spotted Color.
Strict Low Middling Spotted Color is color which is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the United States Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Upland, Strict Low Middling Spotted, effective July 1, 1987.”
§ 28.425 Low Middling Spotted Color.
Low Middling Spotted Color is color which is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the United States Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Upland, Low Middling Spotted, effective July 1, 1987.”
§ 28.426 Strict Good Ordinary Spotted Color.
Strict Good Ordinary Spotted Color is color which is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the United States Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Upland, Strict Good Ordinary Spotted, effective July 1, 1987.”
tinged cotton
§ 28.431 Strict Middling Tinged Color.
Strict Middling Tinged Color is color which is better than Middling Tinged Color.
§ 28.432 Middling Tinged Color.
Middling Tinged Color is color which is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the United States Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Upland, Middling Tinged, effective July 1, 1987.”
§ 28.433 Strict Low Middling Tinged Color.
Strict Low Middling Tinged Color is color which is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the United States Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Upland, Strict Low Middling Tinged, effective July 1, 1987.”
§ 28.434 Low Middling Tinged Color.
Low Middling Tinged Color is color which is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the United States Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Upland, Low Middling Tinged, effective July 1, 1987.”
yellow stained cotton
§ 28.441 Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color.
Strict Middling Yellow Stained Color is color which is deeper than that of Strict Middling Tinged Color.
§ 28.442 Middling Yellow Stained Color.
Middling Yellow Stained Color is American Upland cotton which in color is deeper than Middling Tinged Color.
below color grade cotton
§ 28.451 Below Color Grade Cotton.
Below color grade cotton is American Upland cotton which is lower in color grade than Good Ordinary, or Strict Good Ordinary Light Spotted, or Strict Good Ordinary Spotted, or Low Middling Tinged, or Middling Yellow Stained. In cotton classification, the official designation for such cotton is Below Color Grade. The term Below Good Ordinary Color, or Below Strict Good Ordinary Light Spotted Color, or Below Strict Good Ordinary Spotted Color, or Below Low Middling Tinged Color, or Below Middling Yellow Stained Color and other additional explanatory terms considered necessary to describe adequately the condition of the cotton may be entered on classification memorandums or certificates.
Official Cotton Standards of the United States for the Leaf Grade of American Upland Cotton
leaf grades
§ 28.461 Leaf Grade 1.
Leaf Grade 1 is leaf which is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the United States Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Upland, Good Middling, effective July 1, 1987.”
§ 28.462 Leaf Grade 2.
Leaf Grade 2 is leaf which is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the United States Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Upland, Strict Middling, effective July 1, 1987.”
§ 28.463 Leaf Grade 3.
Leaf Grade 3 is leaf which is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the United States Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Upland, Middling, effective July 1, 1987.”
§ 28.464 Leaf Grade 4.
Leaf Grade 4 is leaf which is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the United States Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Upland, Strict Low Middling, effective July 1, 1987.”
§ 28.465 Leaf Grade 5.
Leaf Grade 5 is leaf which is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the United States Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Upland, Low Middling, effective July 1, 1987.”
§ 28.466 Leaf Grade 6.
Leaf Grade 6 is leaf which is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the United States Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Upland, Strict Good Ordinary, effective July 1, 1987.”
§ 28.467 Leaf Grade 7.
Leaf Grade 7 is leaf which is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the United States Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Upland, Good Ordinary, effective July 1, 1987.”
below leaf grade cotton
§ 28.471 Below Leaf Grade Cotton.
Below leaf grade cotton is American Upland cotton which is lower in leaf grade than Leaf Grade 7. In cotton classification, the official designation for such cotton is Below Leaf Grade. Other additional explanatory terms considered necessary to describe adequately the condition of the cotton may be entered on classification memorandums or certificates.
general
§ 28.480 General.
(a) American Upland cotton which in color is within the range of the color standards established in this part shall be designated according to the color standard irrespective of the leaf content. American Upland cotton which in leaf is within the leaf standards established in this part shall be designated according to the leaf standard irrespective of the color.
(b) The term preparation is used to describe the degree of smoothness or roughness with which cotton is ginned and the relative neppiness or nappiness of the ginned lint. Normal preparation for any color grade of American Upland cotton for which there is a physical color standard shall be that found in the physical color standard. Normal preparation for any color grade of American Upland cotton for which there is a descriptive color standard shall be that found in the physical standards for color used to define the descriptive color grade. Explanatory terms considered necessary to adequately describe the preparation of cotton may be entered on classification memorandums or certificates.
§ 28.481 Alternate title for standards.
Since these standards have been agreed upon and accepted by the leading European cotton associations and exchanges, they may also be termed and referred to as the “Universal Standards for American Cotton.”
§ 28.482 United States Cotton Futures Act.
The cotton standards contained in § 28.301 through § 28.603 of this part shall be effective for purposes of the United States Cotton Futures Act (7 U.S.C. 15b) and the regulations thereunder (7 CFR part 27).
Official Cotton Standards of the United States for the ColorGrade of American Pima Cotton
§ 28.501 Color Grade No. 1.
Color grade No. 1 shall be American Pima cotton which in color is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Pima, Color Grade No. 1, effective July 1, 1986.”
§ 28.502 Color Grade No. 2.
Color grade No. 2 shall be American Pima cotton which in color is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Pima, Color Grade No. 2, effective July 1, 1986.”
§ 28.503 Color Grade No. 3.
Color grade No. 3 shall be American Pima cotton which in color is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Pima, Color Grade No. 3, effective July 1, 1986.”
§ 28.504 Color Grade No. 4.
Color grade No. 4 shall be American Pima cotton which in color is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Pima, Color Grade No. 4, effective July 1, 1986.”
§ 28.505 Color Grade No. 5.
Color grade No. 5 shall be American Pima cotton which in color is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Pima, Color Grade No. 5, effective July 1, 1986.”
§ 28.506 Color Grade No. 6.
Color grade No. 6 shall be American Pima cotton which in color is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Pima, Color Grade No. 6, effective July 1, 1986.”
§ 28.507 Color Grade No. 7.
American Pima cotton which in color is inferior to Color Grade No. 6 shall be designated as “Color Grade No. 7.”
§§ 28.508-28.510 [Reserved]
Official Cotton Standards of the United States for the Leaf Grade of American Pima Cotton
§ 28.511 Leaf Grade No. 1.
Leaf grade No. 1 shall be American Pima cotton which in leaf is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Pima, Leaf Grade No. 1, effective July 1, 1986.”
§ 28.512 Leaf Grade No. 2.
Leaf grade No. 2 shall be American Pima cotton which in leaf is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Pima, Leaf Grade No. 2, effective July 1, 1986.”
§ 28.513 Leaf Grade No. 3.
Leaf grade No. 3 shall be American Pima cotton which in leaf is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Pima, Leaf Grade No. 3, effective July 1, 1986.”
§ 28.514 Leaf Grade No. 4.
Leaf grade No. 4 shall be American Pima cotton which in leaf is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Pima, Leaf Grade No. 4, effective July 1, 2001.”
§ 28.515 Leaf Grade No. 5.
Leaf grade No. 5 shall be American Pima cotton which in leaf is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Pima, Leaf Grade No. 5, effective July 1, 2001.”
§ 28.516 Leaf Grade No. 6.
Leaf grade No. 6 shall be American Pima cotton which in leaf is within the range represented by a set of samples in the custody of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in a container marked “Original Official Cotton Standards of the United States, American Pima, Leaf Grade No. 6, effective July 1, 2001.”
§ 28.517 Leaf Grade No. 7.
American Pima cotton which in leaf is inferior to Leaf Grade No. 6 shall be designated as “Leaf Grade No. 7.”
Application of Standards and Explanatory Terms
§ 28.521 Application of color and leaf grade standards.
American Pima cotton which in color is within the range of the color standards established in this part shall be designated according to the color standard irrespective of the leaf content. American Pima cotton which in leaf is within the range of the leaf standards established in this part shall be designated according to the leaf standard irrespective of the color content.
§ 28.522 Explanatory terms.
(a) The term preparation is used to describe the degree of smoothness or roughness of the ginned lint. Normal preparation for any color grade of American Pima cotton for which there is a physical color standard shall be that found in the physical color standard. If the preparation is other than normal, it shall be entered on the classification record.
(b) Explanatory terms considered necessary to adequately describe the presence of preparation, spindle twist, and extraneous matter such as bark, grass, seed coat fragments, oil, etc. in the sample, shall be part of the classification record.
Symbols and Code Numbers Used in Recording Cotton Classification
§ 28.525 Symbols and code numbers.
For administrative convenience, the symbols and code numbers prescribed in this section may be used in lieu of cotton grade names and staple length designations in inches.
(a) Symbols and Code numbers used for Color Grades of American Upland Cotton.
| Color grade | Symbol | Code No. |
|---|---|---|
| Good Middling | GM | 11 |
| Strict Middling | SM | 21 |
| Middling | Mid | 31 |
| Strict Low Middling | SLM | 41 |
| Low Middling | LM | 51 |
| Strict Good Ordinary | SGO | 61 |
| Good Ordinary | GO | 71 |
| Good Middling Light Spotted | GM Lt SP | 12 |
| Strict Middling Light Spotted | SM Lt Sp | 22 |
| Middling Light Spotted | Mid Lt Sp | 32 |
| Strict Low Middling Light Spotted | SLM Lt Sp | 42 |
| Low Middling Light Spotted | LM Lt Sp | 52 |
| Stict Good Ordinary Light Spotted | SGO Lt Sp | 62 |
| Good Middling Spotted | GM Sp | 13 |
| Strict Middling Spotted | SM Sp | 23 |
| Middling Spotted | Mid Sp | 33 |
| Strict Low Middling Spotted | SLM Sp | 43 |
| Low Middling Spotted | LM Sp | 53 |
| Strict Good Ordinary Spotted | SGO Sp | 63 |
| Strict Middling Tinged | SM Tg | 24 |
| Middling Tinged | Mid Tg | 34 |
| Strict Low Middling Tinged | SLM Tg | 44 |
| Low Middling Tinged | LM Tg | 54 |
| Strict Middling Yellow Stained | SM YS | 25 |
| Middling Yellow Stained | Mid YS | 35 |
| Below Grade—(Below Good Ordinary) | BG | 81 |
| Below Grade—(Below Strict Good Ordinary Light Spotted) | BG | 82 |
| Below Grade—(Below Strict Good Ordinary Spotted) | BG | 83 |
| Below Grade—(Below Low Middling Tinged) | BG | 84 |
| Below Grade—(Below Middling Yellow Stained) | BG | 85 |
(b) Symbols and Code Numbers used for Leaf Grades of American Upland Cotton.
| Leaf grade | Symbol | Code No. |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf Grade 1 | LG1 | 1 |
| Leaf Grade 2 | LG2 | 2 |
| Leaf Grade 3 | LG3 | 3 |
| Leaf Grade 4 | LG4 | 4 |
| Leaf Grade 5 | LG5 | 5 |
| Leaf Grade 6 | LG6 | 6 |
| Leaf Grade 7 | LG7 | 7 |
| Below Leaf Grade | BLG | 8 |
(c) Symbols and Code Numbers for Color Grades of American Pima Cotton.
| Full grade name | Symbol Code | No. |
|---|---|---|
| Color Grade No. 1 | AP C1 | 01 |
| Color Grade No. 2 | AP C2 | 02 |
| Color Grade No. 3 | AP C3 | 03 |
| Color Grade No. 4 | AP C4 | 04 |
| Color Grade No. 5 | AP C5 | 05 |
| Color Grade No. 6 | AP C6 | 06 |
| Color Grade No. 7 | AP C7 | 07 |
(d) Symbols and Code Numbers for Leaf Grades of American Pima Cotton.
| Full grade name | Symbol Code | No. |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf Grade No. 1 | AP L1 | 1 |
| Leaf Grade No. 2 | AP L2 | 2 |
| Leaf Grade No. 3 | AP L3 | 3 |
| Leaf Grade No. 4 | AP L4 | 4 |
| Leaf Grade No. 5 | AP L5 | 5 |
| Leaf Grade No. 6 | AP L6 | 6 |
| Leaf Grade No. 7 | AP L7 | 7 |
(e) Code numbers for Length of Staple Designations.
| Length of staple—inches | Code No. |
|---|---|
| Below | 24 |
| 26 | |
| 28 | |
| 29 | |
| 30 | |
| 31 | |
| 1 | 32 |
| 1 | 33 |
| 1 | 34 |
| 1 | 35 |
| 1 | 36 |
| 1 | 37 |
| 1 | 38 |
| 1 | 39 |
| 1 | 40 |
| 1 | 41 |
| 1 | 42 |
| 1 | 43 |
| 1 | 44 |
| 1 | 45 |
| 1 | 46 |
| 1 | 47 |
| 1 | 48 |
| 1 | 49 |
| 1 | 50 |
| 1 | 51 |
| 1 | 52 |
| 1 | 53 |
| 1 | 54 |
| 1 | 55 |
| 1 | 56 |
Official Cotton Standards of the United States for Fiber Fineness and Maturity
§ 28.601 Official cotton standards for fiber fineness and maturity.
The official cotton standards of the United States for fiber fineness and maturity shall be the measure of such qualities, in combination, provided by air flow instrument tests in terms of micronaire readings in accordance with the procedure specified in § 28.603.
§ 28.602 Terms of designations.
The fiber fineness and maturity of any cotton shall be designated by the micronaire reading obtained from an air flow instrument test for a specimen of the cotton as determined under § 28.603, e.g., 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, etc. To simplify recording, the decimal point may be omitted, and the micronaire reading recorded as 41, 42, 43, etc.
§ 28.603 Procedures for air flow tests of micronaire reading.
In determining in terms of micronaire readings, the fiber fineness and maturity, in combination, of cotton, the following procedures shall apply:
(a) Facilities and equipment shall include:
(1) Air flow instrument complete with accessories to measure the fineness and maturity, in combination, of cotton in terms of micronaire reading on the curvilinear scale adopted in September 1950 by the Department of Agriculture, or its equivalent.
(2) A suitable supply of compressed air filtered to remove moisture and other impurities.
(3) Balance or scales suitable for accurately weighing the specimens required for the particular instrument.
(4) International Calibration Cotton Standards with established micronaire reading values for calibration of the air flow instrument.
(b) The instrument shall be calibrated each day before routine testing begins, as follows:
(1) The air shall be allowed to flow through the instrument until the indicator stabilizes.
(2) Specimens from at least two of the calibration cottons shall be tested to insure proper calibration of the instrument. The instrument shall be considered in calibration if the values obtained on the test specimens agree with the established values of the calibration cottons within 0.1 micronaire reading.
(c) Testing of the cotton specimen shall be performed as follows:
(1) Approximately the same amount of cotton shall be taken from each side of the sample for a test specimen. The weight of the test specimen shall be that weight prescribed for the air flow instrument being used.
(2) The weighed specimen shall be tested in a properly calibrated instrument.
(3) The specimen shall be inserted into the specimen holder of the instrument so that the mass of fibers is well distributed within the specimen holder.
(4) The air shall then be allowed to flow through the specimen in accordance with the method of operation of the instrument.
(5) The position of the instrument indicator shall be determined to the nearest 0.1 micronaire reading when it becomes stable.
(d) The accuracy of the instrument shall be checked at least every 2 hours during operation by testing appropriate calibration cottons. If the value obtained on a specimen from the calibration cotton is outside the established limits of 0.1 micronaire reading, or when successive readings show the results to be within the established limits, but consistently high or low, the instrument and technique shall be thoroughly checked to remedy the discrepancies. Additional tests using calibration cottons shall be made until acceptable results are obtained before routine testing is resumed.
Subpart D—Cotton Classification and Market News Service for Producers
Definitions
§ 28.901 Definitions.
When used in the regulations in this subpart:
(a) Act means the United States Cotton Standards Act of 1923, as amended (7 U.S.C. 51-65) and the Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act of 1927 (7 U.S.C. 471-476), unless otherwise noted.
(b) Service means the Agricultural Marketing Service of the United States Department of Agriculture.
(c) Administrator means the Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service, or any officer or employee of the Service to whom authority has heretofore been delegated, or to whom authority may hereafter be delegated to act for the Administrator.
(d) Division means the Cotton Division of the Agricultural Marketing Service.
(e) Director means the Director of the Cotton Division, or any officer or employee of the Division to whom authority has heretofore been delegated or to whom authority may hereafter be delegated, to act for the Director.
(f) Producer means any individual, partnership, corporation, association, trust, estate, or other legal entity, a State or political subdivision thereof, or any agency of such State or political subdivision producing American Upland or American Pima cotton in the capacity of landowner, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper.
Administration
§ 28.902 Director.
The Director shall perform for and under the supervision of the Administrator, such duties as the Administrator may require in enforcing the regulations in this subpart.
Classification and Market News Services
§ 28.903 Classification of samples.
The Director, or an authorized representative, upon the receipt of a producer’s cotton sample which complies with the regulations in this subpart shall, as hereinafter provided, furnish to such producer or to an agent designated by the producer the classification in accordance with the official cotton standards of the United States.
§ 28.904 Market news.
The Director shall cause to be distributed to producers of cotton and to others on request, timely information on prices for various qualities of cotton.
Sampling
§ 28.906 Sampling arrangements.
(a) Cotton must be sampled by a gin or warehouse that holds a valid license to sample cotton issued pursuant to §§ 28.20 through 28.22.
(b) The Director, or an authorized representative may direct that sampling be performed by employees of the Department of Agriculture for the purpose of appraising the sampling procedures at cotton gins or warehouses, or for the purpose of providing service to producers in special cases where a licensed gin or warehouse is not available.
§ 28.907 Responsibilities of licensed gins or warehouses.
Each licensee shall be primarily responsible for drawing, identifying, handling, and shipping samples of cotton in accordance with this subpart and with instructions furnished by the Director or an authorized representative from time to time.
§ 28.908 Samples.
(a) Only one sample to be submitted. Only one sample from each bale of eligible cotton shall be submitted for classification under this subpart. This does not prohibit the submission of an additional sample from a bale for review classification if the producer so desires.
(b) Drawing of samples manual. (1) Each cut sample shall be drawn from the bale after it is tied out following the ginning process, and shall be approximately 6 ounces in weight, not less than 3 ounces of which are to be drawn from each side of the bale: Provided, That each sample from a bale of American Pima cotton shall be approximately 10 ounces in weight, not less than 5 ounces of which are to be drawn from each side of the bale.
(2) Where it is necessary to draw two sets of samples, a single cut should be made in each side of the bale, and the portion of cotton removed from each cut should be broken in half across the layers to provide two complete samples. In those cases where this method would result in samples of insufficient length, it will be acceptable to split the sample lengthwise along the layers, provided the outside portion from each side is submitted for the official classification.
(c) Mechanical sampling. Samples may be drawn in gins equipped with mechanical samplers approved by the Division and operated according to sampling instructions furnished by the Director or an authorized representative. Such samples shall not be less than 6 ounces in weight.
(d) Samples must be representative. Each sample must be representative of the bale from which drawn.
(e) Handling samples. Samples shall not be dressed or trimmed and shall be carefully handled in such manner as not to cause loss of leaf, sand, or other material, or otherwise change their representative character. Samples shall be handled only by employees of the licensee prior to shipment or delivery to the cotton classing office of the Division.
(f) Identifying and shipping samples. Each sample shall be identified with a tag, supplied or approved by the Division, bearing the gin or warehouse number of the bale from which the sample was drawn and the name and address of the producer of the bale. The tag shall be placed between the two halves of the sample, the sample tightly rolled and enclosed in a package or bag for shipment. Each package or bag shall be labeled or marked with the name and address of the licensed gin or warehouse. The packages shall be shipped or delivered direct to the cotton classing office serving the territory in which the cotton is ginned. Samples that were drawn by a mechanical sampler at the gin may be transported with the bales to the warehouse and then shipped or delivered direct to the classing office by the warehouse.
(g) Request for classification. Samples received from a licensed gin or warehouse with the identification tag required in § 28.908(f) shall constitute a request for classification service by the producer.
§ 28.909 Costs.
(a) Costs incident to sampling, tagging, and identification of samples and transporting samples to points of shipment shall be assumed by the producer, but tags and containers for the shipment of samples and shipping charges via U.S. Postal Service or duly authorized common carrier will be furnished by the service. After classification the samples shall become the property of the Government. The proceeds of the sale of cotton samples shall be used to defray the costs of providing the services under this subpart.
(b) The cost of High Volume Instrument (HVI) cotton classification service to producers will be based on formulas set forth in § 28.116. The proceeds of the sale of cotton samples shall be used to defray the costs of providing the service under this subpart.
(c) The Division will periodically bill producers or the voluntary agents designated by producers for the cost of classification. A discount of 5 cents per sample will be granted for services provide under this section when billing is made to voluntary agents.
Classification
§ 28.910 Classification of samples and issuances of classification data.
(a)(1) The samples submitted as provided in the subpart shall be classified by employees of the Division, and classification memoranda showing the official quality determination of each sample according to the official cotton standards of the United States shall be issued by any one of the following methods at no additional charge:
(i) Electronic means; or
(ii) Telecommunications, with all long distance telephone line charges paid by the receiver of data.
(2) When an additional copy of the classification memorandum is issued by any method listed in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, there will be a charge determined as described in § 28.116. If provided as an additional method of data transfer, the minimum fee for each method issued shall also be determined as described in § 28.116.
(b) Owners of cotton, other than producers, may receive classification data showing the official quality determination of each sample by means of telecommunications from a central database to be maintained by the Division. The fee for this service shall be determined as described in § 28.116, with all communication charges paid by the receiver of data.
(c) Upon request of an owner of cotton for which classification memoranda have been issued under the subpart, a new memorandum shall be issued for the business convenience of such owner without the reclassification of the cotton. Such rewritten memorandum shall bear the date of its issuance and the date or inclusive dates of the original classification. The per-hour fee for a new memorandum shall be determined according to § 28.116, with a minimum per-sheet fee determined under the same provisions.
§ 28.911 Review classification.
(a) A producer may request one review classification for each bale of eligible cotton. The fee for review classification shall be determined based on the formulas in § 28.116.
(b) Samples for review classification must be drawn by gins or warehouses licensed pursuant to §§ 28.20 through 28.22, or by employees of the United States Department of Agriculture. Each sample for review classification shall be taken, handled, and submitted according to § 28.908 and to supplemental instructions issued by the Director or an authorized representative of the Director. Costs incident to sampling, tagging, identification, containers, and shipment for samples for review classification shall be assumed by the producer. After classification, the samples shall become the property of the Government unless the producer requests the return of the samples. The proceeds from the sale of samples that become Government property shall be used to defray the costs of providing the services under this subpart. Producers who request return of their samples after classing will pay a fee determined based on the formulas in § 28.116.
Limitations of Services
§ 28.917 Limitations of Services.
The Director, or an authorized representative, may suspend, terminate, or withhold cotton classing and market news services to any producer upon any failure of the producer to comply with the act or these regulations. Failure to remit fees for classification services shall result in loss of service.
Subpart E—Cotton Fiber and Processing Tests
Definitions
§ 28.950 Terms defined.
As used throughout this subpart, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall be construed, respectively, to mean:
(a) Regulations. Regulations mean the provisions in this subpart.
(b) Service. The Agricultural Marketing Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
(c) Administrator. The Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service, or any officer or employee of the Service, to whom authority has been delegated to act for the Administrator.
(d) Division. The Cotton Division of the Agricultural Marketing Service.
(e) Director. The Director of the Cotton Division, or any officer or employee of the Division to whom authority has been delegated to act for the Director.
(f) Laboratories. Laboratories of the Cotton Division that perform the fiber and processing tests described in this subpart.
Administration
§ 28.951 Director.
The Director shall perform, for and under the supervision of the Administrator, such duties as the Administrator may require in enforcing the regulations in this subpart.
Fiber and Processing Tests
§ 28.952 Testing of samples.
The Director or an authorized representative, upon written requests, shall make fiber and processing tests of the properties of cotton samples and report the results thereof to the persons from whom such requests are received, subject to compliance by such persons with the regulations in this subpart and to the payment by them of fees as prescribed herein.
§ 28.953 Requirements as to samples.
Each sample of ginned cotton lint submitted for fiber and processing tests shall weigh approximately as shown below unless otherwise specified in the particular test item as prescribed herein:
§ 28.954 Costs of submitting samples.
The transportation of samples to a laboratory for testing shall be without expense to the Government.
§ 28.955 Disposition of samples.
The remnants of samples accumulated in the making of tests under the regulations in this subpart shall become the property of the Government unless the applicant requests that such remnants be returned. Returns will be at the applicant’s expense.
§ 28.956 Prescribed fees.
Fees for fiber and processing tests shall be assessed as listed below:
| Item number and kind of test | Fee per test |
|---|---|
| 1.0 Calibration cotton for use with High Volume Instruments, per 5 pound package: | |
| a. f.o.b. Memphis, Tennessee | $95.00 |
| b. By surface delivery within continental United States | 100.00 |
| c. By air freight collect outside continental United States | 95.00 |
| d. By air parcel post delivery outside continental United States | 135.00 |
| 1.1 High Volume Instrument (HVI) System Check Level. Furnishing two samples per month for HVI determinations, summarizing returned data, and reporting deviations for average of all laboratories for measurements taken, per 12 months: | |
| a. By surface delivery within continental United States | 168.00 |
| b. By air parcel post delivery outside continental United States | 324.00 |
| 2.0 Furnishing international calibration cotton standards with standard values for micronaire reading and fiber strength at zero and | |
| a. f.o.b. Memphis, Tennessee | 20.00 |
| b. By surface delivery within continental United States, | 22.00 |
| c. By air freight collect outside continental United States, | 20.00 |
| d. By air parcel post delivery, outside continental United States, | 30.00 |
| 2.1 Furnishing international calibration cotton standards with standard values for micronaire reading only: | |
| a. f.o.b. Memphis Tennessee, 1-lb. sample | 28.00 |
| b. Surface delivery within continental United States, 1-lb. sample | 31.00 |
| c. By air freight collect outside continental United States, 1-lb. sample | 28.00 |
| d. By air parcel post delivery outside continental United States, 1-lb. sample | 42.00 |
| 3.0 Furnishing standard color tiles for calibrating cotton colormeters, per set of five tiles including box: | |
| a. f.o.b. Memphis, Tennessee | 125.00 |
| b. Surface delivery within continental United States | 130.00 |
| c. By air freight collect outside continental United States | 125.00 |
| d. By air parcel post delivery outside continental United States | 165.00 |
| 3.1 Furnishing single color calibration tiles for use with specific instruments or as replacements in above sets, each tile: | |
| a. f.o.b. Memphis, Tennessee | 22.00 |
| b. Surface delivery within continental United States | 25.00 |
| c. By air freight collect outside continental United States | 22.00 |
| d. By air parcel post delivery outside continental United States | 35.00 |
| 3.2 Furnishing single trashmeter calibration standard, each: | |
| a. f.o.b. Memphis, Tennessee | 30.00 |
| b. Surface delivery within continental United States | 33.00 |
| c. By air freight collect outside continental United States | 30.00 |
| d. By air parcel post delivery outside continental United States | 44.00 |
| 3.3 Furnishing one set of standard color tiles for calibrating cotton colormeters and one trashmeter calibration standard, per set of five tiles and the standard including box: | |
| a. f.o.b. Memphis, Tennessee | 150.00 |
| b. Surface delivery within continental United States | 155.00 |
| c. By air freight collect outside continental United States | 150.00 |
| d. By air parcel post delivery outside continental United States | 190.00 |
| 3.4 Furnishing a single cotton sample of a designated leaf level mounted under glass, each: | |
| a. f.o.b. Memphis, Tennessee | 40.00 |
| b. Surface delivery within continental United States | 44.00 |
| c. By air freight collect outside continental United States | 40.00 |
| d. By air parcel post delivery outside continental United States | 54.00 |
| 3.5 Furnishing six cotton samples of six designated leaf levels each mounted under glass, per set of six samples: | |
| a. f.o.b. Memphis, Tennessee | 240.00 |
| b. Surface delivery within continental United States | 264.00 |
| c. By air freight collect outside continental United States | 240.00 |
| d. By air parcel post delivery outside continental United States | 300.00 |
| 4.0 Furnishing a colormeter calibration sample box containing six cotton samples with color values Rd and +b for each sample, per box: | |
| a. f.o.b. Memphis, Tennessee | 42.00 |
| b. Surface delivery within continental United States | 47.00 |
| c. By air freight collect outside continental United States | 42.00 |
| d. By air parcel post delivery outside continental United States | 82.00 |
| 4.1 Furnishing a trashmeter calibration sample box containing six cotton samples with trashmeter percent area reading for each sample, per box: | |
| a. f.o.b. Memphis, Tennessee | 42.00 |
| b. Surface delivery within continental United States | 47.00 |
| c. By air freight collect outside continental United States | 42.00 |
| d. By air parcel post delivery outside continental United States | 82.00 |
| 5.0 High Volume Instrument (HVI) measurement. Reporting Micronaire, length, length uniformity, | 1.75 |
| 6.0 Color of ginned cotton lint. Reporting data on the reflectance and yellowness in terms of Rd and +b values as based on the Nickerson-Hunter Cotton Colorimeter on samples which measure 5 × 6 | 1.25 |
| 7.0 Fiber length of ginned cotton lint by Fibrograph method. Reporting the average length and average length uniformity as based on 4 specimens from a blended sample, per sample | 9.50 |
| 7.1 Fiber length of ginned cotton lint by Fibrograph method. Reporting the average length and average length uniformity as based on 2 specimens from each unblended sample | 6.00 |
| 8.0 Pressley strength of ginned cotton lint by flat bundle method for either zero or | 9.75 |
| 8.1 Pressley strength of ginned cotton lint by flat bundle method for either zero or | 6.00 |
| 9.0 Stelometer strength and elongation of ginned cotton lint by the flat bundle method for | |
| a. Based on 6 specimens from each blended sample, per sample | 9.75 |
| b. Based on 4 specimens from each blended sample, per sample | 7.50 |
| c. Based on 2 specimens from each blended sample, per sample | 6.00 |
| 10.0 Micronaire readings on ginned lint. Reporting the micronaire based on 2 specimens per sample | 0.70 |
| 10.1 Micronaire reading based on 1 specimen per sample | 0.40 |
| 11.0 Fiber maturity and fineness of ginned cotton lint by the Causticaire method. Reporting the average maturity, fineness, and micronaire reading as based on 2 specimens from a blended sample, per sample | 16.00 |
| Minimum fee | 80.00 |
| 12.0 Fiber fineness and maturity of ginned cotton lint by the IIC-Shirley Fineness/Maturity Tester method, reporting the average micronaire, maturity ratio, percent mature fibers and fineness (linear density) based on 2 specimens from a blended sample, per sample | 7.50 |
| 13.0 Fiber length array of cotton samples. Reporting the average percentage of fibers by weight in each | |
| a. Ginned cotton lint, per sample | 78.00 |
| b. Cotton comber noils, per sample | 119.00 |
| c. Other cotton wastes, per sample | 143.00 |
| 13.1 Fiber length array of cotton samples. Reporting the average percentage of fibers by weight in each | |
| a. Ginned cotton lint, per sample | 57.00 |
| b. Cotton comber noils, per sample | 82.00 |
| c. Other cotton wastes, per sample | 112.00 |
| 13.2 Fiber length array of cotton samples, including purified or absorbent cotton. Reporting the average percentage of fibers by weight in each | 137.000 |
| 14.0 Fiber length and length distribution of cotton samples by the Almeter method. Reporting the upper 25 percent length, mean length, coefficient of variation, and short fiber percentages by weight, number or tuft in each 1/8-inch group, as based on 2 specimens from a blended sample: | |
| a. Report percentages of fiber by weight only | 28.00 |
| b. Report percentages of fiber by weight and number or tuft | 33.00 |
| c. Report percentages of fiber by weight, number and tuft | 38.00 |
| 15.0 Foreign matter content of cotton samples. Reporting data on the non-lint content as based on the Shirley Analyzer separation of lint and foreign matter: | |
| a. For samples of ginned lint or comber noils, per 100-gram specimen | 8.50 |
| b. For samples of ginning and processing wastes other than comber noils, per 100-gram specimen | 15.00 |
| 16.0 Neps content of ginned cotton lint. Reporting the neps per 100 square inches as based on the web prepared from a 3-gram specimen by using accessory equipment with the mechanical fiber blender, per sample | 17.00 |
| 17.0 Sugar content of cotton. Reporting the percent sugar content as based on a quantitative analysis of reducing substances (sugars) on cotton fibers, per sample | 5.50 |
| Minimum fee | 27.50 |
| 18.0 Miniature carded cotton spinning test. Reporting data on tenacity (centinewtons per tex) of 22’s yarn and HVI data (see item 5.0). Based on the processing of 50 grams of cotton in accordance with special procedures, per sample | 27.00 |
| 19.0 Two-pound cotton carded yarn spinning test available to cotton breeders only. Reporting data on yarn skein strength, yarn appearance, yarn neps, and the classification and the fiber length of the cotton as well as comments on any unusual processing performance as based on the processing of 2 pounds of cotton in accordance with standard procedures into two standard carded yarn numbers employing a standard twist multiplier, per sample | 88.00 |
| 20.0 Cotton carded yarn spinning test. Reporting data on waste extracted, yarn skein strength, yarn appearance, yarn neps and classification, and fiber length as well as comments summarizing any unusual observations as based on the processing of 6 pounds of cotton in accordance with standard laboratory procedures at one of the standard rates of carding of 6 | 120.00 |
| 21.0 Spinning potentials test. Determining the finest yarn which can be spun with no ends down and reporting spinning potential yarn number. This test requires an additional 4 pounds of cotton, per sample | 110.00 |
| 22.0 Cotton combed yarn spinning test. Reporting data on waste extracted, yarn skein strength, yarn appearance, yarn neps, and classification and fiber length as well as comments summarizing any unusual observations as based on the processing of 8 pounds of cotton in accordance with standard procedures at one of the standard rates of carding of 4 | 160.00 |
| 23.0 Cotton carded and combed yarn spinning test. Reporting the results as based on the processing of 10 pounds of cotton into two of the standard carded and two of the standard combed yarn numbers employing the same carding rate and the same yarn numbers for both the carded and the combed yarns, per sample | 232.00 |
| 24.0 Cotton carded and combed yarn spinning test. Reporting the results as based on the processing of 9 pounds of cotton into two of the standard and two of the standard combed yarn numbers employing different carding rates and/or yarn numbers for the carded and combed yarns, per sample | 252.00 |
| 25.0 Processing and testing of additional yarn. Any carded or combed yarn number processed in connection with spinning tests including either additional yarn numbers or additional twist multipliers employed on the same yarn numbers, per additional lot of yarn | 35.00 |
| 25.1 Processing and finishing of additional yarn. Any yarn number processed in connection with spinning tests. Approximately 300 yards on each of 16 paper tubes for testing by the applicant, per additional lot of yarn | 48.00 |
| 26.0 Twist in yarns by direct-counting method. Reporting direction of twist and average turns per inch of yarn: | |
| (a) Single yarns based on 40 specimens per lot of yarn | 88.00 |
| (b) Plied or cabled yarns based on 10 specimens, per lot of yarn | 26.00 |
| 27.0 Skein strength of yarn. Reporting data on the strength and the yarn numbers based on 25 skeins from yarn furnished by the applicant, per sample | 14.00 |
| 27.1 Single Strand Yarn Strength Test. Measuring 100 strands on a Statimat Tester and reporting yarn strength, elongation and coefficient of variation, per test | 6.50 |
| 28.0 Appearance grade of yarn furnished on bobbins by applicant. Reporting the appearance grade in accordance with ASTM standards as based on yarn wound from one bobbin, per bobbin | 6.00 |
| 28.1 Furnishing yarn wound on boards in connection with yarn appearance tests | 9.50 |
| 28.2 Yarn Imperfections Test. Measuring yarn on the Uster Evenness Tester and reporting the yarn imperfections, thick places, thin places, and neps, and the present coefficient of variation, per sample | 6.50 |
| 29.0 Strength of cotton fabric. Reporting the average warp and filling strength by the grab method as based on 5 breaks for both warp and filling of fabric furnished by the applicant, per sample | 20.00 |
| 29.1 Cotton fabric analysis. Reporting data on the number of warp and filling threads per inch and weight per yard of fabric based on at least three (3) 6 × 6 inch specimens of fabric which were processed or furnished by the applicant, per sample | 35.00 |
| 30.0 Chemical finishing tests on finished drawing silver. The Ahiba Texomat Dyer is used for scouring, bleaching and dyeing of a 3-gram sample. Color measurements are made on the unfinished, bleached and dyed cotton samples, using a Hunterlab Colorimeter, Model 25 M-3. The color values are reported in terms of reflectance (Rd), yellowness (+b) and blueness (-b) | 16.00 |
| Minimum fee | 48.00 |
| 32.0 Furnishing identified cotton samples. Includes samples of ginned lint stock at any stage of processing or testing, waste of any type, yarn or fabric selected and identified in connection with fiber and/or spinning tests, per identified sample | 4.25 |
| 33.0 Furnishing additional copies of test reports. Including extra copies in addition to the two copies routinely furnished in connection with each test item, per additional sheet | 1.50 |
| Minimum fee | 6.00 |
| 33.1 Furnishing a certified relisting of test results. Includes samples of sub-samples selected from any previous tests, per sheet | 18.00 |
| 33.2 Sending copies of test reports for facsimile (FAX), per sheet: | |
| a. Within continental United States | 2.00 |
| b. Outside continental United States | 5.00 |
| 34.0 Classification of ginned cotton lint is available in connection with other fiber tests, under the provisions of 7 CFR part 28, § 28.56, Classification includes grade only based on a 6 oz. (170 g.) sample. |
§ 28.957 Special tests and fees.
Tests may be performed for cooperating agencies and organizations to the extent that available facilities will permit, subject to the payment of fees as determined by the Director. Special tests and services not listed in § 28.956 may be performed to the extent that available facilities will permit, subject to the payment of fees determined by the Director.
§ 28.958 Payment of fees.
As soon as practicable after the last day of each calendar month, bills shall be rendered by officers in charge of testing laboratories to all persons from whom payment of fees and costs under the regulations in this subpart shall become due, provided that when desirable any bill may be rendered at an earlier date. Payment shall be by check or by draft or post office or express money order, payable to the order of “Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.”
§ 28.959 Limitation of testing services.
If at any time funds available for services under the regulations in this subpart may be insufficient to provide for the testing of all samples that may be submitted for the purpose, the Director may place reasonable limitations upon the quantities of samples to be submitted by individuals during any one fiscal year or any one calendar month, and may direct that samples received from cotton breeders shall take precedence over those received from other persons.
§ 28.960 Confidential information.
No information concerning individual tests under the regulations in this subpart shall be published or communicated in such a way as to disclose to others the identity of the owners of cotton represented by samples submitted for testing, except with the written permission of such owners.
§ 28.961 False and misleading information.
The publication or communication by any person of false or misleading information concerning the results of tests as reported by laboratories under the regulations in this subpart shall be deemed sufficient cause for denial of testing services to such persons.
PART 29—TOBACCO INSPECTION
For regulations with respect to tobacco warehouses, see part 737 of chapter VII.
Subpart A—Policy Statement and Provisions Governing the Extension of Tobacco Inspection and Price Support Services to New Markets and to Additional Sales on Designated Markets
§ 29.1 Definitions.
For purposes of this subpart A, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(a) Additional sale means an additional auction sale proposed to be conducted on a designated market.
(b) Adequate set of buyers means 5 or more buyers representing 5 or more companies or buying organizations which either will use the tobacco in the manufacture of tobacco products in this country or in foreign countries, or will pack and sell the tobacco later for use by manufacturers in this country or foreign countries, and who could reasonably be expected to purchase at least two-thirds of the total U.S. production of the kind of tobacco for which the additional services are requested.
(c) Auction market means a marketing center containing one or more warehouses where tobacco is delivered by producers thereof, or their agents, for sale by the auction process. There may be one or more auction sales on an auction market.
(d) Bona fide auction sale and auction sale mean the buying and selling of tobacco offered by producers by the auction process which customarily and usually consists of an adequate set of buyers; an auctioneer who takes each buyer’s bid; a sales starter who makes the opening bid on each lot; and a ticket marker who records the applicable sales data on each lot.
(e) Designated market means an auction market designated by the Secretary under section 5 of the Tobacco Inspection Act including the town or city which is the population center of the market and whose name the market bears and all of the geographical area within 5 road miles of the boundaries of said city or town as they are constituted on January 1, 1993. Provided, That any warehouse beyond those boundaries which received tobacco inspection and price support services during the 1992 marketing season shall continue to receive such services at the same location regardless of any prohibition contained herein: And further provided, That this geographical limitation may be waived by the Secretary after a hearing held pursuant to §§ 29.2 and 29.3.
(f) Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States, or any officer or employee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to whom authority has heretofore been delegated, or to whom authority may hereafter be delegated, to act in his stead.
(g) Hearing Officer means any administrative law judge appointed pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 3105, and assigned to the proceeding involved, or such other employee of the Department of Agriculture as the Secretary may designate to act as hearing officer at such hearing.
(h) New market means an auction market, other than a designated market, at which inspection service under the tobacco Inspection Act was not provided on a regular basis during the preceding marketing season.
(i) Hearing Clerk means the Hearing Clerk of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250.
(j) Kind of tobacco means any one of the following: Flue-cured, Burley, Fire-cured, Dark air-cured, Maryland or Virginia sun-cured.
§ 29.2 Policy statement.
Inspection and price support services currently provided in auction marketing areas are adequate and the lack of these services is not a limiting factor to accelerated marketings or the extension of price support to producers. Consequently, the extension of inspection and price support services, without limitation even though the cost of such service is paid by the seller, would not contribute to the effectuation of the purposes of either of these services. The additional cost incident to the unlimited extension of these services would be unjustifiable and excessive in relation to the total quantity of tobacco available for market. Accordingly, inspection and price support services shall be made available on new markets at warehouses which are located beyond the geographical limitation for “designated markets” set forth in § 29.1(e), and additional sales for other than flue-cured tobacco only as hereinafter provided. With regard to flue-cured tobacco, allocation of inspection services is based on producer designation, as provided for in 7 CFR 1464.2(e)(2)(iii), see subpart G. Also, since these services shall be made available to new markets to warehouses which are located beyond the geographical limitation for “designated markets” set forth in § 29.1(e), and additional sales only as herein provided, referenda incident to market designations shall not be conducted until auction markets seeking designation have qualified for inspection and price support services as herein provided.
(a) Reasonable inspection and price support services. The extension of tobacco inspection and price support services to new markets to warehouses which are located beyond the geographical limitation for “designated markets” set forth in § 29.1(e), and additional sales will be conditioned upon the reasonableness of such services existing in the marketing area of the proposed new market or additional sale. Transactions in tobacco as conducted at auction markets customarily involve the sale of tobacco at a bona fide auction sale. Determination with respect to reasonableness, and consequently with respect to granting or denying additional services, will be based on evidence (1) that the proposed new market, warehouse located beyond the geographical limitation for “designated markets” set forth in § 29.1(e), or additional sale will function as a bona fide auction sale, and (2) that additional services are justifiable in relation to other market data, including the volume of tobacco produced in the area surrounding the proposed new market, warehouse located beyond the geographical limitation for “designated markets” set forth in § 29.1(e), or additional sale; the roads and road distances involved in moving tobacco to the proposed new market, warehouse located beyond the geographical limitation for “designated markets” set forth in § 29.1(e), or additional sale in relation to other tobacco marketing centers; the relative availability or congestion of all facilities for redrying and packing tobacco handled or to be handled in the proposed new market, warehouse located beyond the geographical limitation for “designated markets” set forth in § 29.1(e), or additional sale; the location of other auction markets on which tobacco produced in the marketing area of the proposed new market, warehouse located beyond the geographical limitation for “designated markets” set forth in § 29.1(e), or additional sale may be marketed; the number of tobacco growers to be affected by the proposed new market, warehouse located beyond the geographical limitation for “designated markets” set forth in § 29.1(e), or additional sale; the volume of tobacco likely to be sold in the proposed new market, warehouse located beyond the geographical limitation for “designated markets” set forth in § 29.1(e), or additional sale; the relationship of sales in the proposed new market, warehouse located beyond the geographical limitation for “designated markets” set forth in § 29.1(e), or additional sale to sales in other auction markets in the producing area for that kind of tobacco; other economic factors affecting the marketing of tobacco, by growers, in the marketing area of the proposed new market, warehouse located beyond the geographical limitation for “designated markets” set forth in § 29.1(e), or additional sale and in the producing area for that kind of tobacco, including limitations on sales imposed by any marketing agreement and/or order, or by any other means; and also, as to flue-cured tobacco, data with regard to producer designations which shall include, but not be limited to, the markets and warehouses currently available for the producers, who would be eligible to designate the new market or, warehouse located beyond the geographical limitation for “designated markets” set forth in § 29.1(e), who already designate and who desire to designate the new market.
(b) Order of priority. If the Secretary finds that there are insufficient qualified tobacco inspectors available to service adequately all applicants otherwise found to be qualified for additional inspection service pursuant to this subpart for a kind of tobacco, those applicants found to be eligible for additional services on auction markets designated for mandatory inspection shall be given priority over applicants for additional inspection service on other auction markets. If it becomes necessary to determine which of several qualified applicants having an equal order of priority under the preceding sentence shall receive additional inspection and price support services, those auction sales or auction markets where the greatest number of growers needing such service may be served with the qualified inspectors shall have priority. If an application for an additional sale on a designated market is denied for lack of qualified inspectors, the Secretary, on application from such market, may temporarily suspend the requirement of inspection and certification on such market pursuant to section 5 of the Tobacco Inspection Act.
(c) Price support services to be through warehouses. Price support services on any auction market will be offered through tobacco auction warehouses operating in such market, and, notwithstanding any provision of this subpart, the offering of price support services through any auction warehouse located on any auction market will be conditioned upon a qualified, responsible warehouseman entering into an approved auction warehouse contract under the provisions of the applicable tobacco price support program, published at part 1464 of this title.
§ 29.3 Procedures for filing, hearing, and determination of applications.
(a) Time and place of filing. Applications for the extension of tobacco inspection and price support services to new markets, to warehouses located beyond the geographical limitation for “designated markets” set forth in § 29.1(e) and to additional sales on designated markets shall be filed, in triplicate, with the Hearing Clerk not later than September 15 in the case of flue-cured tobacco, December 1 in the case of Maryland tobacco, and July 15 in the case of burley and all other kinds of tobacco. Applications should be addressed to the Hearing Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Applications which are not received by the Hearing Clerk on or before the foregoing cutoff date for the kind of tobacco shall be rejected as untimely filed. After denial of an application for additional inspection and price support services for a marketing season, no application from the same auction market or proposed new market shall be considered for the next consecutive marketing season, unless the application contains a statement by the applicant setting forth new facts that constitute evidence of such a substantial change in conditions since the previous hearing as the review committee as specified in paragraph (h) of this section deems would warrant such further hearing.
(b) Form and content of application. The application shall be in writing, shall set forth the grounds for the application and shall be signed by the applicant or applicants. If an applicant is a corporation, the application shall be executed by a responsible officer of such corporation. The application shall include a statement of the name, address and form of business organization of each party to the application and the location of the proposed new market or additional sale.
(c) Hearings on applications. Following the closing date for filing applications for each kind of tobacco, a hearing or hearings shall be held on the applications, if any, filed for additional inspection and price support services for the kind of tobacco in question. Such hearing or hearings shall be scheduled to begin within 60 days following the closing date for such applications. Notice of hearing shall be issued by the Secretary, filed with the Hearing Clerk, and published in the
(d) Hearing officer. A hearing officer shall preside over each such hearing. The hearing officer shall determine the order of procedure at the hearing, shall have power to administer oaths and affirmations, to rule on and admit evidence, and, following the opening of the hearing, to recess the hearing to such other times and places as he deems desirable or necessary.
(e) Scope of hearing and burden of proof. Each applicant shall have the burden of presenting evidence relative to the factors specified in § 29.2(a).
(f) Record and evidence. The proceedings at each such hearing shall be transcribed verbatim. All oral testimony shall be under oath or affirmation. All documentary exhibits shall be submitted in triplicate by the person offering the same. The Hearing Officer shall, insofar as possible, exclude testimony and exhibits which are irrelevant, immaterial, or not of the sort upon which responsible persons are accustomed to rely. Cross-examination shall be allowed only to the extent that the Hearing Officer in his discretion deems it desirable or necessary to develop the material facts.
(g) Briefs. If requested at the hearing, the presiding officer shall fix a time, not to exceed 20 days from the close of the hearing, within which interested persons may mail briefs to the Hearing Clerk.
(h) Certification and referral. As soon as practicable following the close of the hearing, the Hearing Officer shall certify the transcript of the proceedings at the hearing together with all exhibits and shall transmit the same to the Hearing Clerk for referral to a review committee comprised of the Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service, the Administrator, Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, and a representative of the Office of the Secretary to be designated by the Secretary.
(i) Recommended action. The review committee shall review and consider the applications, hearing record, including exhibits, and all other available information and data relating to applications for each kind of tobacco and shall submit a recommendation thereon to the Secretary.
(j) Final decision. The Secretary shall issue the decision on each application and such decision shall be final: Provided, That any determination that additional services will be provided may be reconsidered and may be vacated if it is subsequently found that any material fact upon which such determination was based was materially erroneous or false, or that the new market or additional sale in question is not functioning as a bona fide auction sale. Such decision shall be filed with the Hearing Clerk who shall mail a true copy thereof, by certified mail, to the applicant.
Subpart B—Requirements
definitions
§ 29.12 Terms defined.
As used in this subpart and in all instructions, forms, and documents in connection therewith, the words and phrases hereinafter defined shall have the indicated meanings so assigned unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires.
§ 29.13 The act.
The Tobacco Inspection Act, approved August 23, 1935. (7 U.S.C. 511 et seq.)
§ 29.14 Secretary.
Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States, or any officer or employee of the Department to whom authority has heretofore been delegated, or to whom authority may hereafter be delegated, to act in his stead.
§ 29.15 Department.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture.
§ 29.16 Division.
Tobacco Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
§ 29.17 Director.
Director or Acting Director, Tobacco Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
§ 29.18 Person.
Individual, association, partnership, or corporation.
§ 29.19 Inspector.
Person employed, licensed, or authorized by the Secretary to determine and certify the type, grade, condition, or other characteristics of tobacco.
§ 29.20 Sampler.
Person employed, licensed, or authorized by the Secretary to select, tag, and seal official samples of tobacco.
§ 29.21 Weigher.
Person employed, licensed, or authorized by the Secretary to weigh and certify the weight of tobacco.
§ 29.22 Appeal inspector.
An inspector or other person designated or authorized by the Division to hear appeals under the Act and the regulations in this subpart.
§ 29.23 Tobacco.
Tobacco in its unmanufactured forms as it appears between the time it is cured and stripped from the stalk, or primed and cured and the time it enters a manufacturing process. Conditioning, sweating, and stemming are not regarded as manufacturing processes.
§ 29.24 Official standards.
Standards for tobacco promulgated by the Secretary under the Act.
§ 29.25 Tentative standards.
Standards for tobacco prepared by the Division for trial purposes and limited use pending promulgation by the Secretary of Official Standards.
§ 29.26 Office of inspection.
A field office of the tobacco inspection service of the Division.
§ 29.27 Certificate.
A certificate issued under the Act and the regulations in this subpart.
§ 29.28 Interested party.
The owner or other financially interested person; including the warehouseman, commission merchant, association, and other person who has the tobacco in his custody for sale; the authorized agent of the owner; and persons to whom or by whom the tobacco has been sold on the basis of a certificate issued, or sample prepared, under the Act, but not including a person who is negotiating for its purchase.
§ 29.29 Regulations.
Rules and regulations of the Secretary under the Act.
§ 29.30 Package.
A hogshead, tierce, case, bale, or other securely enclosed parcel or bundle.
§ 29.31 Lot.
A pile, basket, bulk, package, or other definite unit.
§ 29.32 Identification number.
A number or a combination of letters and numbers in a design or mark approved by the Director, stamped, printed, or stenciled on a lot of tobacco or attached thereto by an inspector, sampler, or weigher for the purpose of identifying the lot covered by a certificate issued under the Act.
§ 29.33 Official sample.
A sample selected, tagged, and signed by an inspector or sampler under the Act.
§ 29.34 Sample seal.
A seal approved by the Director for sealing official samples.
§ 29.35 Lot seal.
A seal approved by the Director for sealing lots of tobacco certificated under the Act.
§ 29.36 Auction market.
A place to which tobacco is delivered by the producers thereof, or their agents, for sale at auction through a warehouseman or commission merchant.
§ 29.37 Designated market.
An auction market designated by the Secretary, under section 5 of the Act.
§ 29.38 Public notice.
A proclamation by the Secretary under the Act (a) stating that an auction market is designated under the Act; (b) giving notice of such fact; (c) specifying a date when the requirement of inspection and certification under the act shall become effective; and (d) released to the press, mailed to the tobacco board of trade or warehouse association of such market, and mailed to the postmaster at such market for posting.
§ 29.39 Permissive inspection.
Inspection authorized under section 6 of the Act.
§ 29.40 Mandatory inspection.
Inspection authorized or required under section 5 of the Act or section 759 of the Appropriations Act.
definitions
§ 29.41 The Appropriations Act.
The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for 2002 (Pub. L. 107-76).
§ 29.42 Receiving station.
Points at which producer tobacco is offered for marketing (other than sale at auction on a designated market), including tobacco auction warehouses, packing houses, prizeries, or places where tobacco is handled or stored.
administration
§ 29.51 Administration.
The Director is charged with the supervision of the Division and the performance of all duties assigned thereto in the administration of the Act. Information concerning such administration may be obtained by addressing: The Director, Tobacco Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250.
permissive inspection
§ 29.56 Permissive inspection.
Permissive inspection consists of inspection, including sampling and weighing, and certificating tobacco upon the request of an interested party. Upon such request, the Director may authorize and require an inspector, as a part of his duties, to supervise the preparation of tobacco to be inspected under the Act, including the sorting, handling, conditioning, or packing of such tobacco. Special tests and services may be performed for interested persons to the extent that available facilities will permit, subject to the payment of fees as provided in § 29.123.
§ 29.57 Where inspection is offered.
Tobacco may be inspected, sampled, or weighed for the purposes of the Act, upon request of an interested party, at points indicated in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section whenever official inspectors, samplers, or weighers are available and the tobacco is offered under conditions that permit of its proper examination.
(a) Points at which tobacco enters, or is offered for, interstate or foreign shipment, including packing houses, prizeries, warehouses, and other places where tobacco is handled, packed, or stored.
(b) The stations or the headquarters of inspectors, samplers, or weighers. An official station may be any town, city, or place having a market, receiving station, or other facilities for handling, packing, or storing tobacco and where there is a sufficient volume of work to justify the stationing of an inspector, sampler, or weigher.
(c) Points near an official station, to the extent permitted by the time of the inspector, sampler, or weigher at such official station.
§ 29.58 Who may obtain inspection.
Inspection, sampling, or weighing as described in § 29.56 may be requested by an interested party, or his authorized agent, by filing an application in accordance with §§ 29.59 and 29.60.
§ 29.59 How to make application.
Application for inspection, sampling, or weighing of tobacco shall be made to the Division, the office of inspection, or as the case may be, to an official inspector, sampler, or weigher. It may be made orally or in writing and delivered in person, by mail, by telegraph, or otherwise. If made orally, the Division or the official receiving it may require a written confirmation.
§ 29.60 Form of application.
Application for inspection, sampling, or weighing tobacco shall include the following information:
(a) The date of the application;
(b) The designation of the tobacco and the crop year of its production;
(c) The name and post-office address of the applicant and of the person, if any, making the application as agent;
(d) The financial interest of the applicant in the tobacco;
(e) The exact nature of the service desired as (1) inspection, (2) inspection and sealing packages, (3) sampling, or (4) weighing;
(f) A statement that the tobacco (1) is in commerce, as defined in the act, or (2) is to be inspected, sampled, or weighed in connection with its entering such commerce;
(g) If the tobacco has been officially inspected, sampled, or weighed previously, the application must have the previous certificate attached, or show with respect to such previous service (1) by whom, (2) the date, (3) previous determinations as certificated;
(h) The reason for requesting reinspection, resampling, or reweighing; and
(i) Such other necessary information as the Director may require.
§ 29.61 When application deemed filed.
An application shall be deemed filed when delivered to the Division, the office of inspection, or according to the nature of the service requested, to an official inspector, sampler, or weigher. When an application is filed, the date and time of filing shall be recorded by the official receiving it.
§ 29.62 When application may be rejected.
An application may be rejected (a) for noncompliance with the Act or the regulations in this subpart, or (b) when it is not practicable to provide the service. All expenses incurred in connection with an application rejected for noncompliance with the Act or the regulations in this subpart shall be paid by the applicant as provided in § 29.124.
§ 29.63 When application may be withdrawn.
An application may be withdrawn at any time before the requested service is rendered upon payment of expenses incurred in connection therewith as provided in § 29.124.
§ 29.64 Authority of agent.
Proof of authority of any person making an application as agent may be required in the discretion of the official receiving the application.
§ 29.65 Accessibility of tobacco.
All tobacco to be inspected, sampled, or weighed upon application shall be made accessible by the applicant for proper examination, including any necessary display in proper light for determination of grade or other characteristics or for drawing of samples. In the case of tobacco in packages, the coverings shall be removed by the applicant in such manner as may be prescribed by the inspector, sampler, or weigher.
§ 29.66 Certificates.
(a) Forms. Each certificate issued under this regulation shall (1) show that it was issued under The Tobacco Inspection Act; (2) be in a form approved for the purpose by the Director and (3) embody within its written or printed terms, with respect to the particular kind of service, all applicable information required by paragraphs (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) of this section. Each certificate may also contain any information, not inconsistent with the act and the regulations in this subpart, as may be approved or required by the Director. The Director may, in his discretion, specify or limit the period in which a certificate shall be valid.
(b) Inspection certificate. Each inspection certificate shall show (1) the caption “Tobacco Inspection Certificate”; (2) whether it is an original, first, second, or other copy; (3) the number of the certificate; (4) the identification number and private identification marks on the lot; (5) the date and number of the official sample, if any; (6) the location of the tobacco at the time of inspection or sampling; (7) the date of inspection; (8) the type and grade of the tobacco; (9) the kind of lot or package; and (10) the signature of the official inspector; also such additional information as may be required by the Director. An inspection certificate covering a package of tobacco shall also show the form and condition of the tobacco.
(c) Sample inspection certificate. Each sample inspection certificate shall carry the caption “Tobacco Sample Inspection Certificate” and shall otherwise comply with the requirements of an inspection certificate, and in addition include a clearly worded statement that the type, grade, or other tobacco characteristics, shown therein, apply only to the tobacco contained in the sample inspected.
(d) Weight certificate. Each weight certificate shall show (1) the caption “Tobacco Weight Certificate”; (2) whether it is an original, first, second, or other copy; (3) the number of the certificate; (4) the identification number or private identification marks on the lot; (5) the location of the tobacco at the time of weighing; (6) the date of weighing; (7) the weight of each lot; (8) the kind of lot or package; and (9) the signature of the official weigher.
(e) Official sample tag. Each official sample drawn and prepared shall have attached thereto, a certificate or tag showing (1) the caption “Official Tobacco Sample”; (2) the date of sampling; (3) the location of the tobacco at the time of sampling; (4) the kind of lot or package; (5) the condition of the tobacco; (6) the identification number and private identification marks on the lot; and (7) when a lot is found to be damaged, nested, or in doubtful keeping order, a statement of such fact.
(f) Combination certificate. A combination certificate of inspection and weight may be issued under the Act, if such certificate carries the caption “Tobacco Inspection and Weight Certificate” and otherwise meets all of the requirements of paragraphs (b) and (d) of this section.
§ 29.67 Disposition of certificates.
When a certificate of inspection or weight is issued under the Act upon the request of an interested party, the original certificate and one copy shall be delivered or mailed to the applicant or a person designated by him, and one copy shall be mailed or delivered to the Division or local office of inspection. Charges may be made for additional copies furnished the interested party upon request as provided in § 29.128.
§ 29.68 Advance information.
Upon the request of an applicant for whom tobacco has been inspected, sampled, or weighed and certificated under the Act, all or any part of the contents of such certificate may be tel- egraphed or telephoned to him as his expense. Information relative to grade or other determinations contained or to be contained in a certificate shall not be divulged by an inspector, sampler, or weigher to any person other than an interested party or his agent without the approval of the Director, and such information shall not be furnished an interested party before the certificate is issued.
§ 29.69 Weighing apparatus.
A scale used for determination of weight to be certificated under the Act shall be subject to examination for accuracy according to the regulations of the State or municipality in which located. No disapproved scale shall be used to determine weight of tobacco for the purposes of the Act and the regulations in this subpart.
mandatory inspection
§ 29.71 Mandatory inspection.
Mandatory inspection consists of:
(a) Inspecting and certifying tobacco under the Act on designated markets before it is offered for sale at auction; or
(b) Inspecting and certifying tobacco at receiving stations under the Appropriations Act at the time the tobacco is delivered for sale.
§ 29.72 Where mandatory inspection is required.
(a) Auction. All tobacco offered for sale at auction on a market designated in accordance with the Act and § 29.73 shall be inspected and certificated under the Act upon the date specified by the Secretary in public notice of such designation, and thereafter, except when the requirement of such inspection and certification is temporarily suspended by the Deputy Administrator in accordance with the Act and the regulations in this subpart.
(b) Other. Tobacco of the kinds specified below offered for sale by the producers thereof at receiving stations shall be inspected and certificated under the Appropriations Act at the time of delivery and prior to change of ownership. The specified kinds are flue-cured tobacco, types 11, 12, 13, and 14; burley tobacco, type 31; Kentucky-Tennessee fire-cured tobacco, types 22 and 23; Virginia fire-cured tobacco, type 21; Virginia sun-cured tobacco, type 37; and dark air-cured tobacco, types 35 and 36.
§ 29.73 Designation of markets; termination of designation.
An auction market where tobacco bought or sold thereon at auction or the products customarily manufactured therefrom move in commerce may be designated under the Act by the Secretary after the Director has advised the Secretary that two-thirds of the growers voting in the referendum held in accordance with § 29.74 favored the designation of such market. When a market is designated by the Secretary, he shall give public notice of the fact and in such public notice he shall specify the date on which the requirement of inspection and certification of tobacco sold at auction on such market shall become effective. The Director may temporarily suspend the requirement of inspection and certification on a designated market when it is found impracticable to provide such services because competent inspectors are not obtainable or because the quantity of tobacco available for inspection is insufficient to justify the cost of such service. A designation shall terminate automatically at the end of any two consecutive marketing seasons during which a designated market does not conduct any sales of tobacco at auction. A market whose designation is terminated under this section shall be considered as a new market, as defined in § 29.1, and any future application for services shall be filed and determined in accordance with the provisions of §§ 29.3 and 29.2.
§ 29.74 Growers’ referendum.
(a) Method of conducting. Any referendum held as provided in section 5 of the Act shall be conducted by the Division in accordance with this section. The Director shall determine (1) the market or group of markets to be covered by a referendum; (2) when a referendum is to be held; and (3) the period during which growers, entitled to vote therein, may cast their ballots. When a referendum is held for a group of markets, the result of such referendum may be construed to apply either individually or collectively to such markets. Before holding a referendum, the Division shall establish from the records of the collectors of internal revenue for the preceding marketing season, or in the absence of such records then from such other reliable sources of information as are available, a list showing the names of all growers who are entitled to vote in the referendum, and from the list so established the eligibility of growers to vote in a referendum shall be determined by the Division: Provided, That if a grower, whose name appears on such lists for two or more markets selling the same class of tobacco, votes in one referendum for a market selling such type, he shall not be eligible to vote in a referendum for any other market selling such type. If no growers sold tobacco at auction on a proposed new market during the preceding marketing season, then the list of growers entitled to vote in the referendum shall be comprised of the growers residing in the county where the pRoposed new market is located and in the adjacent counties.
(b) Form of ballot. Ballots to be used for voting in a referendum held under the Act shall be in a form approved for the purpose by the Director.
(c) Distribution of ballots. Ballots to be used by growers in a referendum under the act may be distributed by mail or otherwise as the Director may select. The Director may establish and publish a list of voting places for the purpose of any referendum and distribute ballots therefrom. When ballots are not mailed directly to growers who are entitled to vote, insofar as their addresses are known, the Director shall announce the voting places at which ballots can be secured, and copies of such announcement shall be given to the press and mailed, for posting and distribution, to the post offices of the market or group of markets covered by the referendum and to post offices in the vicinity of such markets or group of markets. Any explanatory statement with reference to a referendum, provisions of the Act and these regulations, or the operation and benefits of the services authorized by the act may be attached to or supplied with ballots.
(d) Filing and tabulation of votes. Each ballot, when filled in and signed by a grower entitled to vote in a referendum, shall be mailed or delivered by him as specified in the ballot. Persons authorized by the Director to receive votes in any referendum shall promptly file all votes received or collected by them with the Division. All ballots filed in a referendum shall be examined to verify the eligibility of the voter and the Director shall have compiled the result of the referendum and furnish the Secretary a statement showing whether or not two-thirds of the growers voting favored the designation of the market or group of markets covered by the referendum. In verifying votes, ballots which do not show the desire of the voter, or ballots which are defective or illegible, or ballots on which the signature or other identification does not correspond with the established list shall not be counted. The choice of any individual voter shall not be divulged by any official of the Division, except to the Secretary when requested. Votes, ballots, and other documents pertaining to a referendum shall be preserved in the Division for a period of 2 years from the closing date of such referendum, and may be destroyed thereafter.
§ 29.74a Producer referenda on mandatory grading.
(a)(1) Method of conducting. Referenda shall be conducted among producers who were engaged in the production of the following types of tobacco harvested in the immediately preceding crop year: flue-cured tobacco, types 11, 12, 13, 14; Kentucky-Tennessee fire-cured tobacco, types 22 and 23; Virginia fire-cured tobacco, type 21; Virginia sun-cured tobacco, type 37; dark air-cured tobacco, types 35 and 36; burley tobacco, type 31; and cigar filler and binder tobacco, types 42, 43, 53, 54, and 55. A referendum will be conducted for each kind of tobacco and the results will apply to each individual kind. A producer is eligible to vote in referenda for each kind of tobacco they produce.
(2) Farmers engaged in the production of tobacco. For purposes of the referenda, persons engaged in the production of tobacco includes any person who is entitled to share in a crop of the tobacco or the proceeds thereof because he or she shares in the risks of production of the crop as an owner, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper (a landlord whose return from the crop is fixed regardless of the amount of the crop produced is excluded) on a farm on which such crop is planted in a workmanlike manner for harvest: Provided, That any failure to harvest the crop because of conditions beyond the control of such person shall not affect his or her status as a person engaged in the production of the crop. In addition, persons engaged in the production of tobacco also includes each person who it is determined would have had an interest as a producer in the crop on a farm for which a farm allotment under the quota program (7 CFR part 723, subpart B) for the crop was established and no acreage of the crop was planted but an acreage of the crop was regarded as planted for history acreage purposes under the applicable Farm Service Agency commodity regulations of the Department of Agriculture.
(3) One vote limitation. Each person eligible to vote in a particular referendum shall be entitled to only one vote in such referendum regardless of the number of farms in which such person is interested or the number of communities, counties, or States in which farms are located in which farms such person is interested: Provided, That:
(i) The individual members of a partnership shall each be entitled to one vote, but the partnership as an entity shall not be entitled to vote;
(ii) An individual eligible voter shall be entitled to one vote even though he or she is interested in an entity (including but not limited to a corporation) which entity is also eligible to vote;
(iii) A person shall also be entitled to vote in each instance of his or her capacity as a fiduciary (including but not limited to a guardian, administrator, executor or trustee) if in such fiduciary capacity he or she is eligible to vote but the person for whom he or she acts as a fiduciary shall not be eligible to vote.
(4) Joint and family interest. Where several persons, such as members of a family, have participated or will participate in the production of tobacco under the same lease or cropping agreement, only the person or persons who signed the lease or agreement, or agreed to an oral lease or agreement, shall be eligible to vote. Where two or more persons have produced or will produce tobacco as joint tenants, tenants in common, or owners of community property, each such person shall be entitled to one vote if otherwise eligible. The eligibility of one spouse does not affect the eligibility of the other spouse.
(5) Minors. A minor shall be entitled to one vote if he or she is otherwise eligible and is 18 years of age or older when he or she votes.
(6) Interpretation. In the case of tobacco on a farm where no acreage of tobacco is actually planted but an acreage of the commodity is regarded as planted under applicable regulations of the Department of Agriculture, persons on the farm who it is determined would have had an interest in the commodity as a producer if an acreage of the commodity had been actually planted shall be eligible to vote in the referendum.
(b) Referenda procedures. See part 717 of chapter VII of this title for eligibility criteria and the procedures to be used in carrying out mandatory grading referenda. Where not inconsistent with this part, the definitions contained in parts 717, 718 and 723 of this title will govern administration of these referenda. A copy of the regulations in parts 717, 718, and 723 of this title, a referendum ballot, and voting procedures are available for review in any USDA Service Center.
§ 29.75 Accessibility of tobacco.
(a) All tobacco subject to mandatory inspection shall be made readily accessible for inspection.
(b)(1) Each warehouse operator shall block off in his warehouse adequate space for each basket of flue-cured tobacco offered for sale on the auction market, and shall prominently number each 10th basket space. The blocking and numbering arrangement shall follow the order of sale; that is, down one row and back on the adjacent row.
(2) Each warehouse shall display a plainly visible sign with the total number of baskets of flue-cured tobacco allotted to be sold each day. Each warehouse operator shall designate to the inspector the number of the starting space for each day’s sale and grading will begin at this designated space. All spaces, whether empty or full, shall be counted. No tobacco will be graded beyond the numbered space corresponding with the number of baskets allotted for each day’s sale. The grading shall proceed from the beginning point of the sale to the closing point of the sale in an orderly sequence. An inspector shall not go back and grade any basket of tobacco placed in a space which was empty when grading for the day’s sales passed such sales space.
(c) Before starting inspection of the day’s sale of flue-cured tobacco in each warehouse, the head grader or market supervisor grader shall determine if there is compliance with the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section. If he determines that the prescribed system has not been followed, the inspectors shall proceed to the next scheduled warehouse and shall return to the noncomplying warehouse on the next sales day for such warehouse when the head grader or market supervisor grader shall again determine if the prescribed system has been followed before starting the inspection.
(d) A reduction in daily sales for any warehouse resulting from noncompliance with this section, including empty spaces, shall not prevent the maximum number of baskets allotted per day per set of buyers from being sold in the market.
(e) Each receiving station operator shall make tobacco accessible to the inspector for proper examination including any necessary display in adequate light for determination of grade, class, type, or other characteristics.
§ 29.75a Display of burley tobacco on auction warehouse floors in designated markets.
(a)(1) Each lot of burley tobacco displayed for sale on auction warehouse floors shall have a minimum space of 24 inches from butts to butts between the rows. Distances between lots of tobacco within the row shall be no less than 8 inches between immediately adjacent lots.
(2) The number of bales on a pallet shall not exceed eight. Tobacco packed in bales shall have the stems turned toward the aisle.
(3) Each warehouse operator shall display a plainly visible sign showing the total number of lots of burley tobacco allotted to be sold each day. Such sign shall be displayed at the point of lots where the days’ sales will conclude and no additional tobacco shall be graded beyond that point.
(4) Each warehouse operator shall arrange his entire day’s sale in a continuous and orderly arrayed sequence of lots and rows of tobacco. Any arrangement of tobacco in rows of progressively varying lengths, or any deviations from an orderly arrayed sequence of lots and rows of tobacco, shall have prior approval of the Set Work Leader or Circuit Supervisor.
(5) Each warehouse operator shall designate to the Set Work Leader or Circuit Supervisor the starting point or lot for each day’s sale, and counting and grading will begin at this designated point and proceed to the closing point of the sale in an orderly sequence. All lot spaces, containing or not containing a lot of tobacco, and all lots of tobacco, covered or uncovered, shall be counted and included in the daily sales allotment. Lots of tobacco shall not be removed, added, rearranged, or substituted between the time they are counted for the day’s sale and the time they are graded for the day’s sale, provided, however, that with prior approval of the Set Work Leader or Circuit Supervisor compensating lots of tobacco may be substituted for empty spaces and covered lots included in a daily sales count.
(6) Each operator of a warehouse at which baled burley tobacco is offered for sale shall open the particular bale, in a lot of tobacco, chosen by a grader for inspection and reseal that bale after inspection.
(7) Each seller, by offering burley tobacco for sale, certifies that the lot inspected by a grader is representative of the grade of all the tobacco in that lot, that the leaf was stalk-cured, that the bales do not contain any foreign matter or material, and are not nested.
(b) Before starting inspection of the day’s sale of burley tobacco in each warehouse, the Set Work Leader or Circuit Supervisor shall determine if there is compliance with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section. If he determines that the prescribed requirements have not been followed, the inspector shall proceed to the next sale or sales as originally scheduled for that day and grade the number of lots of tobacco scheduled for such sale or sales, and shall return to the noncomplying warehouse on the next regularly scheduled sales day for such warehouse, at which time the Set Work Leader or Circuit Supervisor shall again determine if the prescribed system has been followed before starting the inspection. If noncompliance or failure to observe requirements of paragraph (a) of this section are discovered after inspection for the day’s sale has started, the inspector shall discontinue inspection and proceed to the next sale or sales scheduled for that day and shall return to the noncomplying warehouse on the next regularly scheduled sales day for such warehouse.
(c) The provisions of this section shall not preclude the application of other administrative remedies or the institution of criminal proceedings in appropriate cases as provided by the Act.
§ 29.75b Display of baled flue-cured tobacco on auction warehouse floors in designated markets.
Each lot of baled flue-cured tobacco displayed for sale on auction warehouse floors shall have a minimum of 30 inches from side to side between rows with the open side of the bale facing the aisles. Distance between lots of baled tobacco within the row shall be no less than 18 inches between immediately adjacent lots.
§ 29.75c Display of tobacco at receiving stations.
Each lot of tobacco delivered for sale at receiving stations and transferred to a conveyor system for unloading shall maintain a distance between adjacent lots of not less than 18 inches during the inspection process. The platform area used for examination with a conveyor system shall be a minimum of 4 × 4 feet. Any lots of tobacco displayed in a manner other than a conveyor system shall maintain a minimum clearance of 18 inches on all sides. If the tobacco is inspected or graded by the recipient, it shall be made available for mandatory inspection at the same time and location within the receiving station.
§ 29.76 Mandatory inspection ticket.
A mandatory inspection ticket shall consist of a Tobacco Inspection Certificate made and issued in combination with an auction warehouse ticket in a form approved by the Director.
§ 29.77 Warehousemen to provide tickets.
A mandatory inspection ticket, in the form required by § 29.76 shall be provided by each auction warehouseman on a designated market to cover each lot of tobacco offered for sale at auction by him on such market.
§ 29.78 Changes or alterations.
No change or alteration shall be made, in the weight or other identification of the lot, on a mandatory inspection ticket after the certification of type and grade by an official inspector, and any such change or alteration shall constitute and be construed as a change or alteration in the certificate issued or authorized under the Act.
§ 29.79 Disposition of ticket.
One copy of the mandatory inspection ticket shall be attached to, or placed on, the tobacco certificated as a further identification of the lot and all copies of such ticket shall become null and void when such identifying copy is removed from the lot. When and as requested by the Director, one copy of such ticket, showing (a) the certification of type and grade; (b) the weight and other identification; and (c) the details of the sale at auction, shall be delivered by the warehouseman to the Division or the head inspector of the market.
§ 29.80 Announcing grades.
The grade of each lot of tobacco as certified by an official inspector on a designated market shall be clearly announced by the warehouseman or his representative at the time the lot is offered in the auction: Provided, That the Director may waive the requirement of announcing grades in the auction if he finds it impractical for the warehouseman to render this service.
§ 29.81 Interference with inspectors.
(a) Auction. (1) No person, including the owner, producer, warehouseman, purchaser, agent, or employee thereof shall attempt, in any manner, to influence an inspector with respect to the grade designation of tobacco, or impede, in any manner, an inspector while the inspector is in the process of grading tobacco on the warehouse auction floor, or ask any question or discuss any matter pertaining to the grading of tobacco while the inspector is grading any tobacco on the warehouse auction floor. While inspectors are engaged in grading the day’s sale, all requests for information concerning the grade designation on or requests to review the grade of any lot of tobacco shall be made only to the head grader or to the market supervisor grader.
(2) In the event that the head grader or market supervisor grader determines that a person has violated any provision of this section, inspection ticket(s) if already issued on the lot(s) of unsold tobacco involved shall be null and void and no further inspection shall be performed on such lot(s) offered for sale by the warehouseman in whose premises the violation occurred until the next regularly-scheduled sale for such warehouse: Provided, That if violation consists of talking to the inspector while he/she is grading the tobacco, a warning shall be given on first offense and penalty provisions shall apply on any subsequent offense. A reduction in daily sales for any warehouse resulting from a violation of this section shall not prevent the maximum number of lots or pounds allotted per day per set of buyers from being sold in a designated market.
(b) Other. No person, including the owner, producer, receiving station operator, purchaser, agent, or employee thereof shall attempt, in any manner, to influence an inspector with respect to the grade designation of tobacco, or impede, in any manner, an inspector while the inspector is in the process of grading tobacco.
(c) Administrative remedies. The provisions of this section shall not preclude the application of other administrative remedies or the institution of criminal proceedings in appropriate cases as provided by the Act.
appeal
§ 29.90 When appeal may be taken.
Whenever an interested party believes that a certificate issued or a sample prepared under the act is not correct he may file an appeal: Provided, That (a) the period for which such certificate was issued or sample was prepared, if any specified, has not expired; (b) all tobacco covered by such certificate or sample is accessible to an appeal inspector for making a proper reinspection, resampling, or reweighing, and can be definitely identified by him as the tobacco covered by such certificate or sample; and (c) the tobacco has not deteriorated or undergone any material change.
§ 29.91 How to obtain an appeal.
An appeal shall be made in writing and filed with the Division or the office of inspection for the type of tobacco involved. Such appeal shall show:
(a) The date; (b) the name and post office address of the appellant and of the person, if any, making the appeal in his behalf; (c) the financial interest of the appellant in the tobacco; (d) the reasons for making the appeal; and such other information as may be required by the Director. The appeal shall be accompanied by the certificate or sample from which the appeal is taken, unless such requirement is waived by the Division when it is impracticable for the appellant to furnish such certificate. The appeal inspector may require the appellant to furnish any other relevant and necessary information for the proper consideration of the appeal.
§ 29.92 Record of filing time.
When an appeal is filed, the date and time of filing shall be recorded by the officer receiving it.
§ 29.93 When appeal may be refused.
If it shall appear that the reasons stated in an appeal are frivolous or unsubstantial or that the act or this subpart have not been complied with, the appeal may be denied or dismissed. When an appeal is denied or dismissed, the appeal inspector shall (a) notify the appellant by telegraph or in writing giving the reason for such denial or dismissal; (b) mail a copy of such notification to the Division; and (c) return or release to the appellant, or other person designated by him, any certificate or sample which was filed with the appeal. All expenses incurred in connection with an appeal prior to its refusal or dismissal shall be paid by the appellant, as provided in § 29.126.
§ 29.94 When appeal may be withdrawn.
An appeal may be withdrawn by the appellant at any time before an appeal certificate is issued or an appeal sample is prepared, upon the payment of any expenses incurred in connection with the appeal as provided in § 29.126.
§ 29.95 Review or second inspection not an appeal.
A review or investigation made in accordance with § 29.132, or a second inspection, sampling, or weighing made upon the request of an interested party for the purpose of securing new or later information when the correctness of an old certificate or sample is not questioned, shall not be considered an appeal.
§ 29.96 Order in which made.
Appeals shall be heard and passed upon, so far as practicable, in the order in which they are filed.
§ 29.97 Who shall pass upon appeals.
Appeals shall be passed upon by an appeal inspector designated for the purpose by the Director. When authorized, by the Director, two or more appeal inspectors may jointly pass upon an appeal. The Division may authorize an inspector, supervising inspector, or other person to act as an appeal inspector, but no appeal inspector shall pass upon an appeal involving the correctness of a certificate issued or sample prepared by him.
§ 29.98 Appeal findings.
Immediately after an appeal has been heard and the tobacco involved therein has been reexamined, an appeal certificate shall be issued or an appeal sample prepared by the appeal inspector. Such certificate or sample shall show the finding of the appeal inspector and shall be labeled “Appeal Certificate” or “Appeal Sample”, as the case may be, over the signature of the appeal inspector. An appeal certificate or sample shall supersede all other certificates or samples for the same lot of tobacco and shall refer specifically to the certificate or sample from which the appeal was made. In all other respects the provisions of this subpart relative to certificates or samples shall apply to an appeal certificate or sample. The findings of the appeal inspector as certificated shall be final, unless the Director shall direct a review of such findings.
§ 29.99 Superseded certificate or sample.
When superseded under this subpart by an appeal certificate or an appeal sample, such superseded certificate or sample shall become null and void and shall not thereafter be used to represent the tobacco described therein. If the original and the copies of the old certificate were not delivered to the appeal inspector for cancellation, the appeal inspector shall notify such persons or firms as he may consider necessary to prevent fraudulent use of any such null and void certificate.
inspectors, samplers, and weighers
Any persons who is not financially interested directly or indirectly in merchandising tobacco, except as a grower or except in disposing of tobacco previously acquired, and who has demonstrated his competency may be employed, licensed, or authorized to inspect, sample, or weigh tobacco. Licenses issued by the Secretary shall be countersigned by a supervising official of the Division. Licenses to inspect or to sample shall specify the type or types of tobacco which the licensee is authorized to inspect or sample.
§ 29.107 Order of providing service.
When tobacco is to be inspected, sampled, or weighed upon request, such services shall be rendered as far as practicable in the order in which applications were received. In conducting mandatory inspection, the inspection shall start at the beginning of the “break” in the auction warehouse where the sale is scheduled to start and the inspection shall continue in the order of sale on each warehouse floor and from warehouse to warehouse.
§ 29.108 Certificate issuance.
A certificate shall be issued as soon as practicable after any tobacco has been inspected or weighed for the purpose of the Act. A separate certificate shall be issued for each lot of tobacco inspected or weighed, except when a certificate covering two or more lots is specifically authorized by the Director. In case of a lost or destroyed certificate, a duplicate thereof may be issued under the same number, date, and name by an authorized supervising official. Any such duplicate certificate shall be plainly marked “Duplicate” above the signature of the supervising official who issued it.
§ 29.109 Inspection determinations.
The determination of type, grade, size, form, condition, or other tobacco characteristics shall be based upon a thorough examination of the lot of tobacco to be certificated or an official sample of such lot. The certification of a lot of tobacco shall be a true representation of the lot, or of the official sample, at the time of inspection.
§ 29.110 Method of sampling.
In sampling tobacco under the Act, at least three breaks shall be made at different points in the lot, and in the discretion of the sampler as many more breaks shall be made as seem necessary to show the range of the entire lot. From the breaks so made tobacco to be used in the official sample shall be selected. The official shall, so far as practicable, include tobacco of each quality, color, length, and other characteristics found in the lot in such proportions as would truly represent the lot. In case a lot is found to be damaged, nested, or in doubtful keeping order, the official sample tag shall be so marked. Official sample tags shall be attached to the sample, in a manner prescribed by the Director.
§ 29.111 Weight determinations.
Daily before weighing any tobacco for the purposes of the Act, a weigher shall verify the accuracy of the scales to be used by him. Except as may be otherwise specified by the Director, all weights certificated shall be within an accuracy of 1 pound.
§ 29.112 Proper light.
Tobacco shall not be inspected or sampled for the purposes of the Act except when displayed in proper light for correct determination of grade or other characteristics of tobacco. No tobacco shall be inspected or sampled for the purposes of the Act in the direct rays of the sun or by any artificial light which does not permit the inspector correctly to determine the grade or other characteristics of tobacco.
§ 29.113 Suspension and termination.
The license of an inspector, sampler, or weigher may be suspended, pending final action by the Secretary, by any official authorized to countersign licenses whenever he considers such action to be for the best interest of the service. The designation of an appeal inspector may be withdrawn at any time by the Division. Before the license of an inspector, sampler, or weigher is terminated or revoked pursuant to the Act and the regulations in this subpart, such appointee or licensee shall be furnished by the Secretary, or his designated representative, with a written statement specifying the charges, and within 7 days after his suspension, the licensee may file an appeal in writing with the Secretary supported by any evidence he may wish to offer in connection therewith.
fees and charges
§ 29.123 Fees and charges.
Fees and charges for tobacco inspection and certification service shall be collected by the Director to cover, insofar as practicable, all costs of the services, including establishment of standards, administrative, and supervisory costs, as follows:
(a) Mandatory inspection. For each year, AMS will calculate the rate for services, per hour per program employee as described in § 29.123(b) and (c). The fee shall be paid by sellers of tobacco and assessed against the warehouse or receiving station operator irrespective of ownership or interest in the tobacco. When the warehouse or receiving station operator pays the Department, it is presumed the fee was collected from the seller. Inspection and related services shall be suspended or denied if the warehouse or receiving station operator fails to pay the fees and charges imposed under this section. The fee shall be based on total poundage of tobacco inspected and sold during each calendar month. The fee shall be due and payable on the first day of the immediately following month and on the day immediately following the last sale each marketing year. Mandatory inspection and certification services shall take precedence over permissive inspections, other than reinspections.
(b) Domestic permissive inspection and certification—(1) Regular rate. The total AMS grading, inspection, or sampling program personnel direct pay divided by direct hours, which is then multiplied by the next year’s percentage of cost of living increase, plus the benefits rate, plus the operating rate, plus the allowance for bad debt rate. If applicable, travel expenses may also be added to the cost of providing the service.
(2) Overtime rate. The total AMS grading, inspection, or sampling program personnel direct pay divided by direct hours, which is then multiplied by the next year’s percentage of cost of living increase and then multiplied by 1.5 plus the benefits rate, plus the operating rate, plus an allowance for bad debt. If applicable, travel expenses may also be added to the cost of providing the service.
(3) Holiday rate. The total AMS grading, inspection, or sampling program personnel direct pay divided by direct hours which is then multiplied by the next year’s percentage of cost of living increase and then multiplied by 2, plus benefits rate, plus the operating rate, plus an allowance for bad debt. If applicable, travel expenses may also be added to the cost of providing the service.
(4) Applicability. The fees in paragraphs (b)(1) through (3) of this section shall be applicable for hogshead, bale cases, or sample inspections.
(c)(1) For each calendar year, based on previous fiscal year/historical actual costs, AMS will calculate the benefits, operating, and allowance for bad debt components of the regular, overtime and holiday rates as follows:
(i) Benefits rate. The total AMS grading, inspection, or sampling program direct benefits costs divided by the total hours (regular, overtime, and holiday) worked, which is then multiplied by the next calendar year’s percentage cost of living increase. Some examples of direct benefits are health insurance, retirement, life insurance, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) retirement basic and matching contributions.
(ii) Operating rate. The total AMS grading, inspection, or sampling program operating costs divided by total hours (regular, overtime, and holiday) worked, which is then multiplied by the percentage of inflation.
(iii) Allowance for bad debt rate. Total AMS grading, inspection, or sampling program allowance for bad debt divided by total hours (regular, overtime, and holiday) worked.
(2) The calendar year cost of living expenses and percentage of inflation factors used in the formulas in this section are based on the most recent Office of Management and Budget’s Presidential Economic Assumptions.
(d) Export permissive inspection and certification. The inspection and certification fee for export tobacco will be determined as described in § 29.123(b) and (c).
(e) Fees and charges fixed in accordance with this subpart shall be paid by the applicant or person obtaining the service in accordance with a statement rendered by the Division. A deposit to cover all, or a part of, fees and charges for services to be rendered may be required by the Division. Fees for services rendered shall be remitted by check or draft made payable to “Agricultural Marketing Service”, United States Department of Agriculture.
(f) Fees for special tests and services will be determined by agreement between the Deputy Administrator, Tobacco Programs, and the applicant or applicants for service.
§ 29.124 When application rejected or withdrawn.
When an application for inspection, sampling, or weighing is rejected in accordance with § 29.62, or withdrawn in accordance with § 29.63, the applicant may be required to pay a reasonable charge for the time used by an inspector, sampler, or weigher, and other expenses incurred in connection with such application prior to its rejection or withdrawal.
§ 29.125 Charge for appeals.
A charge of $5 shall be made for each appeal filed under § 29.90 and the fee for an appeal inspection, sampling, or weighing shall equal the fee for the original inspection, sampling, or weighing from which the appeal is taken, plus any charges for travel or other expenses incurred in hearing the appeal: Provided, That when a material error in the certificate or sample from which the appeal is taken is found by the appeal inspector the charge and fee shall be waived.
§ 29.126 When appeal refused or withdrawn.
When an appeal is refused in accordance with § 29.93 or withdrawn in accordance with § 29.94, the appellant may be required to pay a reasonable charge for the time used by the appeal inspector and other expenses incurred in connection with such appeal prior to its denial, dismissal, or withdrawal.
§ 29.127 Demonstrations and courses of instruction.
Charges, not in excess of the cost thereof, as may be approved by the Director, may be made for demonstrations, samples, or courses of instruction when such are furnished upon request.
§ 29.128 For certificates.
A charge may be made, in the discretion of the Director, for copies of certificates other than those required to be distributed in § 29.67, and for the issuance of a duplicate certificate in accordance with § 29.108.
§ 29.129 National Advisory Committee for Inspection Services.
(a) To assist the Secretary in determining the level of inspection and related services and the fees and charges therefore, a National Advisory Committee of tobacco producers shall be appointed in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. appendix I).
(b) The committee shall consist of 14 members and 14 alternates. There will be a flue-cured subcommittee, a burley subcommittee, and a fire and dark air-cured subcommittee.
(c) Recommendations to the Secretary for membership on the committee will be received from the following organizations: One from the Georgia Farm Bureau, one from the South Carolina Farm Bureau, one from the Virginia Farm Bureau, three from the North Carolina Farm Bureau, two from the North Carolina Grange, one from the Tennessee Farm Bureau, three from the Kentucky Farm Bureau, one from the Florida, Indiana, Missouri, West Virginia, or Maryland Farm Bureau, and one from the Wisconsin or Ohio Farm Bureau.
(d) The committee and/or subcommittees shall meet at the call of the Secretary.
miscellaneous
§ 29.131 [Reserved]
§ 29.132 Division investigations.
An inspector, sampler, or weigher, when authorized by the Division, may of his own initiative, or upon the request of an interested party, review for the purpose of verification or confirmation any tobacco which he has certificated, and any supervising official may review the work of any inspector, sampler, or weigher: Provided, That such review shall not be made if the ownership of the tobacco involved has changed since the date of certification, unless there is intimation or evidence of deterioration or of irregularities or fraud in connection with the certification or sampling. When such review discloses an error in the certification, the inspector, sampler, or weigher concerned, or supervising official shall immediately correct the error by making an appropriate change in the certificate or by canceling the certificate and issuing a new certificate in lieu thereof. Any correction made on a certificate shall be initialed by the issuing official or by the supervising official. When a new certificate is issued for a lot of tobacco, the old certificate and copies thereof shall become null and void and shall not thereafter be used to represent the tobacco described therein.
§ 29.133 Identification number.
The Director may require the use of official identification numbers in connection with tobacco certificated or sampled under the Act. When identification numbers are required, they shall be specified by the Director, and shall be attached to, or stamped, printed, or stenciled on, the lots of tobacco certificated or sampled, in a manner specified by the Director.
§ 29.400 Inspection, certification, and testing of imported tobacco.
(a) All tobacco offered for importation into the United States, including tobacco entering foreign trade zones, but excluding transshipped tobacco, oriental and cigar tobacco, shall be inspected for grade and quality. Tobacco subject to inspection shall be inspected at the point of entry.
(b) All flue-cured or burley tobacco, including stems, offered for importation into the United States, including tobacco entering foreign trade zones, but excluding transshipped tobacco, shall be accompanied by a pesticide and end user certification completed by the importer. Any flue-cured or burley tobacco that is not certified as being free of prohibited pesticide residues shall not be permitted entry into the United States until the Secretary has determined that the tobacco meets the pesticide residue requirements in these regulations.
§ 29.401 Definitions.
As used in §§ 29.400 through 29.500, the words and phrases hereinafter defined shall have the following meanings:
(a) Importation. Arriving within the territorial limits of the United States with the intent to unload.
(b) Importer. The owner of the tobacco at the time of importation or the owner’s successor in interest if the tobacco is sold prior to the completion of the requirements of §§ 29.400 through 29.500.
(c) Inspection certificate. An official written representation of a lot of tobacco made by an inspector and issued to an importer.
(d) Invoice. A writing on behalf of the importer that is used in commercial transactions of tobacco for selling, purchasing, shipping, or consigning.
(e) Lot. A unit of shipment of tobacco encompassed by a single invoice.
(f) Package. A hogshead, carton, case, bale, or other securely enclosed parcel or bundle.
(g) Packing list. A document itemizing each package covered by a single invoice listing, among other things, the kind of tobacco in each package, the net weight, and the marks and numbers identifying each package.
(h) Point of entry. The place at the port of entry or foreign trade zone where tobacco is unloaded from a carrier or unpacked from a container for the purpose of warehousing, manipulation, or manufacturing.
(i) Port of entry. Any place designated by Executive order of the President, by order of the Secretary of the Treasury, or by Act of Congress, at which a customs officer is authorized to accept entries of merchandise, to collect duties, and to enforce the various provisions of the Customs and Navigation Laws. The term “port of entry” incorporates the geographical area under the jurisdiction of the port director when such port is one other than a district headquarters port.
(j) Tobacco. Tobacco between the time it is cured and stripped from the stalk or primed and cured, in whole leaf or unmanufactured form, and the time it is utilized in product manufacturing. Conditioning, sweating, stemming, and threshing are not considered manufacturing.
(k) Transshipped tobacco. Tobacco that arrives within the territorial limits of the United States for the purpose of continuous transportation without being unloaded for warehousing, manipulation, or manufacturing, to a destination outside the territorial limits of the United States.
(l) Unload. To remove from a carrier at the port of entry or at a foreign trade zone.
(m) End user certification. A document issued by the Tobacco Division in a form approved by the Director containing a certification by the importer or subsequent purchaser to identify any and all end users of imported flue-cured or burley tobacco.
(n) Pesticide. Any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest, and any substance or mixture of substances intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant.
(o) Pesticide certification. A document issued by the Tobacco Division in a form approved by the Director containing a certification by the importer that flue-cured and burley tobacco offered for importation does not exceed the maximum allowable residue levels of any banned pesticide.
(p) Prohibited pesticide residue. The maximum concentration of residue allowable for a specific pesticide or combination of pesticides as set forth in § 29.427.
(q) Stems. The midribs or large central veins of tobacco leaves.
(r) Pesticide test sample. An official sample or samples, collected from a lot of tobacco by the Secretary of Agriculture for analysis by a certified chemist to ascertain the residue levels of banned pesticides.
(s) Sample Identification Form. A document approved by the Director that identifies and accompanies the sample to the testing facility on which the test results will be certified by a chemist in charge of testing.
(t) Subsequent purchaser. Any entity that acquires ownership of tobacco after importation.
(u) Testing. The chemical analysis of a pesticide test sample to determine levels of pesticide residues.
(v) End user. A domestic manufacturer of cigarettes or other tobacco products; an entity that mixes, blends, processes, alters in any manner, or stores imported tobacco for export; or any individual that the Secretary may identify as making use of imported tobacco for the manufacture of tobacco products.
(w) Reexported. Any imported tobacco not used to manufacture tobacco products that is subsequently exported.
(x) Blended. Tobacco that is combined or mixed into a uniform product.
(y) Leaves. Whole, undivided tobacco leaves containing lamina and stem.
(z) Strips. The sides (including portions of sides) of tobacco leaf from which the stem has been removed or a lot of tobacco composed of strips.
§ 29.402 Advance notice.
The importer shall notify, orally or in writing, the Raleigh Regional Office, USDA, AMS, Tobacco Division, P.O. Box 27846, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611, or the Lexington Regional Office, USDA, AMS, Tobacco Division, 333 Waller Avenue, Lexington, Kentucky 40504, of the date and location that tobacco subject to inspection under § 29.400 will be unloaded for warehousing, manipulation, or manufacturing. This notice shall be received at the Regional Office at least five working days prior to unloading the tobacco for warehousing, manipulation, or manufacturing.
§ 29.403 Accessibility of tobacco.
All tobacco subject to inspection under § 29.400 shall be made accessible by the importer for examination in a manner prescribed by the inspector. This includes providing proper lighting, removal of package coverings, and such other provisions as the inspector may deem necessary for inspection.
§ 29.404 Inspection.
The inspector shall review each lot of tobacco through a process of selective sampling in sufficient detail to allow an accurate determination of the types and grades contained in each lot.
§ 29.405 Inspection by submitted samples.
The Director, in lieu of onsite inspection, may approve submission by the importer of samples where time, geographical distance, or availability of inspectors prevent a timely onsite inspection, or where tobacco is classified as a “temporary importation under bond” as defined in 19 CFR 10.31 et seq. The importer shall certify that sampling was conducted in accordance with procedures approved by the Director. All tobacco inspected by submitted sample is subject to spot-checking at the discretion of the Director. Submitted samples shall be disposed of in a manner approved by the Director unless return of the sample is requested by the importer at the time of submission. Samples will only be returned at the importer’s expense.
§ 29.406 Import inspection certificate.
An import inspection certificate shall consist of a certificate issued by the Tobacco Division in a form approved by the Director. A certificate shall be issued to the importer as soon as practicable following the completion of inspection. A separate certificate shall be issued for each lot of tobacco. In case of a lost or destroyed certificate, a duplicate may be issued under the same number, date, and name by an authorized official. Duplicate certificates shall be plainly marked “Duplicate” above the signature of the supervising official who issued it.
§ 29.407 Disposition of import inspection certificate.
The inspector shall provide the importer with the original portion of the certificate and forward the first copy to the Director and the second copy to the appropriate Regional Office. The importer shall retain the original inspection certificate until the lot inspected has been sold, manufactured into products or exported from the United States.
§ 29.425 Submission and disposition of pesticide residues and end user(s) certification.
(a) Completion of certification: The importer shall complete a pesticide residue and end user(s) certification on a form approved by the Director for each lot of flue-cured or burley tobacco, including stems, offered for importation. If the importer is unable to identify the end user(s) or purchasers at the time of importation, an amended certification shall be executed within 30 days or at such time as the end user(s) or subsequent purchasers can be identified for any portion of the lot. Subsequent purchasers or end users so identified shall also complete an end user(s) certification until the tobacco is used in the manufacture of tobacco products or is reexported.
(b) Disposition of copies: The importer shall deliver the original and first copy to the inspector at the time the tobacco is inspected under the provisions of §§ 29.400 through 29.407. Subsequent purchasers or end users and importers submitting amended forms shall mail the original and first copy to Director, Tobacco Division, AMS, USDA, Washington, DC 20250.
(c) The information collection and recordkeeping requirements contained in this section have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of 44 U.S.C. chapter 35 and have been assigned OMB control number 0581-0056.
§ 29.426 Collection of pesticide test samples.
Any lot of tobacco not certified by the importer as being free of prohibited pesticide residues shall be sampled in sufficient detail to determine whether the lot conforms with the pesticide residue standards. Lots of imported tobacco certified by the importer shall be sampled on a random basis and tested to determine whether they conform with the pesticide residue standards.
§ 29.427 Pesticide residue standards.
The maximum concentration of residues of the following pesticides allowed in flue-cured or burley tobacco, expressed as parts by weight of the residue per one million parts by weight of the tobacco (ppm) are:
| CHLORDANE | 3.0 |
| DIBROMOCHLOROPROPANE (DBCP) | 1.0 |
| DICAMBA (Temporary) | 5.0 |
| ENDRIN | 0.1 |
| ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE (EDB) | 0.1 |
| FORMOTHION | 0.5 |
| HEXACHLOROBENZENE (HCB) | 0.1 |
| METHOXYCHLOR | 0.1 |
| TOXAPHENE | 0.3 |
| 2,4-D (Temporary) | 5.0 |
| 2,4,5-T | 0.1 |
| Sum of ALDRIN and DIELDRIN | 0.1 |
| Sum of CYPERMETHRIN and PERMETHRIN (Temporary) | 3.0 |
| Sum of DDT, TDE (DDD), and DDE | 0.4 |
| Sum of HEPTACHLOR and HEPTACHLOR EPOXIDE | 0.1 |
§ 29.428 Identification of sample for testing.
Samples of imported tobacco shall be identified by the inspector on a form approved by the Director. The original and first two copies shall accompany the sample to the designated testing facility. The remaining copy of the identification form will be sent to the Director. Upon the completion of testing the designated facility will complete the form and mail the original and one copy to the Director and retain one copy for their records.
§ 29.429 Disposition of imported tobacco exceeding pesticide residue standards.
Within 10 days of the receipt of test results from pesticide test samples, the Director shall notify the importer or entity responsible for the lot of tobacco of the test results. If the test results indicate that the lot or any portion of the lot contains prohibited pesticide residues, the Director will notify the importer or entity responsible for the affected tobacco and the appropriate U.S. Customs officials that the tobacco cannot enter the United States. The importer or other entity shall notify the Director in writing of the methods by which the tobacco will be disposed of and provide 5 days advance notice of time and place of final disposition. The Department will monitor the disposition procedures to verify that the tobacco has been accurately identified as to lot, kind, type, and grade.
§ 29.430 Appeals.
Appeals of test results for imported tobacco must be made in writing to the Director within 30 days from the receipt of notification. The statement must specify in detail the relief requested. The importer or entity requesting the appeal will bear the cost of any subsequent sampling and testing. Subsequent samples will be selected only from tobacco which is in the original package and from tobacco which has not been mixed, blended, or altered in any manner since the initial sampling.
§ 29.431 Handling of imported tobacco pending test results.
After an individual shipment of imported flue-cured or burley tobacco has been sampled, regardless of whether it is certified as being free from prohibited peticide residues, it must be kept in the original packages, and not be mixed, blended, manipulated, or altered in any manner, or moved, shipped, or transported from the point of entry until it has been determined that the tobacco does not contain prohibited pesticide residues.
§ 29.500 Fees and charges for inspection and acceptance of imported tobacco.
(a) The fee for inspection of imported tobacco will be determined as described in § 29.123 and shall be paid by the importer. This inspection fee applies to all tobacco imported into the United States except as provided in § 29.400. Fees for services rendered shall be remitted by check or draft in accordance with a statement issued by the Director, and shall be made payable to “Agricultural Marketing Service.”
(b) The fee for sampling, accepting, and certification of imported flue-cured and burley tobacco for prohibited pesticide residues will be determined as described in § 29.123 and shall be paid by the importer.
(c) The fee for accepting imported flue-cured and burley tobacco not accompanied by a certification that it is free of prohibited pesticide residues will be determined as described in § 29.123. Fees for services rendered shall be remitted by check or draft in accordance with a statement issued by the Director, and shall be made payable to “Agricultural Marketing Service.”
Subpart C—Standards
Official Standard Grades for Flue-Cured Tobacco (U.S. Types 11, 12, 13, 14 and Foreign Type 92)
definitions
§ 29.1001 Definitions.
As used in these standards, the words and phrases hereinafter defined shall have the indicated meanings so assigned.
§ 29.1002 Body.
The thickness and density of a leaf or the weight per unit of surface. (See Elements of Quality Chart.)
§ 29.1003 Class.
A major division of tobacco based on method of cure or principal usage.
§ 29.1004 Clean.
Tobacco is described as clean when it contains only a normal amount of sand or soil particles. Leaves grown on the lower position of the stalk normally contain more sand or dirt than those from higher stalk positions. (See Rule 4.)
§ 29.1005 Color.
The third factor of a grade based on the relative hues, saturations or chromas, and color values common to the type.
§ 29.1006 Color intensity.
The varying degree of saturation or chroma. Color intensity as applied to tobacco describes the strength or weakness of a specific color or hue. (See Elements of Quality Chart.)
§ 29.1007 Color symbols.
As applied to flue-cured tobacco, color symbols are L—lemon, F—orange, FR—orange red, R—red, V—greenish, K—variegated, KR—variegated red or scorched, G—green, GR—green red, GK—green variegated (may be scorched), GG—gray green, KL—variegated lemon, KF—variegated orange, KV—variegated greenish, KM—variegated (scorched) mixed, KD—variegated dark red, and LL—whitish-lemon.
§ 29.1008 Combination symbols.
A color or group symbol used with another symbol to form the third factor of a grademark to denote a particular side or characteristic of the tobacco. As applied to flue-cured tobacco, the combination symbols are XL—lug side, PO—oxidized primings, XO—oxidized lugs or cutters, BO—oxidized leaf or smoking leaf, GL—thin-bodied nondescript, GF—medium-bodied nondescript, LP—lemon (primings side), and FP—orange (primings side), KK-excessively scorched.
§ 29.1009 Condition.
The state of tobacco which results from the method of preparation or from the degree of fermentation. Words used to describe the condition of tobacco are: Undried, air-dried, steam-dried, sweating, sweated, and aged.
§ 29.1010 Crude.
A subdegree of maturity. Crude leaves are usually hard and slick as a result of extreme immaturity. A similar condition may result from fire-kill, sunburn, or sunscald. Any leaf which is crude to the extent of 20 percent or more of its surface may be described as crude. (See Rule 20.)
§ 29.1011 Cured.
Tobacco dried of its sap by either natural or artificial processes.
§ 29.1012 Damage.
The effect of mold, must, rot, black rot, or other fungus or bacterial diseases which attack tobacco in its cured state. Tobacco having the odor of mold, must, or rot is considered damaged. (See Rule 21.)
§ 29.1013 Dirty.
The state of tobacco containing moderate to excessive amounts of dirt or sand, or tobacco to which additional quantities of dirt or sand have been added. (See Rule 24.)
§ 29.1014 Elasticity.
The flexible, springy nature of the tobacco leaf to recover approximately its original size and shape after it has been stretched.
§ 29.1015 Elements of quality.
Elements of quality and the degrees used in the specifications of the Official Standard Grades for Flue-cured, U.S. Types 11-14, and Foreign Type 92 are shown in chart form. Words have been selected to describe the degrees of each element.
§ 29.1016 Excessively scorched.
As applied to flue-cured tobacco, the combination symbol “KK” when used as the third factor of a grademark denotes that a lot contains over 50 percent of unripe tobacco.
§ 29.1017 Finish.
The reflectance factor in color perception. Finish indicates the sheen or shine of the surface of a tobacco leaf.
§ 29.1018 Fire-killed.
Any leaf of which 5 percent or more of its surface has a set green color caused by excessive heat in the curing process. Any lot containing 5 percent or more of such tobacco may be described as fire-killed. (See Rule 23.)
§ 29.1019 Flue-cured.
Tobacco cured under artificial atmospheric conditions by a process of regulating the heat and ventilation without allowing smoke or fumes from the fuel to come in contact with the tobacco; or tobacco cured by some other process which accomplishes the same results.
§ 29.1020 Foreign matter.
Any extraneous substance or material such as straw, strings, rubber bands, grass, weeds, or an excessive amount of dirt or sand. (See Rule 24.)
§ 29.1021 Form.
The stage or preparation of tobacco such as stemmed or unstemmed.
§ 29.1022 Grade.
A subdivision of a type according to group, quality, and color.
§ 29.1023 Grademark.
A grademark normally consists of three symbols which indicate group, quality, and color. A letter is used to indicate group, a number to indicate quality, and a letter or letters to indicate color. For example, B3F means Leaf, good quality, orange color.
§ 29.1024 Green (G).
A color term applied to immature or crude tobacco. Any leaf which has a green color affecting 20 percent or more of its surface may be described as green. (See Rule 19.)
§ 29.1025 Greenish (V).
A color term applied to greenish-tinged tobacco. Any leaf which has a greenish tinge or a pale green color affecting 20 percent or more of its surface may be described as greenish. (See Rule 18.)
§ 29.1026 Group.
A division of a type covering closely related grades based on certain characteristics which are related to stalk position, body, or the general quality of the tobacco. Groups in Flue-cured, U.S. Types 11-14, and Foreign Type 92 are: Leaf (B), Smoking Leaf (H), Cutters (C), Lugs (X), Primings (P) Mixed (M), Nondescript (N), and Scrap (S).
§ 29.1027 Injury.
Hurt or impairment from any cause except the fungus or bacterial diseases which attack tobacco in its cured state, but which is not serious enough to be classified as waste. (See definitions of Damage and Waste; see also Rule 14.)
§ 29.1028 Leaf.
Whole, unstemmed leaf. Leaf, when applied to tobacco in strip form, shall describe the divided unit of a whole leaf.
§ 29.1029 Leaf scrap.
A byproduct of stemmed and unstemmed tobacco.
§ 29.1030 Leaf structure.
The cell development of a leaf as indicated by its porosity. (See Elements of Quality Chart.)
§ 29.1031 Lemon (L).
Yellow.
§ 29.1032 Length.
The linear measurement of cured tobacco leaves from the butt of the midrib to the extreme tip. Length, as an element of quality, does not apply to tobacco in strip form.
§ 29.1033 Lot.
A pile, basket, bulk, or more than one bale, case, hogshead, tierce, package, or other definite package unit.
§ 29.1034 Maturity.
The degree of ripeness. (See Elements of Quality Chart.)
§ 29.1035 Mixed color (KM).
Distinctly different colors of the type mingled together. (See Rule 16.)
§ 29.1036 Mixed Group (M).
This group consists of tobacco from three or more groups or two distinctly different groups which are mixed together in various combinations.
§ 29.1037 Nested.
Any lot of Types 11-14 tobacco which has been loaded, packed or arranged to conceal tobacco of inferior grade, quality or condition. Nested includes: (a) Any lot of tobacco which contains injured or other inferior tobacco, any of which cannot be readily detected upon inspection because of the way the lot is packed or arranged; (b) Any lot of tobacco which consists of distinctly different grades, qualities or conditions and which is stacked or arranged with the same kinds together so that the tobacco in the lower portions of the lot is distinctly inferior in grade, quality or condition from the tobacco in the top portion of the lot.
§ 29.1038 No-G.
A designation applied to a lot of tobacco which is offtype, semicured, fire-killed, smoked, oxidized over 10 percent, or has an odor foreign to the type. (See Rule 23.)
§ 29.1039 No-G-F.
A designation applied to a lot of tobacco that contains stalks, suckers, or foreign matter. (See Rule 24.)
§ 29.1040 No-G-Nested.
A designation applied to a lot of Types 11-14 tobacco which is classified as nested. (See Rule 27.)
§ 29.1041 Oil.
A soft, semifluid constituent of tobacco. (See Elements of Quality Chart.)
§ 29.1042 Offtype.
Tobacco of distinctly different characteristics which cannot be classified as Flue-cured, U.S. Types 11-14 or Foreign Type 92. (See Rule 23.)
§ 29.1043 Orange (F).
A reddish yellow.
§ 29.1044 Orange Red (FR).
A yellowish red.
§ 29.1045 Order (case).
The state of tobacco with respect to its moisture content.
§ 29.1046 Oxidized (O).
A term applied to tobacco that has deteriorated and turned black during the curing process. Any leaf of which 10 percent or more of its surface has been blackened during the curing process may be described as oxidized. Oxidized tobacco is also known as barn scald or barn rot. (See Rules 23 and 25.)
§ 29.1047 Package.
A hogshead, tierce, case, bale, or other securely enclosed parcel or bundle.
§ 29.1048 Packing.
A lot of tobacco consisting of a number of packages submitted as one definite unit for sampling or inspecting. It is represented to contain the same kind of tobacco and has a common identification number or mark on each package.
§ 29.1049 Papery.
A term used to describe thin-bodied, oilless tobacco usually associated with whitish-lemon color.
§ 29.1050 Prematurity.
A condition of growth and development characteristic of the lower leaves of the tobacco plant. Premature leaves have some appearance of ripeness due to a process of starvation caused by translocation of plant food elements from these leaves to other leaves higher on the stalk.
§ 29.1051 Quality.
A division of a group or the second factor of a grade based on the relative degree of one or more elements of quality.
§ 29.1052 Raw.
Tobacco as it appears between the time of harvesting and the beginning of the curing process.
§ 29.1053 Red (R).
A brownish red.
§ 29.1054 Semicured.
Tobacco in the process of being cured or which is partially but not thoroughly cured. Semicured includes tobacco which contains fat stems, swelled stems, frozen tobacco, frozen stems, or stems that have not been thoroughly dried in the curing process. (See Rule 23.)
§ 29.1055 Side.
A certain phase of quality, color, or length as contrasted with some other phase of quality, color, or length; or any peculiar characteristic of tobacco.
§ 29.1056 Slick.
A term used to denote tobacco having a close or tight leaf structure. Any leaf of lemon or orange color of which 20 percent or more of its surface is close or tight may be described as slick. (See Rule 17.)
§ 29.1057 Smoked.
Any tobacco affected by smoke or fumes in the curing process. (See Rule 23.)
§ 29.1058 Sound.
Free of damage.
§ 29.1059 Special factor.
A symbol or term authorized to be used with specified grades. Tobacco to which a special factor is applied may meet the general specifications but which has a peculiar side or characteristic which tends to modify the grade. (See Rules 10, 21, 22, 26, 28, 29, and 30.)
§ 29.1060 Steam-dried.
The condition of unfermented tobacco as customarily prepared for storage by means of a redrying machine or other steam-conditioning equipment.
§ 29.1061 Stem.
The midrib or large central vein of a tobacco leaf.
§ 29.1062 Stemmed.
A form of tobacco, including strips or strip scrap, from which the stems or midribs have been removed.
§ 29.1063 Strips.
The sides of a tobacco leaf from which the stem has been removed from a lot of tobacco composed of strips.
§ 29.1064 Sweated.
The condition of tobacco which has passed through one or more fermentations natural to tobacco packed with a normal percentage of moisture. This condition sometimes is described as aged.
§ 29.1065 Sweating.
The condition of tobacco in the process of fermentation.
§ 29.1066 Symbol (S).
As applied to Flue-cured tobacco the symbol (S) when used (a) as the third factor of a grademark, denotes slick, unripe tobacco in lemon or orange color, and (b) when used preceding a grademark, denotes tobacco in strip form. (See Rules 17 and 28.)
§ 29.1067 Tobacco.
Tobacco as it appears between the time it is primed and cured, and the time it enters into the different manufacturing processes. The acts of stemming, threshing, sweating, and conditioning are not regarded as manufacturing processes. Tobacco, as used in these standards, does not include manufactured or semi-manufactured products, stems, cuttings, clippings, trimmings, siftings, or dust.
§ 29.1068 Tobacco products.
Manufactured tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff.
§ 29.1069 Type.
A division of a class of tobacco having certain common characteristics and closely related grades. Tobacco which has the same characteristics and corresponding qualities, colors, and lengths is classified as one type, regardless of any factors of historical or geographical nature which cannot be determined by an examination of the tobacco.
§ 29.1070 Type 11.
That type of flue-cured tobacco commonly known as Western Flue-cured or Old Belt and Middle Belt Flue-cured, produced principally in the Piedmont sections of Virginia and North Carolina and the district extending eastward to the coastal plains region. That portion of this type known as Old Belt Flue-cured, normally characterized by a heavier body and darker color shade and produced principally in the Piedmont sections of Virginia and North Carolina, may be classified as Type 11a; and that portion of the type known as Middle Belt Flue-cured, normally characterized by a thinner body and lighter color shade and produced principally in a section lying between the Piedmont and coastal plains regions of Virginia and North Carolina, may be classified as Type 11b.
§ 29.1071 Type 12.
That type of flue-cured tobacco commonly known as Eastern Flue-cured or Eastern Carolina Flue-cured, produced principally in the coastal plains section of North Carolina, north of the South River.
§ 29.1072 Type 13.
That type of flue-cured tobacco commonly known as Southeastern Flue-cured or South Carolina Flue-cured, produced principally in the coastal plains section of South Carolina and the southeastern counties of North Carolina, south of the South River.
§ 29.1073 Type 14.
That type of flue-cured tobacco commonly known as Southern Flue-cured, produced principally in the southern section of Georgia, in northern Florida, and to some extent in Alabama.
§ 29.1074 Type 92.
That type of flue-cured tobacco commonly known as Foreign-grown Flue-cured, produced in countries other than the United States.
§ 29.1075 Undried.
The condition of unfermented tobacco which has not been air-dried or steam-dried.
§ 29.1076 Uniformity.
An element of quality which describes the consistency of a lot of tobacco as it is prepared for market. Uniformity is expressed as a percentage in grade specifications. (See Rule 13.)
§ 29.1077 Unsound (U).
Damaged. (See Rule 21.)
§ 29.1078 Unstemmed.
A form of tobacco, including whole leaf and leaf scrap, from which the stems or midribs have not been removed.
§ 29.1079 Variegated (K).
Any tobacco that does not blend with the normal colors of the types; any leaf of which 20 percent or more of its surface is grayish, mottled, bleached, doty-faced, scalded, or sunbaked. (See Rule 15.)
§ 29.1080 Variegated dark red (KD).
A dark brownish-red discoloration which usually results from excessive sunbaking during the growing process or from storing cured tobacco over extended periods of time. Any leaf of which 20 percent or more of its surface is dark brownish-red may be described as variegated dark red.
§ 29.1081 Variegated red or scorched (KR).
A red discoloration which usually results from excessive heat in the curing process. Any leaf of which 20 percent or more of its surface has been reddened in the curing process may be described as variegated red or scorched. (See Rule 16.)
§ 29.1082 Waste.
The portion or portions of the web of tobacco leaves which have been lost or rendered less serviceable for use in tobacco products, including:
(a) Portions which have decomposed or largely decomposed by field diseases and field-firing, pole-burning, bulk-burning; (b) portions which are dead, lifeless, and do not have sufficient strength or stability to hold together in the normal manufacturing process due to excessive injury of any kind.
§ 29.1083 Wet (W).
Any sound tobacco containing excessive moisture to the extent that it is in unsafe or doubtful-keeping order. Wet applies to any tobacco which is not damaged but which is likely to damage if treated in the customary manner. (See Rule 22.)
§ 29.1084 Whitish-lemon (LL).
A whitish-yellow color which usually results during wet growing seasons when rain leaches or washes out the yellow color from the leaf. Any leaf of which 20 percent or more of its leaf surface has whitish-yellow color may be described as whitish-lemon.
§ 29.1085 Width.
The relative breadth of a tobacco leaf expressed in relation to its length. Width, as an element of quality, does not apply to tobacco in strip form. (See Elements of Quality Chart.)
| Elements | Degrees | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maturity | Immature | Unripe | Mature | Ripe | Mellow. |
| Leaf structure | Tight | Close | Firm | Open | |
| Body | Heavy | Fleshy | Medium | Thin | |
| Oil | Lean | Oily | Rich | ||
| Color intensity | Pale | Weak | Moderate | Strong | Deep. |
| Width | Stringy | Narrow | Normal | Spready | |
| Length | ( 1 ) | ( 1 ) | ( 1 ) | ||
| Uniformity | ( 2 ) | ( 2 ) | ( 2 ) | ||
| Injury tolerance | ( 2 ) | ( 2 ) | ( 2 ) | ||
| Waste tolerance | ( 2 ) | ( 2 ) | ( 2 ) |
1 Expressed in inches.
2 Expressed in percentage.
elements of quality
§ 29.1101 Elements of quality and degrees of each element.
These standardized words or terms are used to describe tobacco quality and to assist in interpreting grade specifications. Tobacco attributes or characteristics which constitute quality are designated as elements of quality. The range within each element is expressed by the use of words or terms designated as degrees. These several degrees are arranged to show their relative value, but the actual value of each degree varies with group.
rules
§ 29.1106 Rules.
The application of these official standard grades shall be in accordance with the following rules.
§ 29.1107 Rule 1.
Each grade shall be treated as a subdivision of a particular type. When the grade is stated in an inspection certificate, the type also shall be stated.
§ 29.1108 Rule 2.
The determination of a grade shall be based upon a thorough examination of a lot of tobacco or of an official sample of the lot.
§ 29.1109 Rule 3.
In drawing an official sample from a hogshead or other package of tobacco, three or more breaks shall be made at such points and in such manner as the inspector or sampler may find necessary to determine the kinds of tobacco and the percentage of each kind contained in the lot. All breaks shall be made so that the tobacco contained in the center of the package is visible to the sampler, except for baled tobacco that is not opened for inspection (see Rule 30). Tobacco shall be drawn from at least three breaks from which a representative sample shall be selected. The sample shall include tobacco of each different group, quality, color, length, and kind found in the lot in proportion to the quantities of each contained in the lot.
§ 29.1110 Rule 4.
All standard grades must be clean unless otherwise noted by a special factor.
§ 29.1111 Rule 5.
The grade assigned to any lot of tobacco shall be a true representation of the tobacco at the time of inspection and certification. If, at any time, it is found that a lot of tobacco does not comply with the specifications of the grade previously assigned, it shall not thereafter be represented as such grade.
§ 29.1112 Rule 6.
A lot of tobacco on the marginal line between two colors shall be placed in the color with which it best corresponds with respect to body or other associated elements of quality.
§ 29.1113 Rule 7.
Any lot of tobacco which meets the specifications of two grades shall be placed in the higher grade. Any lot of tobacco on the marginal line between two grades shall be placed in the lower grade.
§ 29.1114 Rule 8.
A lot of tobacco meets the specifications of a grade when it is not lower in any degree of any element of quality than the minimum specifications of such grade.
§ 29.1115 Rule 9.
The use of any grade may be restricted by the Director during any marketing season when it is found that the grade is not needed or appears in insufficient volume to justify its use.
§ 29.1116 Rule 10.
Any special factor approved by the Director of the Tobacco Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, may be used to show a peculiar side or characteristic of the tobacco which tends to modify the grade.
§ 29.1117 Rule 11.
Interpretations, the use of specifications, and the meaning of terms shall be in accordance with determinations or clarifications made by the Chief of the Marketing Programs Branch and approved by the Director.
§ 29.1118 Rule 12.
In determining the grade of a lot of tobacco, the lot as a whole shall be considered. Minor irregularities which do not affect over one percent of the tobacco shall be overlooked.
§ 29.1119 Rule 13.
Degrees of uniformity shall be expressed in terms of percentages. The percentages shall govern the portion of a lot which must meet the specifications of the grade. (These percentages shall not affect limitations established by other rules.) The minor portion must be closely related, but may be of a different group, quality, and color from the major portion.
§ 29.1120 Rule 14.
The application of injury tolerance as an element of quality shall be expressed in terms of a percentage. The appraisal of injury shall be based upon the percentage of affected leaf surface or the degree of injury. In appraising injury, consideration shall be given to the normal characteristics of the group as related to injury.
§ 29.1121 Rule 15.
Any lot of tobacco containing 20 percent or more of variegated tobacco other than variegated red or scorched shall be described as variegated and designated by the color symbol “K,” “KL,” “KF,” “KD,” or “KV.”
§ 29.1122 Rule 16.
Any lot of ripe tobacco which contains 20 percent or more of variegated red or scorched tobacco shall be designated by the color symbol “KR.” Any lot of unripe tobacco which is under 20 percent greenish or green but which contains 20 percent or more of scorched tobacco, or any lot of tobacco which contains 20 percent or more of a color distinctly different from the major color shall be classified as mixed color and designated by the color symbol “KM”. Any lot of unripe tobacco in the C, or B groups which is under 20 percent greenish or green but which contains 50 percent or more of scorched tobacco shall be classified as excessively scorched and designated by the combination symbol “KK”.
§ 29.1123 Rule 17.
Any lot of lemon, or orange colored tobacco containing over 20 percent of slick tobacco shall be designated by the symbol “S” in the X, C, or B groups.
§ 29.1124 Rule 18.
Any lot of mature tobacco in lemon or orange color containing 20 percent or more of greenish tobacco, or any lot which is not green but which contains 20 percent or more of greenish and green tobacco combined shall be designated by the color symbol “V.”
§ 29.1125 Rule 19.
Any lot of tobacco containing 20 percent or more of green tobacco, or any lot which is not crude but contains 20 percent or more of green and crude combined shall be designated by the color symbols “G,” “GR,” “GK,” “GG,” or the combination symbols “GL,” or “GF.”
§ 29.1126 Rule 20.
Crude tobacco shall not be included in any grade of any color except green, green red, green variegated, gray green, or the combination symbols “GL,” or “GF” in the nondescript group. Any lot containing 20 percent or more of crude tobacco shall be classified as nondescript.
§ 29.1127 Rule 21.
Damaged tobacco which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a special factor grade by placing the special factor “U” after the grademark.
§ 29.1128 Rule 22.
Sound tobacco that is wet or in doubtful-keeping order but which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a special factor grade by placing the special factor “W” after the grademark.
§ 29.1129 Rule 23.
Tobacco shall be designated by the grademark “No-G,” when it is offtype, semicured, fire-killed, smoked, oxidized over 10 percent, has an odor foreign to the type, or is packed in bales which are not approximately 42 inches wide × 42 inches high × 40 inches long.
§ 29.1130 Rule 24.
Tobacco shall be designated by the grademark, “No-G-F,” when it contains stalks, suckers, or foreign matter such as straw, strings, rubber bands, grass, weeds, or an excessive amount of dirt or sand.
§ 29.1131 Rule 25.
Any lot of tobacco containing 10 percent or less of oxidized tobacco, except as provided in rule 12, shall be designated by the combination symbols “PO,” “XO,” or “BO.” Crude or green tobacco containing 10 percent or less of oxidized shall be grade “N2.”
§ 29.1132 Rule 26.
Tobacco that contains a moderate amount of dirt or sand, but which otherwise meets the specifications of any Primings grade, including the first quality Nondescript from the Primings group, shall be designated by placing the special factor, “dirt” or “sand” after the grademark.
§ 29.1133 Rule 27.
Tobacco in Types 11-14 shall be designated by the grademark “No-G-Nested” when it is nested.
§ 29.1134 Rule 28.
Tobacco in strip form which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a special factor grade by placing the special factor “S” preceding the grademark.
§ 29.1135 Rule 29.
Any lot of tobacco containing 25 percent or more of an adjacent group, which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a special factor grade by placing the special factor “M” preceding the grademark.
§ 29.1136 Rule 30.
Any lot of baled tobacco that is not opened for inspection but which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be graded by the exterior only.
grades
§ 29.1161 [Reserved]
§ 29.1162 Leaf (B Group).
This group consists of leaves normally grown at or above the midportion of the stalk. Leaves of the B group have a pointed tip, tend to fold, usually are heavier in body than the other groups, and show little or no ground injury.
Grades, Grade Names, Minimum Specifications, and Tolerances
Ripe, firm leaf structure, medium body, rich in oil, deep color intensity, spready, 20 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 90 percent; injury tolerance, 5 percent.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, medium body, rich in oil, deep color intensity, normal width, 18 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 85 percent; injury tolerance, 10 percent.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, medium body, oily, strong color intensity, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, medium body, only, moderate color intensity, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, weak color intensity, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, weak color intensity, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, rich in oil, deep color intensity, spready, 20 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 90 percent; injury tolerance, 5 percent.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, rich in oil, deep color intensity, normal width, 18 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 85 percent; injury tolerance, 10 percent.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, oily, strong color intensity, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, oily, moderate color intensity, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, weak color intensity, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, weak color intensity, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, rich in oil, deep color intensity, spready, 20 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 90 percent; injury tolerance, 5 percent.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, rich in oil, deep color intensity, normal width, 18 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 85 percent; injury tolerance, 10 percent.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, oily, strong color intensity, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, oily, moderate color intensity, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, weak color intensity, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, weak color intensity, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, heavy, lean in oil, weak color intensity, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, oily, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, oily, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance 15 percent.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Mature, firm leaf structure, fleshy, oily, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance 15 percent.
Mature, firm leaf structure, fleshy, oily, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Mature, firm leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Unripe, close leaf structure, heavy, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
Unripe, close leaf structure, heavy, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Unripe, tight leaf structure, heavy, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Unripe, tight leaf structure, heavy, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
Unripe, close leaf structure, heavy, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
Unripe, close leaf structure, heavy, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Unripe, tight leaf structure, heavy, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Unripe, tight leaf structure, heavy, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
Unripe, close leaf structure, heavy, normal width, 16 inches (40.6 cm) or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
Unripe, close leaf structure, heavy, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Unripe, tight leaf structure, heavy, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Unripe, tight leaf structure, heavy, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
Unripe, close leaf structure, heavy, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
Unripe, close leaf structure, heavy, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Unripe, tight leaf structure, heavy, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Unripe, tight leaf structure, heavy, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
Unripe, close leaf structure, heavy, normal width, 16 inches (40.6 cm) or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
Unripe, close leaf structure, heavy, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Unripe, tight leaf structure, heavy, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Unripe, tight leaf structure, heavy, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
Unripe, firm leaf structure, medium body, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 25 percent waste.
Unripe, firm leaf structure, medium body, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
Unripe, firm leaf structure, medium body, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 40 percent waste.
Unripe, close leaf structure, fleshy, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
Unripe, close leaf structure, fleshy, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance, 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Unripe, tight leaf structure, fleshy, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Immature, close leaf structure, fleshy, oily, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Immature, tight leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Immature, tight leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
Immature, tight leaf structure, heavy, lean in oil, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Immature, close leaf structure, heavy, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Immature, tight leaf structure, heavy, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Immature, tight leaf structure, heavy, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
Immature, tight leaf structure, heavy, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
§ 29.1163 Smoking Leaf (H Group).
This group consists of leaves normally grown at or above the midportion of the stalk. Leaves of the H group show a high degree of maturity, more open leaf structure in relation to the B Group, and a material amount of injury characteristic of very ripe leaf tobacco.
Grades, Grade Names, Minimum Specifications, and Tolerances
Mellow, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, strong color intensity, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
Mellow, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, moderate color intensity, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Mellow, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, weak color intensity, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Mellow, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, weak color intensity, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
Mellow, open leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, moderate color intensity, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Mellow, open leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil, weak color intensity, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Mellow, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, weak color intensity, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
Mellow, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, moderate color intensity, normal width. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Mellow, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, weak color intensity, narrow. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Mellow, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, weak color intensity, stringy. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
§ 29.1164 Cutters (C Group).
This group consists of leaves normally grown at or just below the midportion of the stalk. Leaves of the C group have a tendency to roll concealing the stem or midrib. Cutters usually have a rounded tip, are thin to medium in body, and show some ground injury.
Grades, Grade Names, Minimum Specifications, and Tolerances
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, oily, deep color intensity, spready, 20 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 90 percent, injury tolerance, 5 percent.
Ripe, open leaf structure, thin, oily, deep color intensity, spready, 20 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 85 percent; injury tolerance, 10 percent.
Ripe, open leaf structure, thin, oily, strong color intensity, spready, 18 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
Ripe, open leaf structure, thin, lean in oil, moderate color intensity, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Ripe, open leaf structure, thin, lean in oil, weak color intensity, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Unripe, firm leaf structure, thin (papery), lean in oil, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Unripe, firm leaf structure, thin (papery), lean in oil, normal width, 16 inches (40.6 cm) or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Prematurely ripe, open leaf structure, thin, lean in oil, pale color intensity, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, oily, deep color intensity, spready, 20 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 90 percent; injury tolerance, 5 percent.
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, oily, deep color intensity, spready, 20 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 85 percent; injury tolerance, 10 percent.
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, oily, strong color intensity, spready, 18 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance, 15 percent.
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, moderate color intensity, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, weak color intensity, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Prematurely ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, pale color intensity, normal width, 16 inches or over length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 30 percent, or which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, moderate color intensity, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Mature, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Unripe, close leaf structure, medium body, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Unripe, close leaf structure, medium body, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Unripe, close leaf structure, medium body, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Unripe, close leaf structure, medium body, normal width, 16 inches (40.6 cm) or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance, 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Unripe, close leaf structure, medium body, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Immature, close leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Immature, close leaf structure, medium body, normal width, 16 inches or over in length. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
§ 29.1165 Lugs (X Group).
This group consists of leaves normally grown near the bottom of the stalk. Leaves of the X group usually have a blunt tip and open face; they show some ground injury characteristic of the group.
Grades, Grade Names, Minimum Specifications, and Tolerances
Ripe, open leaf structure, thin, oily, strong color intensity. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Ripe, open leaf structure, thin, oily, strong color intensity. Uniformity, 75 percent; injury tolerance 25 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Ripe, open leaf structure, thin, lean in oil, moderate color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
Ripe, open leaf structure, thin, lean in oil, weak color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
Ripe, open leaf structure, thin, lean in oil, pale color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 40 percent waste.
Unripe, firm leaf structure, thin (papery), lean in oil. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
Unripe, firm leaf structure, thin (papery), lean in oil. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, oily, strong color intensity. Uniformity, 80 percent; injury tolerance 20 percent, of which not over 5 percent may be waste.
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, oily, strong color intensity. Uniformity, 75 percent; injury tolerance 25 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, moderate color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, weak color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, pale color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 40 percent waste.
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, moderate color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent, injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
Ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, weak color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
Mature, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
Mature, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
Unripe, close leaf structure, thin. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
Unripe, close leaf structure, medium body. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
Unripe, firm leaf structure, medium body. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
Unripe, close leaf structure, medium body. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
Unripe, close leaf structure, medium body. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
Unripe, close leaf structure, medium body. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
Unripe, close leaf structure, medium body. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
Immature, firm leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
Immature, firm leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 40 percent waste.
Immature, close leaf structure, medium body. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
§ 29.1166 Primings (P Group).
This group consists of round-tipped leaves from the lowest portion of the stalk. Leaves of the P group ripen prematurely as a result of starvation and show a material amount of injury characteristic of leaves grown close to the ground.
Grades, Grade Names, Minimum Specifications, and Tolerances
Prematurely ripe, open leaf structure, thin, oily, moderate color intensity. Uniformity, 75 percent; injury tolerance 25 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Prematurely ripe, open leaf structure, thin, lean in oil, weak color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
Prematurely ripe, open leaf structure, thin, lean in oil, pale color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
Prematurely ripe, open leaf structure, thin, lean in oil, pale color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 40 percent waste.
Prematurely ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, oily, moderate color intensity. Uniformity, 75 percent; injury tolerance 25 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Prematurely ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, weak color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
Prematurely ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, pale color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
Prematurely ripe, open leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil, pale color intensity. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 40 percent waste.
Immature, firm leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 30 percent waste.
Immature, firm leaf structure, medium body, lean in oil. Uniformity, 70 percent; tolerance, 40 percent waste.
§ 29.1167 Mixed (M Group).
This group consists of tobacco from three or more groups or two distinctly different groups which are mixed together in various combinations.
Grades, Grade Names, Minimum Specifications, and Tolerances
Ripe, firm leaf structure, heavy, lean in oil. Injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, heavy, lean in oil. Injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
Ripe, firm leaf structure, fleshy, lean in oil. Injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Unripe, close leaf structure, heavy. Injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Unripe, tight leaf structure, heavy. Injury tolerance 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
Immature, close leaf structure, heavy. Injury tolerance 30 percent, of which not over 10 percent may be waste.
Immature, tight leaf structure, heavy. Injury tolerance, 40 percent, of which not over 20 percent may be waste.
§ 29.1168 Nondescript (N Group).
Extremely common tobacco which does not meet the minimum specifications or which exceeds the tolerance of the lowest grade of any other group except Scrap.
Grades, Grade Names, Minimum Specifications, and Tolerances
§ 29.1169 Scrap (S Group).
A byproduct of stemmed and unstemmed tobacco. Scrap accumulates from handling tobacco in farm buildings, warehouses, packing and conditioning plants, and stemmeries.
Grade, Grade Name and Specifications
summary of standard grades
§ 29.1181 Summary of standard grades.
23 Grades of Leaf
| B1L | B1F | B1FR | ||
| B2L | B2F | B2FR | ||
| B3L | B3F | B3FR | B3K | |
| B4L | B4F | B4FR | B4K | |
| B5L | B5F | B5FR | B5R | B5K |
| B6L | B6F | B6FR | B6K |
10 Grades of Smoking Leaf
| H3F | |||
| H4F | H4FR | H4K | |
| H5F | H5FR | H5K | |
| H6F | H6FR | H6K |
10 Grades of Cutters
| C1L | C1F |
| C2L | C2F |
| C3L | C3F |
| C4L | C4F |
| C5L | C5F |
10 Grades of Lugs
| X1L | X1F |
| X2L | X2F |
| X3L | X3F |
| X4L | X4F |
| X5L | X5F |
8 Grades of Primings
| P2L | P2F |
| P3L | P3F |
| P4L | P4F |
| P5L | P5F |
6 Grades of Greenish
| B3V | X3V | |
| B4V | C4V | X4V |
| B5V |
20 Grades of Variegated
| B3KL | B3KF | B3KD | ||||||
| B4KL | B4KF | B4KD | B4KV | C4KL | C4KF | X4KL | X4KF | X4KV |
| B5KL | B5KF | B5KD | B5KV | |||||
| B6KL | B6KF | B6KD | B6KV |
7 Mixed Grades
| M4F | M4KR | M4KM | M4GK |
| M5F | M5KM | M5GK |
15 Grades of Green
| B4G | B4GK | C4G | C4GK | X4G | X4GK | P4G | ||
| B5G | B5GR | B5GK | B5GG | X5G | P5G | |||
| B6G | B6GK |
7 Grades of Variegated Mixed
| B3KM | X3KM | |
| B4KM | C4KM | X4KM |
| B5KM | ||
| B6KM |
6 Grades of Variegated Red or Scorched
| B3KR | X3KR | |
| B4KR | C4KR | X4KR |
| B5KR |
5 Grades of Excessively Scorched
| B3KK | |
| B4KK | |
| B5KK | |
| B6KK | |
| C4KK |
6 Grades of Slick
| B3S | X3S | |
| B4S | C4S | X4S |
| B5S |
4 Grades of Whitish-Lemon
| X3LL | C4LL |
| X4LL | C5LL |
2 Grades of Cutters (Primings Side)
| C5LP | C5FP |
13 Grades of Nondescript
| N1L | N1KV | N1GG |
| N1XL | N1GL | N1PO |
| N1K | N1GF | N1XO |
| N1R | N1GR | N1BO |
| N2 |
1 Grade of Scrap
| S |
Special factors “U” (unsound), “W” (doubtful-keeping order), “S” (strip), and “M” (mixed) may be applied to all grades. The special factors “dirt” or “sand” may be applied to any grade in the Primings group, including first quality Nondescript from the Primings group. Tobacco not covered by the standard grades is designated “No-G,” “No-G-F,” or “No-G-Nested.”
key to standard grademarks
§ 29.1225 Key to standard grademarks.
B—Leaf. H—Smoking Leaf. C—Cutters. X—Lugs. P—Primings. M—Mixed Group. N—Nondescript. S—Scrap. 1—Choice. 2—Fine. 3—Good. 4—Fair. 5—Low. 6—Poor. L—Lemon. LL—Whitish-lemon. F—Orange. FR—Orange red. R—Red. K—Variegated. KR—Variegated red or scorched. G—Green. V—Greenish. GR—Green red. GK—Green variegated. GG—Gray green. KL—Variegated lemon. KF—Variegated orange. KV—Variegated greenish. KM—Variegated mixed. KD—Variegated dark red. LL—Whitish-lemon. XL—Lug side. PO—Oxidized primings, XO—Oxidized lugs or cutters. BO—Oxidized leaf or smoking leaf. GL—Thin-bodied nondescript. GF—Medium-bodied nondescript. LP—Lemon (primings side). FP—Orange (primings side). KK—Excessively scorched. S—Slick.
Official Standard Grades for Virginia Fire-Cured Tobacco (U.S. Type 21)
definitions
§ 29.2251 Definitions.
As used in these standards, the words and phrases hereinafter defined shall have the indicated meanings so assigned.
§ 29.2252 Air-dried.
The condition of unfermented tobacco as customarily prepared for storage under natural atmospheric conditions.
§ 29.2253 Body.
The thickness and density of a leaf or the weight per unit of surface. (See chart, § 29.2351.)
§ 29.2254 Brown colors.
A group of colors ranging from a reddish brown to yellowish brown. These colors vary from low to medium saturation and from very low to medium brilliance. As used in these standards, the range is expressed as light brown (L), medium brown (F), and dark brown (D).
§ 29.2255 Class.
A major division of tobacco based on method of cure or principal usage.
§ 29.2256 Clean.
Tobacco is described as clean when it contains only a normal amount of sand or soil particles. Leaves grown on the lower portion of the stalk normally contain more dirt or sand than those from higher stalk positions. (See Rule 4, § 29.2395.)
§ 29.2257 Color.
The third factor of a grade based on the relative hues, saturation or chroma, and color values common to the type.
§ 29.2258 Color intensity.
The varying degree of saturation or chroma. Color intensity as applied to tobacco describes the strength or weakness of a specific color or hue. It is applicable to brown colors. (See chart, § 29.2351.)
§ 29.2259 Color symbols.
As applied to this type, color symbols are: L—light brown, F—medium brown, D—dark brown, M—mixed or variegated, G—green, GL—light green, and GD—dark green.
§ 29.2260 Condition.
The state of tobacco which results from the method of preparation or from the degree of fermentation. Words used to describe the condition of tobacco are undried, air-dried, steam-dried, sweating, sweated, and aged.
§ 29.2261 Crude.
A subdegree of maturity. Crude leaves are usually hard and slick as a result of extreme immaturity. A similar condition may result from fire-kill, sunburn, or sunscald. Any leaf which is crude to the extent of 20 percent or more of its surface may be described as crude. (See Rule 19, § 29.2410.)
§ 29.2262 Cured.
Tobacco dried of its sap by either natural or artificial processes.
§ 29.2263 Damage.
The effect of mold, must, rot, black rot, or other fungous or bacterial diseases which attack tobacco in its cured state. Tobacco having the odor of mold, must, or rot is considered damaged. (See Rule 20, § 29.2411.)
§ 29.2264 Dirty.
The state of tobacco containing an abnormal amount of dirt or sand, or tobacco to which additional quantities of dirt or sand have been added. (See Rule 22, § 29.2413.)
§ 29.2265 Elasticity.
The flexible, springy nature of the tobacco leaf to recover approximately its original size and shape after it has been stretched. (See chart, § 29.2351.)
§ 29.2266 Elements of quality.
Physical characteristics used to determine the quality of tobacco. Words selected to describe degrees within each element are shown in the chart in § 29.2351.
§ 29.2267 Fiber.
The term applied to the veins in a tobacco leaf. The large central vein is called the midrib or stem. The smaller lateral and cross veins are considered from the standpoint of size and color.
§ 29.2268 Finish.
The reflectance factor in color perception. Finish indicates the sheen or shine of the surface of a tobacco leaf. (See chart, § 29.2351.)
§ 29.2269 Fire-cured.
Tobacco cured under artificial atmospheric conditions by the use of open fires from which the smoke and fumes of burning wood are partly absorbed by the tobacco.
§ 29.2270 Foreign matter.
Any extraneous substance or material such as stalks, suckers, straw, strings, rubber bands, and abnormal amounts of dirt or sand. (See Rule 22, § 29.2413.)
§ 29.2271 Form.
The stage of preparation of tobacco such as unstemmed or stemmed.
§ 29.2272 Grade.
A subdivision of a type according to group, quality, and color.
§ 29.2273 Grademark.
A grademark normally consists of three symbols which indicate group, quality, and color. A letter is used to indicate group, a number to indicate quality, and a letter or letters to indicate color. For example, B3D means Heavy Leaf, good quality, and dark-brown color.
§ 29.2274 Green (G).
A term applied to green-colored tobacco. Any leaf which has a green color affecting 20 percent or more of its surface may be described as green. (See Rule 18, § 29.2409.)
§ 29.2275 Group.
A division of a type covering closely related grades based on certain characteristics which are usually related to stalk position, body, or the general quality of the tobacco. Groups in this type are Wrappers (A), Heavy Leaf (B), Thin Leaf (C), Lugs (X), Nondescript (N), and Scrap (S).
§ 29.2276 Injury.
Hurt or impairment from any cause except the fungous or bacterial diseases which attack tobacco in its cured state. (See Rule 16, § 29.2407.)
§ 29.2277 Leaf scrap.
A byproduct of unstemmed tobacco. Leaf scrap results from handling unstemmed tobacco and consists of tangled whole or broken leaves.
§ 29.2278 Leaf structure.
The cell development of a leaf as indicated by its porosity. (See chart, § 29.2351.)
§ 29.2279 Length.
The linear measurement of cured tobacco leaves from the butt of the midrib to the extreme tip.
§ 29.2280 Lot.
A pile, basket, bulk, or more than one bale, case, hogshead, tierce, package, or other definite package unit.
§ 29.2281 Maturity.
The degree of ripeness. (See chart, § 29.2351.)
§ 29.2282 Mixed color or variegated (M).
Distinctly different colors of the type mingled together, or any leaf of which 20 percent or more of its surface is off brown, grayish, mottled, or bleached and does not blend with the normal colors of the type or group. (See Rule 17, § 29.2408.)
§ 29.2283 Nested.
Any tobacco which has been loaded, packed, or arranged to conceal foreign matter or tobacco of inferior grade, quality, or condition. (See Rule 22, § 29.2413.)
§ 29.2284 No grade.
A designation applied to a lot of tobacco classified as nested, offtype, rework, semicured, or premature primings; tobacco that is damaged 20 percent or more, abnormally dirty, extremely wet or watered, contains foreign matter, or has an odor foreign to the type. (See Rule 22, § 29.2413.)
§ 29.2285 Offtype.
Tobacco of distinctly different characteristics which cannot be classified as Fire-cured, U.S. Type 21. (See Rule 22, § 29.2413.)
§ 29.2286 Oil.
A soft, semifluid constituent of tobacco. (See chart, § 29.2351.)
§ 29.2287 Order (case).
The state of tobacco with respect to its moisture content.
§ 29.2288 Package.
A hogshead, tierce, case, bale, or other securely enclosed parcel or bundle.
§ 29.2289 Packing.
A lot of tobacco consisting of a number of packages submitted as one definite unit for sampling or inspection. It is represented to contain the same kind of tobacco and has a common identification number or mark on each package.
§ 29.2290 Premature primings.
Ground leaves harvested before reaching complete growth and development. These leaves lack body and strength. (See Rule 22, § 29.2413.)
§ 29.2291 Quality.
A division of a group or the second factor of a grade based on the relative degree of one or more elements of quality.
§ 29.2292 Resweated.
The condition of tobacco which has passed through a second fermentation under abnormally high temperatures or refermented with a relatively high percentage of moisture. Resweated includes tobacco which has been dipped or reconditioned after its first fermentation and put through a forced or artificial sweat.
§ 29.2293 Rework.
Any lot of tobacco which needs to be resorted or otherwise reworked to prepare it properly for market, including: (a) Tobacco which is so mixed that it cannot be classified properly in any grade of the type, because the lot contains a substantial quantity of two or more distinctly different grades which should be separated by sorting; (b) tobacco which contains an abnormally large quantity of foreign matter or an unusual number of muddy or extremely dirty leaves which should be removed; and (c) tobacco not packed straight or otherwise not properly prepared for market. (See Rule 22, § 29.2413.)
§ 29.2294 Semicured.
Tobacco in the process of being cured or which is partially but not thoroughly cured. Semicured includes tobacco which contains fat stems, wet butts, swelled stems, or stems that have not been thoroughly dried in the curing process. (See Rule 22, § 29.2413.)
§ 29.2295 Semifired (SF).
Tobacco that is partially or lightly smoked or has not received the amount of smoke that is characteristic of fire-cured tobacco.
§ 29.2296 Side.
A certain phase of quality, color, or length as contrasted with some other phase of quality, color, or length; or any peculiar characteristics of tobacco.
§ 29.2297 Size.
The length of tobacco leaves. (See chart, § 29.2371.)
§ 29.2298 Sound.
Free of damage.
§ 29.2299 Special factor.
A symbol or term authorized to be used with specified grades. Tobacco to which a special factor is applied may meet the general specifications but has a peculiar side or characteristic which tends to modify the grade. (See Rule 10, § 29.2401.)
§ 29.2300 Steam-dried.
The condition of unfermented tobacco as customarily prepared for storage by means of a redrying machine or other steam-conditioning equipment.
§ 29.2301 Stem.
The midrib or large central vein of a tobacco leaf.
§ 29.2302 Stemmed.
A form of tobacco, including strips and strip scrap, from which the stems or midribs have been removed.
§ 29.2303 Strength.
The stress a tobacco leaf can bear without tearing. (See chart, § 29.2351.)
§ 29.2304 Strips.
The sides of a tobacco leaf from which the stem has been removed or a lot of tobacco composed of strips.
§ 29.2305 Subgrade.
Any grade modified by a special factor symbol.
§ 29.2306 Sweated.
The condition of tobacco which has passed through one or more fermentations natural to tobacco packed with a normal percentage of moisture. This condition is sometimes described as aged.
§ 29.2307 Sweating.
The condition of tobacco in the process of fermentation.
§ 29.2308 Tobacco.
Tobacco as it appears between the time it is cured and stripped from the stalk, or primed and cured, and the time it enters into the different manufacturing processes. The acts of stemming, sweating, and conditioning are not regarded as manufacturing processes. Tobacco, as used in these standards, does not include manufactured or semimanufactured products, stems, cuttings, clippings, trimmings, siftings, or dust.
§ 29.2309 Tobacco products.
Manufactured tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff.
§ 29.2310 Type.
A division of a class of tobacco having certain common characteristics and closely related grades. Tobacco which has the same characteristics and corresponding qualities, colors, and lengths is classified as one type, regardless of any factors of historical or geographical nature which cannot be determined by an examination of the tobacco.
§ 29.2311 Type 21.
That type of fire-cured tobacco, known as Virginia Fire-cured or Dark-fired, produced principally in the Piedmont and mountain sections of Virginia.
§ 29.2312 Undried.
The condition of unfermented tobacco which has not been air-dried or steam-dried.
§ 29.2313 Uniformity.
An element of quality which describes the consistency of a lot of tobacco as it is prepared for market. Uniformity is expressed as a percentage in grade specifications. (See Rule 15, § 29.2406.)
§ 29.2314 Unsound (U).
Damaged under 20 percent. (See Rule 20, § 29.2411.)
§ 29.2315 Unstemmed.
A form of tobacco, including whole leaf and leaf scrap, from which the stems or midribs have not been removed.
§ 29.2316 Wet (W).
Any sound tobacco containing excessive moisture to the extent that it is in unsafe or doubtful-keeping order. Wet applies to any tobacco which is not damaged but which is likely to damage if treated in the customary manner. (See Rule 21, § 29.2412.) (For extremely wet or watered tobacco, see Rule 22, § 29.2413.)
§ 29.2317 Width.
The relative breadth of a tobacco leaf expressed in relation to its length. (See chart, § 29.2351.)
elements of quality
§ 29.2351 Elements of quality and degrees of each element.
Tobacco attributes or characteristics which constitute quality are designated as elements of quality. The range within each element is expressed by words or terms designated as degrees. These degrees are arranged to show their relative value and are used in determining the quality of tobacco. The actual value of each degree varies with group.
| Elements | Degrees | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Body | Thin | Medium | Heavy. |
| Maturity | Immature | Mature | Ripe. |
| Leaf structure | Close | Firm | Open. |
| Oil | Lean | Oily | Rich. |
| Elasticity | Inelastic | Semielastic | Elastic. |
| Strength | Weak | Normal | Strong. |
| Finish | Dull | Clear | Bright. |
| Color Intensity | Pale | Moderate | Deep. |
| Width | Narrow | Normal | Spready Broad. |
Uniformity. Expressed in percentages.
Injury tolerance. Expressed in percentages.
sizes
§ 29.2371 Standard sizes.
1
| Inches | Size |
|---|---|
| 12-20 | 1 |
| 20-28 | 2 |
| Over 28 | 3 |
1 The application of sizes is governed by the major portion of the lot or package.
rules
§ 29.2391 Rules.
The application of these official standard grades shall be in accordance with the following rules.
§ 29.2392 Rule 1.
Each grade shall be treated as a subdivision of a particular type. When the grade is stated in an inspection certificate, the type also shall be stated.
§ 29.2393 Rule 2.
The determination of a grade shall be based upon a thorough examination of a lot of tobacco or of an official sample of the lot.
§ 29.2394 Rule 3.
In drawing an official sample from a hogshead or other package of tobacco, two or more breaks shall be made at such points and in such manner as the inspector or sampler may find necessary to determine the kinds of tobacco and the percentage of each kind contained in the lot. All breaks shall be made so that the tobacco contained in the center of the package is visible to the sampler. Tobacco shall be drawn from at least two breaks from which a representative sample shall be selected.
§ 29.2395 Rule 4.
All standard grades must be clean.
§ 29.2396 Rule 5.
The grade assigned to any lot of tobacco shall be a true representation of the tobacco at the time of inspection and certification. If, at any time, it is found that a lot of tobacco does not comply with the specifications of the grade previously assigned it shall not thereafter be represented as such grade.
§ 29.2397 Rule 6.
A lot of tobacco on the marginal line between two colors shall be placed in the color with which it best corresponds with respect to body or other associated elements of quality.
§ 29.2398 Rule 7.
Any lot of tobacco which meets the specifications of two grades shall be placed in the higher grade. Any lot of tobacco on the marginal line between two grades shall be placed in the lower grade.
§ 29.2399 Rule 8.
A lot of tobacco meets the specifications of a grade when it is not lower in any degree of any element of quality than the minimum specifications of such grade.
§ 29.2400 Rule 9.
In determining the grade of a lot of tobacco, the lot as a whole shall be considered. Minor irregularities which do not affect over 1 percent of the tobacco shall be overlooked.
§ 29.2401 Rule 10.
Any special factor symbol approved by the Director of the Tobacco Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, may be used after a grademark to show a peculiar side or characteristic of the tobacco which tends to modify the grade.
§ 29.2402 Rule 11.
Interpretations, the use of specifications, and the meaning of terms shall be in accordance with determinations or clarifications made by the Chief of the Standards and Testing Branch and approved by the Director.
§ 29.2403 Rule 12.
The use of any grade may be restricted by the Director during any marketing season, when it is found that the grade is not needed or appears in insufficient volume to justify its use.
§ 29.2404 Rule 13.
Length shall be stated in connection with each grade of the A, B and C groups and may be stated in connection with the grades of other groups. The standard tobacco sizes shall be used.
§ 29.2405 Rule 14.
The standard tobacco size 2 shall be used to designate X group tobacco of M or G color when such tobacco is 20 inches or over in length.
§ 29.2406 Rule 15.
Uniformity shall be expressed in percentages. These percentages shall govern the portion of a lot which must meet each specification of the grade. The minor portion must be closely related but may be of a different group, quality, and color from the major portion. Specified percentages of uniformity shall not affect limitations established by other rules.
§ 29.2407 Rule 16.
Injury tolerance shall be expressed in percentages. The appraisal of injury shall be based upon the percentage of affected leaf surface or the degree of injury. In appraising injury, consideration shall be given to the normal characteristics of the group.
§ 29.2408 Rule 17.
Any lot of tobacco of the B, C, or X groups containing over 30 percent of mixed color or variegated leaves or over 30 percent of mixed color and variegated leaves combined shall be classified as “mixed” and designated by the color symbol “M.”
§ 29.2409 Rule 18.
Any lot of tobacco containing 20 percent or more of green leaves or any lot which is not crude but contains 20 percent or more of green and crude combined shall be designated by the color symbols “G”, “GL”, or “GD”.
§ 29.2410 Rule 19.
Crude leaves shall not be included in any grade of any color except green, light green, or dark green. Any lot containing 20 percent or more of crude leaves shall be designated nondescript.
§ 29.2411 Rule 20.
Tobacco damaged under 20 percent but which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a subgrade by placing the special factor “U” after the grademark. Tobacco damaged 20 percent or more shall be designated “No-G.”
§ 29.2412 Rule 21.
Sound tobacco that is wet or in doubtful-keeping order but which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a subgrade by placing the special factor “W” after the grademark. This special factor does not apply to tobacco designated “No-G.”
§ 29.2413 Rule 22.
Tobacco shall be designated No Grade, using the grademark “No-G,” when it is classified as dirty, nested, offtype, semicured, premature primings, damaged 20 percent or more, extremely wet or watered or when it needs to be reworked, contains foreign matter, or has an odor foreign to type.
§ 29.2414 Rule 23.
Tobacco that is semifired but which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a subgrade by placing the special factor “SF” after the grademark. This factor does not apply to tobacco designated “No-G”.
grades
§ 29.2436 Wrappers (A Group).
This group consists of leaves usually grown at or above the center portion of the stalk. Cured leaves of the A group show a low percentage of injury affecting wrapper yield. Wrappers are high in oil, very elastic, and have a smooth leaf surface.
| U.S. grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| A1F | Choice Medium-brown Wrappers. |
| Medium body, ripe, firm, rich in oil, elastic, strong, bright finish, deep color intensity, broad, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| A2F | Fine Medium-brown Wrappers. |
| Medium body, ripe, firm, rich in oil, elastic, strong, clear finish, deep color intensity, spready, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| A1D | Choice Dark-brown Wrappers. |
| Heavy, ripe, firm, rich in oil, elastic, strong, bright finish, deep color intensity, broad, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| A2D | Fine Dark-brown Wrappers. |
| Heavy, ripe, firm, rich in oil, elastic, strong, clear finish, deep color intensity, spready, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. |
§ 29.2437 Heavy Leaf (B Group).
This group consists of leaves usually grown at or above the center portion of the stalk. These leaves have a pointed tip, tend to fold, are heavier in body than those of the X or C groups, and show no ground injury. Choice- and fine-quality leaves of this group have a distinctive, smooth leaf surface.
| U.S. grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| B1F | Choice Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, ripe, firm, oily, semi-elastic, strong, bright finish, deep color intensity, broad, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B2F | Fine Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, ripe, firm, oily, semi-elastic, strong, clear finish, deep color intensity, spready, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3F | Good Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, mature, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4F | Fair Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull-finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5F | Low Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B1D | Choice Dark-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Heavy, ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, strong, bright finish, deep color intensity, spready, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B2D | Fine Dark-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Heavy, ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, strong, clear finish, deep color intensity, spready, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3D | Good Dark-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Heavy, mature, firm, oily, semi-elastic, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4D | Fair Dark-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Heavy, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5D | Low Dark-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Heavy, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3M | Good Mixed Color Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength and width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4M | Fair Mixed Color Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5M | Low Mixed Color Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3G | Good Green Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, clear finish, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4G | Fair Green Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, immature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5G | Low Green Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, immature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. |
§ 29.2438 Thin Leaf (C Group).
This group consists of leaves usually grown at the center portion of the stalk. These leaves normally have a rounded tip, are thinner in body than those of the B group, and show little or no ground injury. Choice- and fine-quality tobacco of this group has a distinctive, smooth leaf surface.
| U.S. grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| C1L | Choice Light-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, strong, bright finish, deep color intensity, broad, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| Fine Light-brown Thin Leaf. | |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, strong, clear finish, deep color intensity, spready, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| Good Light-brown Thin Leaf. | |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4L | Fair Light-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| Low Light-brown Thin Leaf. | |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| Choice Medium-brown Thin Leaf. | |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, strong, bright finish, deep color intensity, broad, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C2F | Fine Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, strong, clear finish, deep color intensity, spready, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3F | Good Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4F | Fair Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5F | Low Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C2D | Fine Dark-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, strong, clear finish, deep color intensity, spready, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3D | Good Dark-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, firm, lean in oil, inelastic, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4D | Fair Dark-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5D | Low Dark-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature to ripe, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3M | Good Mixed Color Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength and width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4M | Fair Mixed Color Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5M | Low Mixed Color Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, immature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3G | Good Green Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, mature, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, clear finish, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4G | Fair Green Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, immature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5G | Low Green Thin Leaf. |
| Thin to medium body, immature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 60 percent uniform and 40 percent injury tolerance. |
§ 29.2439 Lugs (X Group).
This group consists of leaves that normally grow near the bottom of the stalk. These leaves usually have a blunt tip, tend to roll, and show ground injury.
| U.S. grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| X1L | Choice Light-brown Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, ripe, firm to open, oily, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X2L | Fine Light-brown Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, ripe, firm to open, oily, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3L | Good Light-brown Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, ripe, open, lean in oil, normal strength, dull finish, pale color intensity, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4L | Fair Light-brown Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, mature open, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5L | Low Light-brown Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X1F | Choice Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Medium body, ripe, firm to open, oily, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X2F | Fine Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Medium body, ripe, firm to open, oily, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3F | Good Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Medium body, ripe, open, lean in oil, normal strength, dull finish, pale color intensity, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4F | Fair Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5F | Low Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X1D | Choice Dark-brown Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, ripe, firm to open, oily, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X2D | Fine Dark-brown Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, ripe, firm to open, oily, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3D | Good Dark-brown Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, ripe, open, lean in oil, normal strength, dull finish, pale color intensity, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4D | Fair Dark-brown Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5D | Low Dark-brown Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3M | Good Mixed Color Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, open, lean in oil, normal strength, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4M | Fair Mixed Color Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5M | Low Mixed Color Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3G | Good Green Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, firm, lean in oil, normal strength, dull finish, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4G | Fair Green Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, immature, close, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5G | Low Green Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, immature, close, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. |
§ 29.2440 (N Group).
Extremely common tobacco which does not meet the minimum specifications or which exceeds the tolerance of the lowest grade of any other group except scrap.
| U.S. grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| N1L | First quality light colored nondescript, thin to medium body and 50 percent injury tolerance. |
| N1D | First quality dark colored nondescript, medium to heavy body and 50 percent injury tolerance. |
| N1GL | First quality light colored crude green nondescript, thin to medium body and 50 percent crude leaves or injury tolerance. |
| N1GD | First quality dark colored crude green nondescript, medium to heavy body and 50 percent crude leaves or injury tolerance. |
| N2 | Substandard Nondescript—Nondescript of any group or color, over 50 percent crude leaves or injury tolerance. |
§ 29.2441 Scrap (S Group).
A byproduct of unstemmed and stemmed tobacco. Scrap accumulates from handling tobacco in farm buildings, warehouses, packing and conditioning plants, and stemmeries.
| U.S. grade | Grade name and specifications |
|---|---|
| S | Scrap. Tangled, whole, or broken unstemmed leaves, or the web portions of tobacco leaves reduced to scrap by any process. |
summary of standard grades
§ 29.2461 Summary of standard grades.
| A1F | A2F | A1D | A2D | |
| C1L | C1F | |||
| C2L | C2F | C2D | ||
| C3L | C3F | C3D | C3M | C3G |
| C4L | C4F | C4D | C4M | C4G |
| C5L | C5F | C5D | C5M | C5G |
| N1L | N1D | N1GL | N1GD | |
| N2 | ||||
| B1F | B1D | |||
| B2F | B2D | |||
| B3F | B3D | B3M | B3G | |
| B4F | B4D | B4M | B4G | |
| B5F | B5D | B5M | B5G | |
| X1L | X1F | X1D | ||
| X2L | X2F | X2D | ||
| X3L | X3F | X3D | X3M | X3G |
| X4L | X4F | X4D | X4M | X4G |
| X5L | X5F | X5D | X5M | X5G |
| S | ||||
Special factors “U”, “W” and “SF” may be applied to all grades. Tobacco not covered by the standard grades is designated “No-G.”
| A1, A2 | 2, 3 |
| B1 | 2, 3 |
| B2, B3, B4, B5 | 1, 2, 3 |
| C1 | 2, 3 |
| C2, C3, C4, C5 | 1, 2, 3 |
| X3, X4, X5, M and G 1 | 2 |
1 No size is applied to these grades if tobacco is under size 2.
key to standard grademarks
§ 29.2481 Key to standard grademarks.
Official Standard Grades for Kentucky and Tennessee Fire-Cured and Foreign-Grown Fire-Cured Tobacco (U.S. Types 22, 23, and Foreign Type 96)
definitions
§ 29.2501 Definitions.
As used in these standards, the words and phrases hereinafter defined shall have the indicated meanings so assigned.
§ 29.2502 Air-dried.
The condition of unfermented tobacco as customarily prepared for storage under natural atmospheric conditions.
§ 29.2503 Body.
The thickness and density of a leaf or the weight per unit of surface. (See chart, § 29.2601.)
§ 29.2504 Brown colors.
A group of colors ranging from a reddish brown to yellowish brown. These colors vary from low to medium saturation and from very low to medium brilliance. As used in these standards, the range is expressed as light brown (L), medium brown (F), and dark brown (D).
§ 29.2505 Class.
A major division of tobacco based on method of cure or principal usage.
§ 29.2506 Clean.
Tobacco is described as clean when it contains only a normal amount of sand or soil particles. Leaves grown on the lower portion of the stalk normally contain more dirt or sand than those from higher stalk positions. (See Rule 4, § 29.2620.)
§ 29.2507 Color.
The third factor of a grade based on the relative hues, saturation or chroma, and color values common to the type.
§ 29.2508 Color intensity.
The varying degree of saturation or chroma. Color intensity as applied to tobacco describes the strength or weakness of a specific color or hue. It is applicable to brown colors. (See chart, § 29.2601.)
§ 29.2509 Color symbols.
As applied to these types, color symbols are L—light brown, F—medium brown, D—dark brown, M—mixed or variegated VF—greenish medium brown, and G—green.
§ 29.2510 Condition.
The state of tobacco which results from the method of preparation or from the degree of fermentation. Words used to describe the condition of tobacco are undried, air-dried, steam-dried, sweating, sweated, and aged.
§ 29.2511 Crude.
A subdegree of maturity. Crude leaves are usually hard and slick as a result of extreme immaturity. A similar condition may result from firekill, sunburn, or sunscald. Any leaf which is crude to the extent of 20 percent or more of its surface may be described as crude. (See Rule 19, § 29.2635.)
§ 29.2512 Cured.
Tobacco dried of its sap by either natural or artificial processes.
§ 29.2513 Damage.
The effect of mold, must, rot, black rot, or other fungus or bacterial diseases which attack tobacco in its cured state. Tobacco having the odor of mold, must, or rot is considered damaged. (See Rule 20, § 29.2636.)
§ 29.2514 Dirty.
The state of tobacco containing an abnormal amount of dirt or sand, or tobacco to which additional quantities of dirt or sand have been added. (See Rule 22, § 29.2638.)
§ 29.2515 Elasticity.
The flexible, springy nature of the tobacco leaf to recover approximately its original size and shape after it has been stretched. (See chart, § 29.2601.)
§ 29.2516 Elements of quality.
Physical characteristics used to determine the quality of tobacco. Words selected to describe degrees within each element are shown in the chart in § 29.2601.
§ 29.2517 Fiber.
The term applied to the veins in a tobacco leaf. The large central vein is called the midrib or stem. The smaller lateral and cross veins are considered from the standpoint of size and color.
§ 29.2518 Finish.
The reflectance factor in color perception. Finish indicates the sheen or shine of the surface of a tobacco leaf. (See chart, § 29.2601.)
§ 29.2519 Fire-cured.
Tobacco cured under artificial atmospheric conditions by the use of open fires from which the smoke and fumes of burning wood are partly absorbed by the tobacco.
§ 29.2520 Foreign matter.
Any extraneous substance or material such as stalks, suckers, straw, strings, rubber bands, and abnormal amounts of dirt or sand. (See Rule 22, § 29.2638.)
§ 29.2521 Form.
The stage of preparation of tobacco such as unstemmed or stemmed.
§ 29.2522 Grade.
A subdivision of a type according to group, quality, and color.
§ 29.2523 Grademark.
A grademark normally consists of three symbols which indicate group, quality, and color. A letter is used to indicate group, a number to indicate quality, and a letter or letters to indicate color. For example, B3D means Heavy Leaf, good quality, and dark-brown color.
§ 29.2524 Green (G).
A term applied to green-colored tobacco. Any leaf which has a green color affecting 20 percent or more of its surface may be described as green. (See Rule 18, § 29.2634.)
§ 29.2525 Greenish.
A term applied to greenish-tinged tobacco. Any leaf which has a greenish tinge or a pale green color affecting 20 percent or more of its surface may be described as greenish. (See Rule 17, § 29.2633.)
§ 29.2526 Group.
A division of a type covering closely related grades based on certain characteristics which are usually related to stalk position, body, or the general quality of the tobacco. Groups in these types are Wrappers (A), Heavy Leaf (B), Thin Leaf (C), Lugs (X), Nondescript (N), and Scrap (S).
§ 29.2527 Injury.
Hurt or impairment from any cause except the fungous or bacterial diseases which attack tobacco in its cured state. (See Rule 15, § 29.2631.)
§ 29.2528 Leaf.
Whole, unstemmed leaf. Leaf, when applied to tobacco in strip form, shall describe the divided unit of a whole leaf.
§ 29.2529 Leaf scrap.
A byproduct of unstemmed tobacco. Leaf scrap results from handling unstemmed tobacco and consists of loose and tangled whole or broken leaves.
§ 29.2530 Leaf structure.
The cell development of a leaf as indicated by its porosity. (See chart, § 29.2601.)
§ 29.2531 Length.
The linear measurement of cured tobacco leaves from the butt of the midrib to the extreme tip.
§ 29.2532 Lot.
A pile, basket, bulk, or more than one bale, case, hogshead, tierce, package, or other definite package unit.
§ 29.2533 Maturity.
The degree of ripeness. (See chart, § 29.2601.)
§ 29.2534 Mixed color or variegated (M).
Distinctly different colors of the type mingled together, or any leaf of which 20 percent or more of its surface is off brown, grayish, mottled, or bleached and does not blend with the normal colors of the type or group. (See Rule 16, § 29.2632.)
§ 29.2535 Nested.
Any lots of Types 22 and 23 tobacco which has been loaded, packed, or arranged to conceal foreign matter or tobacco of inferior grade, quality, or condition. (See Rule 22, § 29.2638.)
§ 29.2536 No grade.
A designation applied to a lot of tobacco classified as nested, offtype, rework, or semicured; tobacco that is damaged 20 percent or more, abnormally dirty, extremely wet or watered, contains foreign matter, or has an odor foreign to the type. (See Rule 22, § 29.2638.)
§ 29.2537 Offtype.
Tobacco of distinctly different characteristics which cannot be classified as Fire-cured, U.S. Types 22, 23, or Foreign Type 96. (See Rule 22, § 29.2638.)
§ 29.2538 Oil.
A soft, semifluid constituent of tobacco. (See chart, § 29.2601.)
§ 29.2539 Order (case).
The state of tobacco with respect to its moisture content.
§ 29.2540 Package.
A hogshead, tierce, case, bale, or other securely enclosed parcel or bundle.
§ 29.2541 Packing.
A lot of tobacco consisting of a number of packages submitted as one definite unit for sampling or inspection. It is represented to contain the same kind of tobacco and has a common identification number or mark on each package.
§ 29.2542 Quality.
A division of a group or the second factor of a grade based on the relative degree of one or more elements of quality.
§ 29.2543 Raw.
Freshly harvested tobacco or tobacco as it appears between the time of harvesting and the beginning of the curing process.
§ 29.2544 Resweated.
The condition of tobacco which has passed through a second fermentation under abnormally high temperatures or refermented with a relatively high percentage of moisture. Resweated includes tobacco which has been dipped or reconditioned after its first fermentation and put through a forced or artificial sweat.
§ 29.2545 Rework.
Any lot of Types 22 and 23 tobacco which needs to be resorted or otherwise reworked to prepare it properly for market, including: (a) Tobacco which is so mixed that it cannot be classified properly in any grade of the type, because the lot contains a substantial quantity of two or more distinctly different grades which should be separated by sorting; (b) tobacco which contains an abnormally large quantity of foreign matter or an unusual number of muddy or extremely dirty leaves which should be removed; and (c) tobacco not packed straight or otherwise not properly prepared for market. (See Rule 22, § 29.2638.)
§ 29.2546 Semicured.
Tobacco in the process of being cured or which is partially but not thoroughly cured. (See Rule 22, § 29.2638.)
§ 29.2547 Semifired (SF).
Tobacco that is partially or lightly smoked or has not received the amount of smoke that is characteristic of fire-cured tobacco.
§ 29.2548 Side.
A certain phase of quality, color, or length as contrasted with some other phase of quality, color, or length; or any peculiar characteristic of tobacco.
§ 29.2549 Size.
The length of tobacco leaves. Size does not apply to tobacco in strip form. (See chart, § 29.2606.)
§ 29.2550 Sound.
Free of damage.
§ 29.2551 Special factor.
A symbol or term authorized to be used with specified grades. Tobacco to which a special factor is applied may meet the general specifications but has a peculiar side or characteristic which tends to modify the grade. (See Rule 10, § 29.2626.)
§ 29.2552 Steam-dried.
The condition of unfermented tobacco as customarily prepared for storage by means of a redrying machine or other steam-conditioning equipment.
§ 29.2553 Stem.
The midrib or large central vein of a tobacco leaf.
§ 29.2554 Stemmed.
A form of tobacco, including strips and strip scrap, from which the stems or midribs have been removed.
§ 29.2555 Strength.
The stress a tobacco leaf can bear without tearing. (See chart, § 29.2601.)
§ 29.2556 Strips.
The sides of a tobacco leaf from which the stem has been removed or a lot of tobacco composed of strips.
§ 29.2557 Subgrade.
Any grade modified by a special factor symbol.
§ 29.2558 Sweated.
The condition of tobacco, which has passed through one or more fermentations natural to tobacco packed with a normal percentage of moisture. This condition is sometimes described as aged.
§ 29.2559 Sweating.
The condition of tobacco in the process of fermentation.
§ 29.2560 Tobacco.
Tobacco as it appears between the time it is cured and stripped from the stalk, or primed and cured, and the time it enters into the different manufacturing processes. The acts of stemming, threshing, sweating, and conditioning are not regarded as manufacturing processes. Tobacco, as used in these standards, does not include manufactured or semimanufactured products, stems, cutting, clippings, trimmings, siftings, or dust.
§ 29.2561 Tobacco products.
Manufactured tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff.
§ 29.2562 Type.
A division of a class of tobacco having certain common characteristics and closely related grades. Tobacco which has the same characteristics and corresponding qualities, colors, and lengths is classified as one type, regardless of any factors of historical or geographical nature which cannot be determined by an examination of the tobacco.
§ 29.2563 Type 22.
That type of Fire-cured tobacco, known as Eastern District Fire-cured, produced principally in a section east of the Tennessee River in southern Kentucky and northern Tennessee.
§ 29.2564 Type 23.
That type of Fire-cured tobacco, known as Western District Fire-cured or Dark-fired, produced principally in a section west of the Tennessee River in Kentucky and extending into Tennessee.
§ 29.2565 Type 96.
That type of fire-cured tobacco known as Foreign-grown Fire-cured produced in countries other than the United States.
§ 29.2566 Undried.
The condition of unfermented tobacco which has not been air-dried or steam-dried.
§ 29.2567 Uniformity.
An element of quality which describes the consistency of a lot of tobacco as it is prepared for market. Uniformity is expressed as a percentage in grade specifications. (See Rule 14, § 29.2630.)
§ 29.2568 Unsound (U).
Damaged under 20 percent. (See Rule 20, § 29.2636.)
§ 29.2569 Unstemmed.
A form of tobacco, including whole leaf and leaf scrap, from which the stems or midribs have not been removed.
§ 29.2570 Wet (W).
Any sound tobacco containing excessive moisture to the extent that it is in unsafe or doubtful-keeping order. Wet applies to any tobacco which is not damaged but which is likely to damage if treated in the customary manner. (See Rule 21, § 29.2637.) (For extremely wet or watered tobacco, see rule 22, § 29.2638.)
§ 29.2571 Width.
The relative breadth of a tobacco leaf expressed in relation to its length. Width, as an element of quality, does not apply to tobacco in strip form. (See chart, § 29.2601.)
elements of quality
§ 29.2601 Elements of quality and degrees of each element.
Tobacco attributes or characteristics which constitute quality are designated as elements of quality. The range within each element is expressed by words or terms designated as degrees. These degrees are arranged to show their relative value and are used in determining the quality of tobacco. The actual value of each degree varies with group.
| Elements | Degrees | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Body | Thin | Medium | Heavy. |
| Maturity | Immature | Mature | Ripe. |
| Leaf structure | Close | Firm | Open. |
| Oil | Lean | Oily | Rich. |
| Elasticity | Inelastic | Semielastic | Elastic. |
| Strength | Weak | Normal | Strong. |
| Finish | Dull | Clear | Bright. |
| Color intensity | Pale | Moderate | Deep. |
| Width | Narrow | Normal | Spready. |
| Uniformity……Expressed in percentages. | |||
| Injury tolerance…Expressed in percentages. | |||
Sizes
§ 29.2606 Standard sizes.
1
| Inches | Size |
|---|---|
| 12-20 | 1 |
| 20-28 | 2 |
| Over 28 | 3 |
1 The application of sizes is governed by the major portion of the lot or package.
Rules
§ 29.2616 Rules.
The application of these official standard grades shall be in accordance with §§ 29.2617 through 29.2639.
§ 29.2617 Rule 1.
Each grade shall be treated as a subdivision of a particular type. When the grade is stated in an inspection certificate, the type also shall be stated.
§ 29.2618 Rule 2.
The determination of a grade shall be based upon a thorough examination of a lot of tobacco or of an official sample of the lot.
§ 29.2619 Rule 3.
In drawing an official sample from a hogshead or other package of tobacco, two or more breaks shall be made at such points and in such manner as the inspector or sampler may find necessary to determine the kinds of tobacco and the percentage of each kind contained in the lot. All breaks shall be made so that the tobacco contained in the center of the package is visible to the sampler. Tobacco shall be drawn from at least two breaks from which a representative sample shall be selected.
§ 29.2620 Rule 4.
All standard grades must be clean.
§ 29.2621 Rule 5.
The grade assigned to any lot of tobacco shall be a true representation of the tobacco at the time of inspection and certification. If, at any time, it is found that a lot of tobacco does not comply with the specifications of the grade previously assigned it shall not thereafter be represented as such grade.
§ 29.2622 Rule 6.
A lot of tobacco on the marginal line between two colors shall be placed in the color with which it best corresponds with respect to body or other associated elements of quality.
§ 29.2623 Rule 7.
Any lot of tobacco which meets the specifications of two grades shall be placed in the higher grade. Any lot of tobacco on the marginal line between two grades shall be placed in the lower grade.
§ 29.2624 Rule 8.
A lot of tobacco meets the specifications of a grade when it is not lower in any degree of any element of quality than the minimum specifications of such grade.
§ 29.2625 Rule 9.
In determining the grade of a lot of tobacco, the lot as a whole shall be considered. Minor irregularities which do not affect over one percent of the tobacco shall be overlooked.
§ 29.2626 Rule 10.
Any special factor approved by the Director of the Tobacco Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, may be used to show a peculiar side or characteristic of the tobacco which tends to modify the grade.
§ 29.2627 Rule 11.
Interpretations, the use of specifications, and the meaning of terms shall be in accordance with determinations or clarifications made by the Chief of the Standards and Testing Branch and approved by the Director.
§ 29.2628 Rule 12.
The use of any grade may be restricted by the Director during any marketing season, when it is found that the grade is not needed or appears in insufficient volume to justify its use.
§ 29.2629 Rule 13.
Length shall be stated in connection with each grade of the A, B, and C groups, except strip grades, and may be stated in connection with the grades of other groups. The standard tobacco sizes shall be used.
§ 29.2630 Rule 14.
Uniformity shall be expressed in percentages. These percentages shall govern the portion of a lot which must meet each specification of the grade. The minor portion must be closely related but may be of a different group, quality, and color from the major portion. Specified percentages of uniformity shall not affect limitations established by other rules.
§ 29.2631 Rule 15.
Injury tolerance shall be expressed in percentages. The appraisal of injury shall be based upon the percentage of affected leaf surface or the degree of injury. In appraising injury, consideration shall be given to the normal characteristics of the group.
§ 29.2632 Rule 16.
Any lot of tobacco of the B, C, or X groups containing over 30 percent of mixed color or variegated leaves or over 30 percent of mixed color and variegated leaves combined shall be classified as “mixed” and designated by the color symbol “M.”
§ 29.2633 Rule 17.
Any lot of tobacco containing 20 percent or more of greenish leaves or any lot which contains 20 percent of greenish and green leaves combined shall be designated by the color symbol “VF.”
§ 29.2634 Rule 18.
Any lot of tobacco containing 20 percent or more of green leaves or any lot which is not crude but contains 20 percent or more of green and crude combined shall be designated by the color symbol “G.”
§ 29.2635 Rule 19.
In the B, C, and X groups crude leaves shall be restricted to the fourth and fifth qualities of green grades. Any lot containing 20 percent or more of crude leaves shall be classified as Nondescript.
§ 29.2636 Rule 20.
Tobacco damaged under 20 percent but which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a subgrade by placing the special factor “U” after the grademark. Tobacco damaged 20 percent or more shall be designated “No-G.”
§ 29.2637 Rule 21.
Sound tobacco that is wet or in doubtful-keeping order but which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a subgrade by placing the special factor “W” after the grademark. This special factor does not apply to tobacco designated “No-G.”
§ 29.2638 Rule 22.
Tobacco shall be designated No Grade, using the grademark “No-G,” when it is dirty, nested, offtype, semicured, damaged 20 percent or more, extremely wet or watered, or when it needs to be reworked, contains foreign matter, or has an odor foreign to type.
§ 29.2639 Rule 23.
Tobacco in strip form which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a subgrade by placing the special factor “S” preceding the grademark.
§ 29.2640 Rule 24.
Tobacco that is semifired but which otherwise meets the specifications of a grade shall be treated as a subgrade by placing the special factor “SF” after the grademark. This factor does not apply to tobacco designated “No-G”.
grades
§ 29.2661 Wrappers (A Group).
This group consists of leaves usually grown at or above the center portion of the stalk. Cured leaves of this group are elastic and show a low percentage of injury affecting wrapper yield.
| Grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| A1F | Choice Medium-brown Wrappers. |
| Thin to medium body, ripe, firm, rich in oil, elastic, strong, bright finish, deep color intensity, spready, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent of leaves not lower than B1 or C1. | |
| A2F | Fine Medium-brown Wrappers. |
| Thin to medium body, ripe, firm, rich in oil, elastic, strong, bright finish, deep color intensity, spready, 75 percent uniform, and 25 percent of leaves not lower than B2 or C2. | |
| A3F | Good Medium-brown Wrappers. |
| Thin to medium body, ripe, firm oily, elastic, strong, clear finish, moderate color intensity, spready, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent of leaves not lower than B3 or C3. | |
| A1D | Choice Dark-brown Wrappers. |
| Thin to heavy body, ripe, firm, rich in oil, elastic, strong, bright finish, deep color intensity, spready, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent of leaves not lower than B1 or C1. | |
| A2D | Fine Dark-brown Wrappers. |
| Thin to heavy body, ripe, firm, rich in oil, elastic, strong, bright finish, deep color intensity, spready, 75 percent uniform, and 25 percent of leaves not lower than B2 or C2. | |
| A3D | Good Dark-brown Wrappers. |
| Thin to heavy body, ripe, firm, oily, elastic, strong, clear finish, moderate color intensity, spready, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent of leaves not lower than B3 or C3. |
§ 29.2662 Heavy Leaf (B Group).
This group consists of leaves which are medium to heavy in body.
| Grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| B1F | Choice Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, ripe, firm, oily, elastic, strong, bright finish, deep color intensity, normal width, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B2F | Fine Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, ripe, firm, oily, elastic, strong, clear finish, deep color intensity, normal width, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3F | Good Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4F | Fair Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5F | Low Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B1D | Choice Dark-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, ripe, firm, oily, elastic, strong, bright finish, deep color intensity, normal width, 95 percent uniform and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B2D | Fine Dark-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, ripe, firm, oily, elastic, strong, clear finish, deep color intensity, normal width, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3D | Good Dark-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4D | Fair Dark-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5D | Low Dark-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3M | Good Mixed Color or Variegated Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, clear finish, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4M | Fair Mixed Color or Variegated Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5M | Low Mixed Color or Variegated Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3VF | Good Greenish Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, mature, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, clear finish, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4VF | Fair Greenish Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5VF | Low Greenish Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B3G | Good Green Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, firm, oily, semi- elastic, normal strength, clear finish, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B4G | Fair Green Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| B5G | Low Green Heavy Leaf. |
| Medium to heavy body, immature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. |
§ 29.2663 Thin Leaf (C Group).
This group consists of leaves that are thin in body.
| Grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| C1L | Choice Light-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, bright finish, deep color intensity, normal width, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C2L | Fine Light-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, clear finish, deep color intensity, normal width, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3L | Good Light-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, inelastic, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4L | Fair Light-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5L | Low Light-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C1F | Choice Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, bright finish, deep color intensity, normal width, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C2F | Fine Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, clear finish, deep color intensity, normal width, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3F | Good Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, inelastic, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4F | Fair Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5F | Low Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C1D | Choice Dark-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, bright finish, deep color intensity, normal width, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C2D | Fine Dark-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, semielastic, normal strength, clear finish, deep color intensity, normal width, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3D | Good Dark-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, inelastic, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4D | Fair Dark-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5D | Low Dark-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3M | Good Mixed Color or Variegated Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, inelastic, normal strength, clear finish, normal, width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4M | Fair Mixed Color or Variegated Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5M | Low Mixed Color or Variegated Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3VF | Good Greenish Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, mature, firm, oily, inelastic, normal strength, clear finish, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4VF | Fair Greenish Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5VF | Low Greenish Medium-brown Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, mature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C3G | Good Green Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, mature, firm, oily, inelastic, normal strength, clear finish, normal width, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C4G | Fair Green Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, immature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| C5G | Low Green Thin Leaf. |
| Thin, immature, close, lean in oil, inelastic, weak, dull finish, narrow, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. |
§ 29.2664 Lugs (X Group).
This group consists of leaves that normally grow near the bottom of the stalk. Leaves of the X group usually have a high degree of maturity and show ground injury.
| Grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| X1L | Choice Light-brown Lugs. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X2L | Fine Light-brown Lugs. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3L | Good Light-brown Lugs. |
| Thin, ripe, firm, oily, normal dull finish, pale color intensity, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4L | Fair Light-brown Lugs. |
| Thin, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5L | Low Light-brown Lugs. |
| Thin, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X1F | Choice Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Medium body, ripe, firm, oily, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X2F | Fine Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Medium body, ripe, firm, oily, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3F | Good Medium-brown Lugs. Medium body, ripe, firm, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. |
| X4F | Fair Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5F | Low Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X1D | Choice Dark-brown Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, ripe, firm, oily, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, 95 percent uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X2D | Fine Dark-brown Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, ripe, firm, oily, normal strength, clear finish, moderate color intensity, 90 percent uniform, and 10 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3D | Good Dark-brown Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, ripe, firm, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4D | Fair Dark-brown Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5D | Low Dark-brown Lugs. |
| Thin to heavy, mature, open, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, pale color intensity, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3M | Good Mixed Color or Variegated Lugs. |
| Thin to heavy, ripe, firm, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4M | Fair Mixed Color or Variegated Lugs. |
| Thin to heavy, mature, close, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5M | Low Mixed Color or Variegated Lugs. |
| Thin to heavy, mature, close, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3VF | Good Greenish Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Medium body, mature, firm, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4VF | Fair Greenish Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, mature, close, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5VF | Low Greenish Medium-brown Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, mature, close, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X3G | Good Green Lugs. |
| Medium to heavy body, mature, firm, weak, lean in oil, dull finish, 80 percent uniform, and 20 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X4G | Fair Green Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, immature, close, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. | |
| X5G | Low Green Lugs. |
| Thin to medium body, immature, close, lean in oil, weak, dull finish, 60 percent uniform, and 40 percent injury tolerance. |
§ 29.2665 Nondescript (N Group).
Extremely common tobacco which does not meet the minimum specifications or which exceeds the tolerance of the lowest grade of any other group except Scrap.
| Grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| N1L | First Quality Light Colored Nondescript. |
| Thin to medium body and 60 percent injury tolerance. | |
| N1D | First Quality Dark Colored Nondescript. |
| Medium to heavy body and 60 percent injury tolerance. | |
| N1GL | First Quality Crude Green Nondescript from the C or B Groups 60 percent crude leaves or injury tolerance. |
| N1GX | First Quality Crude Green Nondescript from the X Group 60 percent crude leaves or injury tolerance. |
| N2 | Substandard Nondescript. |
| Nondescript of any group or color; over 60 percent crude leaves or injury tolerance. |
§ 29.2666 Scrap (S Group).
A byproduct of unstemmed and stemmed tobacco. Scrap accumulates from handling tobacco in farm buildings, warehouses, packing and conditioning plants, and stemmeries.
| Grades | Grade names and specifications |
|---|---|
| S | Scrap. |
| Tangled, whole, or broken unstemmed leaves, or the web portions of tobacco leaves reduced to scrap by any process. |
Summary of Standard Grades
§ 29.2686 Summary of standard grades.
| 6 Grades of Wrappers | |||
| A1F | A3F | A2D | A3D |
| A2F | A1D | ||
| 19 Grades of Heavy Leaf | |||
| B1F | B1D | B3M | B5VF |
| B2F | B2D | B4M | B3G |
| B3F | B3D | B5M | B4G |
| B4F | B4D | B3VF | B5G |
| B5F | B5D | B4VF | |
| 24 Grades of Thin Leaf | |||
| C1L | C2F | ||