All walnuts commonly known as English or Persian walnuts (Juglans regia) imported into the United States must meet the grade and size requirements prior to importation, except for shelled walnuts in a lot not exceeding 60 lbs. net weight or inshell walnuts in a lot not exceeding 115 lbs. net weight. The cost of the inspection and certification is paid by the applicant. View the full regulation.
Grade and Size Requirements
Inshell Walnuts - All inshell walnuts must be of a quality equal to or better than the requirements for U.S. No. 2 and "baby" size as prescribed in the U.S. Standards for Walnuts.
Shelled - All shelled walnuts must be of a quality equal to or better than the requirements for U.S. Commercial Grade as prescribed in the U.S. Standard for Shelled Walnuts, except that the minimum size shall be pieces not more than five percent of which will pass through a round opening 6/64 inch in diameter.
Specific Exemptions
Any lot of walnuts which does not exceed, in net weight, 60 lbs. of shelled walnuts or 115 lbs. of inshell walnuts shall be exempt from grade, inspection, and reporting requirements. The Importer's Exempt Commodity Form (SC-6) is used for walnuts destined for use in exempt outlets such as: charitable institutions, distribution by relief agencies, governmental agencies for school lunch programs, diversion to animal feed, oil manufacture or commercial processing and green walnuts (so immature that they cannot be used for drying and sale as dried walnuts).
Contact the Marketing Order and Agreement Division’s (MOAD) Compliance and Enforcement Branch at (202) 720-2491 for more information on filing the SC-6 exemption certificates within two days after the commodity enters the United States.
The SC-6 exemption form must now be filed through the Compliance and Enforcement Management System (CEMS). The MOLS system previously utilized by AMS has been transitioned to CEMS. Visit Section 8e Exemptions – SC-6 Certificate for further information on the new CEMS and SC-6 Certificates. Also, visit Filing a SC-6 Certificate in CEMS for directions for registering for CEMS and instructions on filing a SC-6 Certificate.
Timelines
Walnut importers should make arrangements for inspection and certification at least one day prior to entry at Port inspection offices, two days prior to entry at the Field Operations Section at the Washington Headquarters office, as inspections must be completed prior to the importation of walnuts.