---
kind: "section"
citation: "7 C.F.R. § 868.21"
title: "7"
number: "868.21"
heading: "Requirements for obtaining service."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/7/868.21"
---

# §868.21. Requirements for obtaining service.

- (a) **Consent and agreement by applicant.** In submitting a request for inspection service, the applicant and the owner of the commodity consent to the requirements specified in [paragraphs (b) through (j)](#b..j) of this section.
- (b) **Written confirmation.** Verbal requests for inspection service shall be confirmed in writing upon request. Each written request shall be made in English and shall include:
  - (1) The date filed;
  - (2) The identification, quantity, and location of the commodity;
  - (3) The type of service(s) requested;
  - (4) The name and mailing address of the applicant and, if made by an authorized agent, the agent's name and mailing address; and
  - (5) Any other relevant information that the official with whom the application is filed may request.
- (c) **Names and addresses of interested persons.** When requested, each applicant for inspection service shall show on the application form the name and mailing address of each known interested person.
- (d) **Surrender of superseded certificates.** Superseded certificates must be promptly surrendered.
- (e) **Accessibility—**
  - (1) **Commodities.** Each commodity lot inspected shall be arranged so the entire lot may be examined or, if necessary, a representative sample, as appropriate, can be obtained. If the entire lot is not accessible for examination or a representative sample cannot be obtained, the inspection shall be restricted to an examination or sampling of the accessible portion and the results certified as stated in [§ 868.34](/cfr/7/868.34.md).
  - (2) **Origin records.** When an applicant requests origin inspection, the records indicating the origin of the commodity to be inspected shall be made accessible for examination and verification by official personnel.
- (f) **Plant examination.** Plant surveys shall be performed upon request. Survey results shall be reported in writing to a designated plant official. If the plant is approved as a result of the survey, inspection service may begin or continue at a time agreed upon by the plant management and the cooperator or Service. If the plant is not approved as a result of the survey, inspection service shall be conditionally withheld pursuant to the procedures in [§ 868.24](/cfr/7/868.24.md).
- (g) **Working space.** An applicant must provide adequate and separate space when inspection service is performed at a plant.
- (h) **Loading and unloading conditions.** Each applicant for inspection service shall provide or arrange for suitable conditions in the—
  - (1) Loading and unloading areas and the truck and railroad holding areas;
  - (2) Pier or dock areas;
  - (3) Deck and stowage areas of a carrier;
  - (4) Other service areas; and
  - (5) **Equipment used in loading or unloading, processing, and handling the commodity.**
- (i) **Timely arrangements.** Requests for inspection service shall be made in a timely manner; otherwise, official personnel may not be available to provide the requested service. “Timely manner” shall mean not later than 2 p.m., local time, of the preceding business day.
- (j) **Payment of bills.** Each applicant for inspection service shall pay bills for the service pursuant to [§§ 868.90-868.92](/cfr/7/868.90-868.92.md).

## Notes

### Amendments

[53 FR 3722, Feb. 9, 1988. Redesignated and amended at 60 FR 16364, Mar. 30, 1995]

### Source

Source: 53 FR 3722, Feb. 9, 1988, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 60 FR 16364, Mar. 30, 1995.

### Authority

Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.

### Amendments

[53 FR 3722, Feb. 9, 1988. Redesignated and amended at 60 FR 16364, Mar. 30, 1995]