---
kind: "section"
citation: "7 U.S.C. § 79"
title: "7"
title_heading: "Agriculture"
number: "79"
heading: "Official inspection"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/7/79"
units:
  - "Chapter 3 — Grain Standards"
---

# §79. Official inspection

- (a) **Grain required to be officially inspected—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) is authorized to cause [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) under the standards provided for in [section 76 of this title](/usc/7/76.md) to be made of all [grain](/usc/7/75.md?p=g) required to be [officially inspected](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) as provided in [section 77 of this title](/usc/7/77.md), in accordance with such regulations as the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) may prescribe.
- (b) **Inspections made pursuant to request of interested persons—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) is further authorized, upon request of any [interested person](/usc/7/75.md?p=r), and under such regulations as the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) may prescribe, to cause [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) to be made with respect to any [grain](/usc/7/75.md?p=g) whether by [official sample](/usc/7/75.md?p=o), [submitted sample](/usc/7/75.md?p=p), or otherwise within the [United States](/usc/7/75.md?p=d) under standards provided for in [section 76 of this title](/usc/7/76.md), or, upon request of the [interested person](/usc/7/75.md?p=r), under other criteria approved by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) for determining the kind, class, quality, or condition of [grain](/usc/7/75.md?p=g), or other facts relating to [grain](/usc/7/75.md?p=g), whenever in the judgment of the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) providing such service will effectuate any of the objectives stated in [section 74 of this title](/usc/7/74.md).
- (c) **Reinspections and appeals; cancellation of superseded certificates; sale of samples—** The regulations prescribed by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) under this chapter shall include provisions for reinspections and appeal inspections; cancellation and surrender of certificates superseded by reinspections and appeal inspections; and the use of standard forms for [official certificates](/usc/7/75.md?p=n). The [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) may provide by regulation that samples obtained by or for employees of the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) for purposes of [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) shall become the property of the [United States](/usc/7/75.md?p=d), and such samples may be disposed of without regard to the provisions of chapters [1](/usc/40/chstI/ch1.md) to [11](/usc/40/chstI/ch11.md) of title 40 and division C (except sections 3302, 3307(e), [3501(b)](/usc/7/3501.md?p=b), 3509, 3906, 4710, and 4711) of subtitle I of title 41.
- (d) **Official certificates as evidence—** [Official certificates](/usc/7/75.md?p=n) setting out the results of [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) issued and not canceled under this chapter shall be received by all officers and all courts of the [United States](/usc/7/75.md?p=d) as prima facie evidence of the truth of the facts stated therein.
- (e) **Official inspection at export port locations; delegation of authority to State agencies—**
  - (1) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) shall cause [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) at [export port locations](/usc/7/75.md?p=w), for all [grain](/usc/7/75.md?p=g) required or authorized to be inspected by this chapter, to be performed by [official inspection personnel](/usc/7/75.md?p=j) employed by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) or other [persons](/usc/7/75.md?p=c) under contract with the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) as provided in [section 84 of this title](/usc/7/84.md).
  - (2) **Delegation of authority to state agencies.—**
    - (A) **In general.—** If the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) determines, pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subsection, that a [State](/usc/7/75.md?p=e) agency is qualified to perform [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i), meets the criteria in [subsection (f)(1)(A)](#f-1-A) of this section, and (i) was performing [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) at an [export port location](/usc/7/75.md?p=w) under this chapter on July 1, 1976, or (ii)(I) performed [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) at an [export port location](/usc/7/75.md?p=w) at any time prior to July 1, 1976, (II) was designated under [subsection (f)](#f) of this section on December 22, 1982, to perform [official inspections](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) at locations other than [export port locations](/usc/7/75.md?p=w), and (III) operates in a [State](/usc/7/75.md?p=e) from which total annual exports of [grain](/usc/7/75.md?p=g) do not exceed, as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a), 5 per centum of the total amount of [grain](/usc/7/75.md?p=g) exported from the [United States](/usc/7/75.md?p=d) annually, the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) may delegate authority to the [State](/usc/7/75.md?p=e) agency to perform all or specified functions involved in [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) (other than appeal inspection) at [export port locations](/usc/7/75.md?p=w) within the [State](/usc/7/75.md?p=e), including [export port locations](/usc/7/75.md?p=w) which may in the future be established, subject to such rules, regulations, instructions, and oversight as the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) may prescribe, and any such [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) shall continue to be the direct responsibility of the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a). Any such delegation may be revoked by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a), at the discretion of the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a), at any time upon notice to the [State](/usc/7/75.md?p=e) agency without opportunity for a hearing.
    - (B) **Certification.—**
      - (i) **In general.—** Every 5 years, the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) shall certify that each [State](/usc/7/75.md?p=e) agency with a delegation of authority is meeting the criteria described in [subsection (f)(1)(A)](#f-1-A).
      - (ii) **Process.—** Not later than 1 year after September 30, 2015, the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) shall establish a process for certification under which the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) shall—
        - (I) publish in the Federal Register notice of intent to certify a [State](/usc/7/75.md?p=e) agency and provide a 30-day period for public comment;
        - (II) evaluate the public comments received and, in accordance with [paragraph (3)](#e-3), conduct an investigation to determine whether the [State](/usc/7/75.md?p=e) agency is qualified;
        - (III) make findings based on the public comments received and investigation conducted; and
        - (IV) publish in the Federal Register a notice announcing whether the certification has been granted and describing the basis on which the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) made the decision.
    - (C) **State agency requirements.—**
      - (i) **In general.—** If a [State](/usc/7/75.md?p=e) agency that has been delegated authority under this paragraph intends to temporarily discontinue [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) or weighing services for any reason, except in the case of a major disaster, the [State](/usc/7/75.md?p=e) agency shall notify the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) and affected [customers](/usc/7/24.md?p=b) or applicants for service of [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) or weighing services provided by the [State](/usc/7/75.md?p=e) agency in writing of the intention of the [State](/usc/7/75.md?p=e) agency to do so at least 72 hours in advance of the discontinuation date.
      - (ii) **Secretarial consideration.—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) shall consider receipt of a notice described in [clause (i)](#e-2-C-i) as a factor in administering the delegation of authority under this paragraph.
  - (3) Prior to delegating authority to a [State](/usc/7/75.md?p=e) agency for the performance of [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) at [export port locations](/usc/7/75.md?p=w) pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) shall (A) conduct an investigation to determine whether such agency is qualified, and (B) make findings based on such investigation. In conducting the investigation, the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) shall consult with, and review the available files of the Department of Justice, the Office of Investigation of the [Department of Agriculture](/usc/7/75.md?p=b) (or such other organization or agency within the [Department of Agriculture](/usc/7/75.md?p=b) which may be delegated the authority, in lieu thereof, to conduct investigations on behalf of the [Department of Agriculture](/usc/7/75.md?p=b)), and the Government Accountability Office.
  - (4) The [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) may provide that [grain](/usc/7/75.md?p=g) loaded at an interior point in the [United States](/usc/7/75.md?p=d) into a rail car, barge, or other container as the final carrier in which it is to be transported from the [United States](/usc/7/75.md?p=d) shall be inspected in the manner provided in this subsection or [subsection (f)](#f) of this section, as the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) determines will best meet the objectives of this chapter.
- (f) **Official inspections at other than export port locations; designation of agencies or persons to conduct official inspections—**
  - (1) With respect to [official inspections](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) other than at [export port locations](/usc/7/75.md?p=w), the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) is authorized, upon application by any [State](/usc/7/75.md?p=e) or local governmental agency, or any [person](/usc/7/75.md?p=c), to designate such agency or [person](/usc/7/75.md?p=c) as an [official agency](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) for the conduct of all or specified functions involved in [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) (other than appeal inspection) at locations where the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) determines [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) is needed, if—
    - (A) the agency or [person](/usc/7/75.md?p=c) shows to the satisfaction of the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) that such agency or [person](/usc/7/75.md?p=c)—
      - (i) has adequate facilities and qualified personnel for the performance of such [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) functions;
      - (ii) will provide for the periodic rotation of [official inspection personnel](/usc/7/75.md?p=j) among the [grain](/usc/7/75.md?p=g) elevators, warehouses, or other storage or handling facilities at which the [State](/usc/7/75.md?p=e) or [person](/usc/7/75.md?p=c) provides [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i), as is necessary to preserve the integrity of the [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) service;
      - (iii) will meet training requirements and personnel standards established by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) under [section 84(g) of this title](/usc/7/84.md?p=g);
      - (iv) will otherwise conduct such training and provide such supervision of its personnel as are necessary to assure that they will provide [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) in accordance with this chapter and the regulations and instructions thereunder;
      - (v) will not charge [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) fees that are discriminatory or unreasonable;
      - (vi) if a [State](/usc/7/75.md?p=e) or local governmental agency, will not use any moneys collected pursuant to the charging of fees for any purpose other than the maintenance of the [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) operation of the [State](/usc/7/75.md?p=e) or local governmental agency;
      - (vii) and any related entities do not have a conflict of interest prohibited by [section 87 of this title](/usc/7/87.md);
      - (viii) will maintain complete and accurate records of its organization, staffing, official activities, and fiscal operations, and such other records as the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) may require by regulation;
      - (ix) if a [State](/usc/7/75.md?p=e) or local governmental agency, will [employ](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-10) personnel on the basis of job qualifications rather than political affiliations;
      - (x) will comply with all provisions of this chapter and the regulations and instructions thereunder; and
      - (xi) meets other criteria established in regulations issued under this chapter relating to official functions under this chapter;
    - (B) the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) determines that the applicant is better able than any other applicant to provide [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) service; and
    - (C) the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a)—
      - (i) periodically conducts a consultation with the [customers](/usc/7/24.md?p=b) of the applicant, in a manner that provides opportunity for protection of the identity of the [customer](/usc/7/24.md?p=b) if desired by the [customer](/usc/7/24.md?p=b), to review the performance of the applicant with regard to the provision of [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) services and other requirements of this chapter; and
      - (ii) works with the applicant to address any concerns identified during the consultation process.
  - (2) **Geographic boundaries for official agencies.—**
    - (A) **In general.—** Subject to [subparagraph (B)](#f-2-B), not more than one [official agency](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) designated under [paragraph (1)](#f-1) or [State](/usc/7/75.md?p=e) delegated authority under [subsection (e)(2)](#e-2) to carry out the inspection provisions of this chapter shall be operative at the same time in any geographic area defined by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a).
    - (B) **Exceptions.—** Subject to [subsection (g)(4)(A)](#g-4-A), if the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) determines that the presence of more than one designated [official agency](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) in the same geographic area will not undermine the policy stated in [section 74 of this title](/usc/7/74.md), the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) shall allow a designated [official agency](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) to cross boundary lines to carry out inspections in another geographic area if—
      - (i) the current designated [official agency](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) for that geographic area is unable to provide inspection services in a timely manner;
      - (ii) a [person](/usc/7/75.md?p=c) requesting inspection services in that geographic area has not been receiving [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) services from the current designated [official agency](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) for that geographic area;
      - (iii) a [person](/usc/7/75.md?p=c) requesting inspection services in that geographic area requests a probe inspection on a barge-[lot](/usc/7/75.md?p=q) basis; or
      - (iv) the current [official agency](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) for that geographic area agrees in writing with the adjacent [official agency](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) to waive the current geographic area restriction at the request of the applicant for service.
    - (C) **Termination of nonuse of service exception.—** The exception under [subparagraph (B)(ii)](#f-2-B-ii) may only be terminated if all parties to that exception jointly agree on the termination, unless terminated according to [subsection (g)(4)(A)](#g-4-A).
    - (D) **Restoration of certain exceptions.—**
      - (i) **Definition of eligible grain handling facility.—** In this subparagraph, the term “eligible [grain](/usc/7/75.md?p=g) handling facility” means a [grain](/usc/7/75.md?p=g) handling facility that—
        - (I) was granted an exception under the final rule entitled “Exceptions to Geographic Areas for [Official Agencies](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) Under the USGSA” (68 Fed. Reg. 19137 (April 18, 2003)); and
        - (II) had that exception revoked between September 30, 2015, and December 20, 2018.
      - (ii) **Restoration of exceptions.—** Within 90 days of notification from an eligible [grain](/usc/7/75.md?p=g) handling facility, the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) shall restore an exception described in [clause (i)(I)](#f-2-D-i-I) with an [official agency](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) if—
        - (I) the eligible [grain](/usc/7/75.md?p=g) handling facility and the former excepted [official agency](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) agree to restore that exception; and
        - (II) the eligible [grain](/usc/7/75.md?p=g) handling facility notifies the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) of the preferred date for restoration of the exception within 90 days of December 20, 2018.
  - (3) Except as authorized by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a), no [official agency](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) or [State](/usc/7/75.md?p=e) delegated authority pursuant to [subsection (e)(2)](#e-2) of this section shall officially inspect under this chapter any official or other sample drawn from a [lot](/usc/7/75.md?p=q) of [grain](/usc/7/75.md?p=g) and submitted for inspection unless such [lot](/usc/7/75.md?p=q) of [grain](/usc/7/75.md?p=g) is physically located within the geographic area assigned to the agency by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) at the time such sample is drawn.
  - (4) No [State](/usc/7/75.md?p=e) or local governmental agency or [person](/usc/7/75.md?p=c) shall provide any [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) for the purposes of this chapter except pursuant to an unsuspended and unrevoked delegation of authority or designation by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a), as provided in this section, or as provided in [section 84(a) of this title](/usc/7/84.md?p=a).
- (g) **Termination, renewal, amendment, cancellation, and revocation of designations of official agencies—**
  - (1) Designations of [official agencies](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) shall terminate at such time as specified by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) but not later than every 5 years and may be renewed in accordance with the criteria and procedure prescribed in [subsection (f)](#f) of this section.
  - (2) A designation of an [official agency](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) may be amended at any time upon application by the [official agency](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) if the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) determines that the amendment will be consistent with the provisions and objectives of this chapter; and a designation will be cancelled upon request by the [official agency](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) with ninety days written notice to the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a). A fee as prescribed by regulations of the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) shall be paid by the [official agency](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) to the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) for each such amendment, to cover the costs incurred by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) in connection therewith, and it shall be deposited in the fund created in [subsection (j)](#j) of this section.
  - (3) The [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) may revoke a designation of an [official agency](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) whenever, after opportunity for hearing is afforded the agency, the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) determines that the agency has failed to meet one or more of the criteria specified in [subsection (f)](#f) of this section or the regulations under this chapter for the performance of official functions, or otherwise has not complied with any provision of this chapter or any regulation prescribed or instruction issued to such agency under this chapter, or has been convicted of any violation of other Federal law involving the handling or [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) of [grain](/usc/7/75.md?p=g): Provided, That the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) may, without first affording the [official agency](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) an opportunity for a hearing, suspend any designation pending final determination of the proceeding whenever the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) has reason to believe there is cause for revocation of the designation and considers such action to be in the best interest of the [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) system under this chapter. The [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) shall afford any such agency an opportunity for a hearing within thirty days after temporarily suspending such designation.
  - (4) **Effect on exceptions.—**
    - (A) **In general.—** The exceptions under clauses [(ii)](#f-2-B-ii) and [(iv)](#f-2-B-iv) of subsection (f)(2)(B) shall not apply if the designation of an [official agency](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) is terminated, pursuant to [paragraph (1)](#g-1).
    - (B) **Designation renewed or restored.—** If the designation of an [official agency](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) is renewed or restored after being terminated under [paragraph (1)](#g-1), the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) may renew or restore the exceptions under [subsection (f)(2)(B)](#f-2-B) in accordance with that subsection.
- (h) **Official inspections at locations other than export port locations when designated official agencies are not available—** If the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) determines that [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) by an [official agency](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) designated under [subsection (f)](#f) of this section is not available on a regular basis at any location (other than at an [export port location](/usc/7/75.md?p=w)) where the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) determines such inspection is needed to effectuate the objectives stated in [section 74 of this title](/usc/7/74.md), and that no [official agency](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) within reasonable proximity to such location is willing to provide or has or can acquire adequate personnel and facilities for providing such service on an interim basis, [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) shall be provided by authorized employees of the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a), and other [persons](/usc/7/75.md?p=c) licensed by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) to perform [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) functions, as provided in [section 84 of this title](/usc/7/84.md), until such time as the service can be provided on a regular basis by an [official agency](/usc/7/75.md?p=m).
- (i) **Official inspections in Canadian ports—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) is authorized to cause [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) under this chapter to be made, as provided in subsection (a) of [section 77 of this title](/usc/7/77.md), in Canadian ports of [United States](/usc/7/75.md?p=d) [export grain](/usc/7/75.md?p=h) transshipped through Canadian ports, and pursuant thereto the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) is authorized to enter into an agreement with the Canadian Government for such inspection. All or specified functions of such inspections shall be performed by [official inspection personnel](/usc/7/75.md?p=j) employed by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) or, except for appeals, by [persons](/usc/7/75.md?p=c) operating under a contract with the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) or as otherwise provided by agreement with the Canadian Government.
- (j) **Fees—**
  - (1) **Inspection fees.—**
    - (A) **In general.—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) shall, under such regulations as the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) may prescribe, charge and collect reasonable inspection fees to cover the estimated cost to the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) incident to the performance of [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) except when the [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) is performed by a designated [official agency](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) or by a [State](/usc/7/75.md?p=e) under a delegation of authority.
    - (B) **Amount of fees.—** The fees authorized by this subsection shall, as nearly as practicable and after taking into consideration any proceeds from the sale of samples, cover the costs of the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) incident to its[^1] performance of [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) services in the [United States](/usc/7/75.md?p=d) and on [United States](/usc/7/75.md?p=d) [grain](/usc/7/75.md?p=g) in Canadian ports, including administrative and supervisory costs related to such [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) of [grain](/usc/7/75.md?p=g).
    - (C) **Use of fees.—** Fees described in this paragraph, and the proceeds from the sale of samples obtained for purposes of [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) which become the property of the [United States](/usc/7/75.md?p=d), shall be deposited into a fund which shall be available without fiscal year limitation for the expenses of the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) incident to providing services under this chapter.
    - (D) **Export tonnage fees.—** For an [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) at an export facility performed by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a), the portion of the fees based on export tonnage shall be based on the rolling 5-year average of export tonnage volumes.
  - (2) Each designated [official agency](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) and each [State](/usc/7/75.md?p=e) agency to which authority has been delegated under [subsection (e)](#e) of this section shall pay to the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) fees in such amount as the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) determines fair and reasonable and as will cover the estimated costs incurred by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) relating to supervision of [official agency](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) personnel and supervision by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) of the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a)’s field office personnel, except costs incurred under [paragraph (3)](#g-3) of subsection (g) of this section and sections [85](/usc/7/85.md), [86](/usc/7/86.md), and [87c](/usc/7/87c.md) of this title. The fees shall be payable after the services are performed at such times as specified by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) and shall be deposited in the fund created in paragraph (1) of this subsection. Failure to pay the fee within thirty days after it is due shall result in automatic termination of the delegation or designation, which shall be reinstated upon payment, within such period as specified by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a), of the fee currently due plus interest and any further expenses incurred by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) because of such termination. The interest rate on overdue fees shall be as prescribed by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a), but not less than the current average [market](/usc/7/198.md?p=1) yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the [United States](/usc/7/75.md?p=d) of comparable maturity, plus an additional charge of not to exceed 1 per centum per annum as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) and adjusted to the nearest one-eighth of 1 per centum.
  - (3) Any sums collected or received by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) under this chapter and deposited to the fund created in paragraph (1) of this subsection and any late payment penalties collected by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) and credited to such fund may be invested by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) in insured or fully collateralized, interest-bearing accounts or, at the discretion of the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a), by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) of the Treasury in [United States](/usc/7/75.md?p=d) Government debt instruments. The interest earned on such sums and any late payment penalties collected by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) shall be credited to the fund and shall be available without fiscal year limitation for the expenses of the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) incident to providing services under this chapter.
  - (4) **Adjustment of fees.—** In order to maintain an operating reserve of not less than 3 and not more than 6 months, the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) shall adjust the fees described in paragraphs [(1)](#j-1) and [(2)](#j-2) not less frequently than annually.
  - (5) The duties imposed by [paragraph (2)](#j-2) on designated [official agencies](/usc/7/75.md?p=m) and [State](/usc/7/75.md?p=e) agencies described in such paragraph and the investment authority provided by [paragraph (3)](#j-3) shall expire on September 30, 2025.[^2] After that date, the fees established by the [Secretary](/usc/7/75.md?p=a) pursuant to [paragraph (1)](#j-1) shall not cover administrative and supervisory costs related to the [official inspection](/usc/7/75.md?p=i) of [grain](/usc/7/75.md?p=g).

## Footnotes

[^1]: So in original. Probably should be “the Secretary’s”.
[^2]: See United States Grain Standards Act Extension note below.

## Source credit

(Aug. 11, 1916, ch. 313, pt. B, § 7, 39 Stat. 484; Pub. L. 90–487, § 1, Aug. 15, 1968, 82 Stat. 763; Pub. L. 94–582, § 8, formerly § 8(a), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2870, renumbered Pub. L. 106–472, title I, § 110(a)(1), Nov. 9, 2000, 114 Stat. 2060; Pub. L. 95–113, title XVI, §§ 1602(a), 1604(d), 1606(d), Sept. 29, 1977, 91 Stat. 1025, 1027, 1030; Pub. L. 97–35, title I, § 155(1), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 371; Pub. L. 97–98, title IX, § 1113(a), Dec. 22, 1981, 95 Stat. 1268; Pub. L. 98–469, § 2(1), Oct. 11, 1984, 98 Stat. 1831; Pub. L. 100–518, § 2(1), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2584; Pub. L. 103–156, §§ 4(a), 5(a), 12(d), 14(a), Nov. 24, 1993, 107 Stat. 1525, 1526, 1528, 1529; Pub. L. 103–354, title II, § 293(a)(4), (7), (8), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3237; Pub. L. 106–472, title I, §§ 102(a), 103(a), Nov. 9, 2000, 114 Stat. 2059, 2060; Pub. L. 108–271, § 8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814; Pub. L. 109–83, § 1(a), Sept. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2053; Pub. L. 114–54, title III, § 301(b)(1)–(3)(A), (4), (5), Sept. 30, 2015, 129 Stat. 517, 518; Pub. L. 115–334, title XII, § 12610(a), (c), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 5011, 5013; Pub. L. 116–216, § 2, Dec. 11, 2020, 134 Stat. 1048.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Codification

Section as originally enacted was composed of part of section 7 of part B of act Aug. 11, 1916. Other provisions of section 7 were classified to former sections 80 to 83 of this title.

In subsec. (c), “chapters 1 to 11 of title 40 and division C (except sections 3302, 3307(e), 3501(b), 3509, 3906, 4710, and 4711) of subtitle I of title 41” substituted for “the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949, as amended (40 U.S.C. 471 et seq.)” on authority of Pub. L. 107–217, § 5(c), Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1303, which Act enacted Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, and Pub. L. 111–350, § 6(c), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3854, which Act enacted Title 41, Public Contracts.

### Amendments

2020—Subsec. (e)(2)(C)(i). Pub. L. 116–216, § 2(1), inserted “and affected customers or applicants for service of official inspection or weighing services provided by the State agency” after “notify the Secretary”.

Subsec. (j)(5). Pub. L. 116–216, § 2(2), substituted “2025” for “2020”.

2018—Subsec. (f)(1)(C). Pub. L. 115–334, § 12610(c), realigned margins.

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 115–334, § 12610(a)(1), inserted subpar. (A) designation and heading before “Not more” and subpar. (B) designation and heading before “the Secretary determines” in introductory provisions, substituted “Subject to subparagraph (B), not more” for “Not more” and “Secretary.” for “Secretary, except that, if” in subpar. (A) and “Subject to subsection (g)(4)(A), if the Secretary determines” for “the Secretary determines” in introductory provisions of subpar. (B), redesignated former subpars. (A), (B), and (C) as cls. (i), (iii), and (iv), respectively, of subpar. (B), added cl. (ii) of subpar. (B) and subpars. (C) and (D), and realigned margins.

Subsec. (g)(4). Pub. L. 115–334, § 12610(a)(2), added par. (4).

2015—Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 114–54, § 301(b)(1), inserted heading, designated existing provisions as subpar. (A) and inserted subpar. heading, redesignated former subpars. (A) and (B) as cls. (i) and (ii), respectively, and former cls. (i) to (iii) of subpar. (B) as subcls. (I) to (III), respectively, of cl. (ii), and added subpars. (B) and (C).

Subsec. (f)(1)(C). Pub. L. 114–54, § 301(b)(2), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 114–54, § 301(b)(3)(A), in introductory provisions, substituted “the Secretary shall allow a designated official agency to cross boundary lines to carry out inspections in another geographic area if—” for “the Secretary may—”, added subpars. (A) to (C), and struck out former subpars. (A) and (B) which related to more than one designated official agency carrying out inspections in the same geographic area and a designated official agency crossing boundary lines to carry out inspections in another geographic area.

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 114–54, § 301(b)(4), substituted “every 5 years” for “triennially”.

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 114–54, § 301(b)(5)(A), inserted heading.

Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 114–54, § 301(b)(5)(A), (B), inserted heading, designated first to third sentences as subpars. (A) to (C), respectively, and inserted subpar. headings, in subpar. (C), substituted “Fees described in this paragraph” for “Such fees”, and added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (j)(4). Pub. L. 114–54, § 301(b)(5)(D), added par. (4). Former par. (4) redesignated (5).

Subsec. (j)(5). Pub. L. 114–54, § 301(b)(5)(C), (E), redesignated par. (4) as (5) and substituted “2020” for “2015”.

2005—Subsec. (j)(4). Pub. L. 109–83 substituted “2015” for “2005”.

2004—Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office”.

2000—Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 106–472, § 102(a), added heading and text of par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: “Not more than one official agency or State delegated authority pursuant to subsection (e)(2) of this section for carrying out the inspection provisions of this chapter shall be operative at one time for any geographic area as determined by the Secretary to effectuate the objectives stated in section 74 of this title, except that the Secretary may conduct pilot programs to allow more than 1 official agency to carry out inspections within a single geographical area without undermining the policy stated in section 74 of this title.”

Subsec. (j)(4). Pub. L. 106–472, § 103(a), substituted “2005” for “2000” in first sentence.

1994—Pub. L. 103–354 substituted “supervision by the Secretary of the Secretary’s field office personnel” for “supervision of Service personnel of its field office personnel” in first sentence of subsec. (j)(2) and substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” and “Service” wherever appearing.

1993—Pub. L. 103–156, § 12(d), which directed amendment of “Section 7”, without specifying the name of the Act being amended, was executed to this section, which is section 7 of the United States Grain Standards Act, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–156, § 12(d)(1), substituted “regulations as the Administrator” for “regulations as he”.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–156, § 12(d)(2), substituted “regulations as the Administrator” for “regulations as he” and “the judgment of the Administrator” for “his judgment”.

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 103–156, § 12(d)(3), substituted “oversight as the Administrator” for “oversight as he” and “the discretion of the Administrator” for “his discretion”.

Subsec. (f)(1)(A)(vi). Pub. L. 103–156, § 4(a)(1), substituted “of the State” for “or other agricultural programs operated by the State”.

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 103–156, § 5(a), inserted before period at end “, except that the Administrator may conduct pilot programs to allow more than 1 official agency to carry out inspections within a single geographical area without undermining the policy stated in section 74 of this title”.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 103–156, § 4(a)(2), inserted before period at end “or as otherwise provided by agreement with the Canadian Government”.

Subsec. (j)(4). Pub. L. 103–156, § 14(a), added par. (4).

1988—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 100–518 reenacted subsec. (j) without change.

1984—Subsec. (j)(3). Pub. L. 98–469 temporarily added par. (3). See Effective and Termination Dates of 1984 Amendment note below.

1981—Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 97–98 inserted provision authorizing the Administrator to delegate authority to perform grain inspection functions at export port locations to any State agency that performed official inspection at an export port location at any time prior to July 1, 1976, was designated under subsec. (f) of this section on Dec. 22, 1981, to perform inspections at locations other than export port locations, and operates in a State from which the total annual exports of grain do not exceed 5 per centum of the total amount of grain exported from the United States.

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 97–35 temporarily designated existing provisions as par. (1), made changes in nomenclature and provided for inclusion, rather than exclusion, of administrative and supervisory costs, and added par. (2). See Effective and Termination Dates of 1981 Amendments note below.

1977—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–113, § 1606(d), struck out reference to a determination of the quantity of sacks of grain.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 95–113, § 1604(d)(1), designated as par. (4) provisions, formerly forming a part of par. (2), authorizing the Administrator to provide that grain loaded at an interior point in the United States into a rail car, barge, or other container as the final carrier in which it is to be transported from the United States be inspected in the manner provided in this subsection or subsec. (f) of this section, as the Administrator determines best meets the objectives of this chapter.

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 95–113, § 1604(d)(2), substituted “official agency or State delegated authority pursuant to subsection (e)(2) of this section for carrying out the inspection provisions of this chapter” for “official agency for carrying out the provisions of this chapter”, struck out “, but this paragraph shall not be applicable to prevent any inspection agency from operating in any area in which it was operative on August 15, 1968” after “section 74 of this title”, and redesignated other existing provisions as pars. (3) and (4).

Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 95–113, § 1604(d)(2)(B), (C), redesignated a portion of existing par. (2) as (3) and substituted “Except as authorized by the Administrator, no” for “No”.

Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 95–113, § 1604(d)(2)(D), redesignated a portion of existing par. (2) as (4).

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 95–113, § 1604(d)(3), substituted “prescribed in subsection (f)” for “prescribed in subsections (e) and (f)”.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 95–113, § 1604(d)(4), inserted provision that all or specified functions of the inspections be performed by official inspection personnel employed by the Service or, except for appeals, by persons operating under a contract with the Service.

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 95–113, § 1602(a), revised provisions relating to fees so as to remove requirement that field supervision of inspection be supported by fees.

1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–582, § 8(1), formerly § 8(a)(1), as renumbered by Pub. L. 106–472, § 110(a)(1), substituted “Administrator” for “Secretary”.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 94–582, § 8(1), (2), formerly § 8(a)(1), (2), as renumbered by Pub. L. 106–472, § 110(a)(1), substituted “Administrator” for “Secretary” in two places and struck out from first sentence “or with respect to United States grain in Canadian ports” after “within the United States”.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 94–582, § 8(1), (3), formerly § 8(a)(1), (3), as renumbered by Pub. L. 106–472, § 110(a)(1), substituted “Administrator” for “Secretary” in two places; and substituted “Service” for “Department of Agriculture” and “cancellation and surrender” for “cancellation” and required regulation provision for use of standard forms for official certificates, respectively.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 94–582, § 8(4), formerly § 8(a)(4), as renumbered by Pub. L. 106–472, § 110(a)(1), substituted “Official certificates setting out the results of official inspection” for “Certificates”.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 94–582, § 8(5), formerly § 8(a)(5), as renumbered by Pub. L. 106–472, § 110(a)(1), added subsec. (e) and struck out former subsec. (e) which authorized charging and collection of reasonable fees to cover cost of official inspection and to cover costs of Department of Agriculture incident to performance of appeal and Canadian port inspection services for which fees are collected, including supervisory and administrative costs, and for deposit of fees and proceeds from sale of samples obtained for purposes of official inspection which become property of the United States into a fund to be available without fiscal year limitation for expenses of the Department of Agriculture incident to providing official inspection services. Fee provisions are now covered in subsec. (j)(2) of this section.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 94–582, § 8(5), formerly § 8(a)(5), as renumbered by Pub. L. 106–472, § 110(a)(1), added par. (1) and second and third sentences of par. (2), and designated existing provisions as par. (2), substituting “one official agency for carrying out the provisions of this chapter shall be operative at one time for any geographic area as determined by the Administrator to effectuate the objectives stated in section 74 of this title” for “one inspection agency for carrying out the provisions of this section shall be operative at one time for any one city, town, or other area”.

Subsecs. (g) to (j). Pub. L. 94–582, § 8(5), formerly § 8(a)(5), as renumbered by Pub. L. 106–472, § 110(a)(1), added subsecs. (g) to (j).

1968—Pub. L. 90–487 substituted provisions covering the authority and funding of official inspections for provisions covering the licensing of inspectors and the utilization by the Secretary of Agriculture of State inspectors.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date of 2005 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–83, § 1(b), Sept. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2053, provided that: “The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section and sections 79a, 79d, 87h, and 87j of this title] take effect on September 30, 2005.”

### Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–472, title I, § 111, Nov. 9, 2000, 114 Stat. 2061, provided that: “The amendments made by sections 103, 105, 108, and 109 [amending this section and sections 79a, 79d, 87h, and 87j of this title] shall take effect as if enacted on September 30, 2000.”

### Effective and Termination Dates of 1988 Amendment

That part of section 2 of Pub. L. 100–518 which provided that the amendment made by Pub. L. 100–518 was effective for period Oct. 1, 1988, through Sept. 30, 1993, inclusive, was repealed by Pub. L. 103–156, §§ 13(a), 16(b), Nov. 24, 1993, 107 Stat. 1529, 1530, eff. Sept. 30, 1993.

### Effective and Termination Dates of 1984 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–469, § 2, Oct. 11, 1984, 98 Stat. 1831, provided that the amendment made by Pub. L. 98–469 is effective for period beginning Oct. 11, 1984, and ending Sept. 30, 1988.

### Effective and Termination Dates of 1981 Amendment

Pub. L. 97–98, title XI, § 1113(b), Dec. 22, 1981, 95 Stat. 1268, provided that: “The provisions of this section [amending this section] shall become effective one hundred and eighty days after enactment of this Act [Dec. 22, 1981].”

Pub. L. 97–35, title I, § 155, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 371, as amended by Pub. L. 98–469, § 1, Oct. 11, 1984, 98 Stat. 1831, provided that the amendment made by Pub. L. 97–35 is effective for period beginning Oct. 1, 1981, and ending Sept. 30, 1988.

### Effective Date of 1977 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–113 effective Oct. 1, 1977, see section 1901 of Pub. L. 95–113, set out as a note under section 1307 of this title.

### Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 94–582 effective 30 days after Oct. 21, 1976, see section 27 of Pub. L. 94–582, as amended, set out as a note under section 74 of this title.

### Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 90–487, see section 2 of Pub. L. 90–487, set out as a note under section 78 of this title.

### United States Grain Standards Act Extension

Pub. L. 119–75, div. I, § 5001, Feb. 3, 2026, 140 Stat. 629, provided that: “Sections 7(j)(5), 7A(l)(4), and 21(e) of the United States Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 79(j)(5), 79a(l)(4), 87j(e)) shall be applied by substituting ‘September 30, 2026’ for ‘September 30, 2025’ each place it appears.”

### Investigations and Studies of Grain Inspection and Weighing in Interior of United States; Completion of Studies and Submission of Reports by May 20, 1979, and Nov. 20, 1979, Respectively

Pub. L. 94–582, § 8(b), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2874, as amended by Pub. L. 95–113, title XVI, §§ 1605(a), 1607(a), Sept. 29, 1977, 91 Stat. 1029, 1031, which directed the Administrator of the Federal Grain Inspection Service, the Director of the Office of Investigation of the United States Department of Agriculture, and the Comptroller General of the United States to severally conduct investigations into and study grain inspection and weighing in the interior of the United States, and required the Administrator and Director to submit reports to Congress not later than 30 months after Oct. 21, 1976, and the Comptroller General to submit a report not later than three years after Oct. 21, 1976, was repealed by Pub. L. 106–472, title I, § 110(a)(2), Nov. 9, 2000, 114 Stat. 2060.