AMS Withdrawing Proposal to End Exemptions From Inspection Requirements for Imported Table Grapes

The Agricultural Marketing Service is withdrawing a proposal to end exemptions from inspection requirements for table grapes imported during part of the year. Currently, during the "regulatory period" of April 10 through July 10, imported shipments of Vitis vinifera table grape varieties must be inspected for size, quality and other requirements. The 2017 AMS proposal would have ended existing exemptions from those requirements for four varieties of grapes -- The Emperor, Calmeria, Almeria and Ribier -- and 16 other genetically related grape varieties. AMS is withdrawing the proposal in response to comments it received, the agency said.