(a) During any period in which the handling of tomatoes is regulated pursuant to this subpart no handler shall handle tomatoes unless such tomatoes have been inspected and certified as meeting the requirements of this subpart by an authorized representative of the Federal or Federal-State Inspection Service, or such other inspection service as the Secretary shall designate, and such tomatoes are covered by a valid inspection certificate except when relieved from such requirements pursuant to § 966.53 or § 966.54 or both.

(b) Insofar as the requirements of this section are concerned, the length of time for which an inspection certificate is valid may be established by the Secretary upon the recommendation of the committee.

(c) When tomatoes are inspected in accordance with the requirements of this section a copy of each inspection certificate issued shall be made available to the committee by the inspection service.