(a) Definitions. (1) Dates in retail packages means whole or pitted dates, other than dates prepared or preserved, wrapped or packaged for sale at retail.

(2) Dates for packaging means whole or pitted dates in bulk containers which are to be repacked, in whole or part, in the United States as dates in retail packages.

(3) Bulk container means any container of dates which, together with the dates therein, weighs more than ten pounds.

(4) Dates for processing means any dates for use in a bakery, confectionery, or other product and includes dates coated with a substance materially altering their color.

(5) Dates prepared or preserved means dates processed into a confection or other product, dates coated with a substance materially altering their color, or dates prepared for incorporation into a product by chopping, slicing, or other processing which materially alters their form.

(6) Person means any individual, partnership, corporation, association, or other business unit.

(7) USDA inspector means an inspector of the Specialty Crops Inspection Division, Specialty Crops Program, or any other duly authorized employee of the USDA.

(8) Inspection certificate means a written statement or memorandum report issued by a USDA inspector setting forth in addition to appropriate descriptive information the quality and condition of the product inspected, and in the case of imported dates, a statement of meeting or failing, as applicable, the U.S. import requirements under section 8e of the AMA Act of 1937.

(9) Importation means release from custody of United States Customs and Border Protection.

(b) Grade requirements. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, the importation into the United States of any lot of dates for packaging or dates in retail packages is prohibited unless the dates are wholesome and unadulterated and meet the following grade requirements which are determined to be comparable to those imposed upon domestic dates handled pursuant to Order No. 987, as amended (part 987 of this chapter: The whole or pitted dates in the lot are of one variety, and are of such quality and condition that upon inspection on the basis of a representative sample thereof, with hydration (of the sample) in accordance with good commercial practice or without any hydration, the dates possess a reasonably good color, are reasonably uniform in size, are reasonably free from defects, possess a reasonably good character, and score not less than 80 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system applicable to U.S. Grade B dates, as prescribed in the U.S. Standards for Grades of Dates (§§ 52.1001 through 52.1011 of this chapter): Provided, That not more than 25 percent, by weight, of the dates may possess semidry or dry calyx ends except that not more than 5 percent, by weight, of the dates may possess dry calyx ends: And provided further, That in determining the grade for pitted dates, the pitted dates shall not be scored as damaged because of the longitudinal slit caused by removing the pit or the mashing resulting therefrom unless the flesh is seriously torn or mangled.

(2) Compliance with the grade requirements shall be determined on the basis of an inspection and certification by a USDA inspector.

(c) Inspection and certification requirements—(1) Inspection. Inspection shall be performed by USDA inspectors in accordance with the Regulations Governing the Inspection and Certification of Processed Fruits and Vegetables and Related Products (part 52 of this title). The cost of each such inspection and related certification shall be borne by the applicant. Applicants shall provide USDA inspectors with the entry number and such other identifying information for each lot as the inspector may request.

(2) Certification. Each lot of dates inspected in accordance with paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall be covered by an inspection certificate. Each such certificate shall set forth, among other things, the following:

(i) The date and place of inspection.

(ii) The name of the applicant.

(iii) The Customs entry number pertaining to the lot or shipment covered by the certificate;

(iv) The variety, quantity, and identifying marks of the lot inspected.

(v) The statement, if applicable: “Meets U.S. import requirements under section 8e of the AMA Act of 1937”.

(vi) If the lot fails to meet the import requirements, a statement to that effect and the reasons therefor.

(d) Exemptions. (1) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, any lot of dates for importation which in the aggregate does not exceed 70 pounds and any dates that are so denatured as to render them unfit for human consumption may be imported exempt from the provisions of this section.

(2) The grade, size, quality, and maturity requirements of this section shall not apply to dates which are donated to needy persons, prisoners, or Native Americans on reservations; dates for processing; or dates prepared or preserved, but all such dates shall be subject to the safeguard provisions contained in § 999.500.

(3) Dates for packaging or dates in retail packages that fail to meet the grade, size, quality, and maturity requirements of this section may be reclassified as dates for processing for importation, but such dates shall be subject to the safeguard provisions contained in § 999.500.

(e) Reconditioning. Nothing contained in this section shall preclude the reconditioning of failing lots of dates, prior to importation, so that such dates may be made eligible to meet the grade requirements prescribed in paragraph (b) of this section.

(f) Books and records. Each person subject to this section shall maintain true and complete records of his transactions with respect to imported dates. Such records and copies of executed forms shall be retained for not less than two years subsequent to the calendar year of acquisition. The Secretary, through his duly authorized representatives, shall have access to any such person's premises during regular business hours and shall be permitted at any such times to inspect such records and any dates held by such person.

(g) Other restrictions. The provisions of this section do not supersede any restrictions or prohibitions on the importation of dates under the Plant Quarantine Act of 1912, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or any other applicable laws or regulations or the need to comply with applicable food and sanitary regulations of city, county, State, or Federal agencies.

(h) Compliance. Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be subject to a forfeiture in the amount prescribed in section 8a(5) of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amended (sections 1-19, 48 Stat. 31, as amended; 7 U.S.C. 601-674), or, upon conviction, a penalty in the amount prescribed in section 8c(14) of said act, or to both such forfeiture and penalty. False representations to an agency of the United States on any matter within its jurisdiction, knowing it to be false, is a violation of 18 U.S.C. 1001 which provides for a fine or imprisonment or both.