PROCEDURE FOR AGRICULTURE INSPECTION

PURPOSE:
In order to prevent the introduction of harmful plants, pests, animal diseases, and invasive
species, agricultural inspection standards are necessary to ensure structures don’t harbor
organic contraband or haven’t been contaminated with agricultural pests.

SCOPE: Warehouse, Packing area, Transportation

RESPONSIBILITY: HR Admin & Shipping department

PROCEDURE:

For every loaded container, the team is required to execute agricultural inspections for every
container. The following need to do to meet the Minimum-Security Requirement for
Container Load:

 A 7-Point Inspection must be conducted on all empty containers and unit load
devices including a check for pests.
 Pest contamination defines as “visible forms of animals, insects, or other
invertebrates (alive or dead, in any lifecycle stage, including egg casings or
rafts), or any organic material of animal origin (including blood, bones, hair,
flesh, secretions, excretions); viable or non-viable plants or plant products
(including fruit, seeds, leaves, twigs, roots, bark); or other organic material,
including fungi; or soil, or water.”
 An 8-Point Inspection must be conducted on all empty refrigerated containers and
ULDs. In particular, you must check all vents, fans, and refrigeration units for pests.
1. Front wall
2. Left side
3. Right side
4. Floor
5. Ceiling/Roof
6. Inside/outside doors, including the reliability of the locking mechanisms of the
doors
7. Outside/Undercarriage
8. Fan housing on refrigerated containers

 A 17-Point Inspection is required for trailers upon stuffing, which includes a pest
check.  
  Pest inspections are mandatory for all forms of international travel and
transport. This includes ocean containers, refrigerated containers and trailers,
over-the-road trailers, flatbed trailers, tank containers, rail and boxcars,
hoppers, and unit load devices. Overseas supply chain expectations are that
this inspection takes place at the point of cargo packing.
 An 18-Point inspection is required for refrigerated trailers. This means that, once
again, you must do a deep-dive check of all vents, fans, and refrigeration units for
hideaway pests.

The 7-Point / 8-Point and 17-Point / 18-Point Inspections have very specific requirements.
The most important of which is if you see any evidence of infestation in the container or the
agriculture itself during an inspection (i.e., bugs, animals, mold, or really any other potential
environmental contaminants), you must halt the loading or movement of the container and
alert your supervisor, along with the proper authorities.