20-69.002. Requirements for Use of Imported Products

(1) Processed citrus products, in any form, processed in other areas and imported into Florida, may be reprocessed, blended, mixed or repackaged only if each and every shipment or lot of such product is accompanied by:

(a) A certificate of inspection, issued by an inspector licensed or recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture or the Florida Department of Agriculture pursuant to Sections 601.49 and 601.51, F.S.; and,

(b) A signed statement issued by a duly authorized representative of the licensed citrus fruit dealer (Dealer’s Statement for Importing Citrus Products (CIT/DSR/8), incorporated by reference in Rule 20-100.004, F.A.C., who intends to reprocess the imported citrus product.

(2) The certificate of inspection shall affirmatively show:

(a) That the imported product meets the applicable standards as required by U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Title 20, F.A.C., and U.S. Grade Standards with respect to fitness for human consumption and freedom from foreign materials; and,

(b) In the Grade Statement portion of the certificate, that the product “MEETS REQUIREMENTS OF CHAPTER 20-69, F.A.C.”

(3) If the imported product is not accompanied by a USDA certificate at the time the dealer receives it, prior to use, it must be sampled and inspected by the USDA, Specialty Crop Inspection (SCI), Winter Haven Field Office, or Florida Department of Agriculture and shall affirmatively show:

(a) That the imported product meets the applicable standards as required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Title 20, F.A.C., and U.S. Grade Standards with respect to fitness for human consumption and freedom from foreign materials; and,

(b) In the Grade Statement portion of the certificate, that the product “MEETS REQUIREMENTS OF CHAPTER 20-69, F.A.C.”

(4) The signed Dealer Statement for Importing Citrus Products shall affirmatively show that the imported citrus product meets the following requirements:

(a) That the imported product is free of additives of any kind as defined by the Florida Statutes; and,

(b) That the imported product meets all requirements of Chapter 20-69, F.A.C.

(5) All processed citrus products containing imported product shall be subject to all provisions of the Florida Statutes and Title 20, F.A.C., relating to grading and inspection, which are applicable to Florida citrus products.

Rulemaking Authority 601.10(1), (7), 601.11 FS. Law Implemented 601.10(7), 601.11 FS. History–Formerly 105-1.27(2), Amended 1-1-75, 3-16-80, Formerly 20-69.02, Amended 6-9-91, 1-19-93, 10-15-95, 6-8-97, 2-21-18.