What Is the Common Quality Inspection Process?

If the need for a third-party inspection is required, the private firm SGS most often performs the assessment. The importer is responsible for the cost of a 3rd party inspection, and if the packer exports directly, it is their responsibility for the examination.

Lemons are segregated based on size. 45-88mm is the standard range with the most preferred sizes for export as 45,54,60,66 and 72 mm. But size alone is not the decisive factor as importers often place orders in batches with a combination of sizes. 

Quality Standard and Tolerance of Defects

Source: Tridge

Quality tolerances

(i) "Extra" Class A total tolerance of 5%, by number or weight, of citrus fruit not satisfying the requirements of the class but meeting those of Class I is allowed. Within this tolerance, not more than 0.5% in total may consist of produce satisfying the requirements of Class II quality.

(ii) Class I A total tolerance of 10%, by number or weight, of citrus fruit not satisfying the requirements of the class but meeting those of Class II is allowed. Within this tolerance, not more than 1% in total may consist of produce satisfying neither the requirements of Class II quality nor the minimum requirements of produce affected by decay.

(iii) Class II A total tolerance of 10%, by number or weight, of citrus fruit satisfying neither the requirements of the class nor the minimum requirements is allowed. Within this tolerance, not more than 2% in total may consist of produce affected by decay.