Tobacco Inspection; Subpart B-Regulations

The Department of Agriculture (Department) is adopting as a final rule, with minor formatting changes, the provisions of an interim final rule, the regulation governing the mandatory inspection of tobacco that added the term "purchaser" specifically to include in the regulatory text this segment of the industry from attempting to influence, impede, or discuss any matter related to grading while the tobacco inspectors are grading tobacco on the auction warehouse floor and removed the language allowing the producer to discuss the grading of their tobacco with the inspector at the time grading is being performed. This rule incorporates recommendations made by the Flue- Cured Tobacco Advisory Committee, the Five-State Flue-Cured Tobacco Committee, and industry representatives to clarify when it is allowable for someone to communicate with the grading personnel while they are performing their actual duties. The revisions better eliminate interference, distraction, and outside influence on the grading of tobacco.