This brochure describes the methods for the testing of fruits.  Inspection services and the fruit industry benefit from these guidelines that define the acceptable levels of ripeness and quality. Also available in German (Leitfaden zu objektiven Testmethoden).

This brochure is an international reference for private and public inspection services, helping them to establish professional inspection teams and to facilitate the development of introductory and annual educational training programmes for quality inspectors. 

These guidelines list the criteria for defining inspection priorities (risk analysis).

The marketing standards for fruit and vegetables require the mandatory country of origin label. In addition, the region of cultivation can be indicated on a voluntary basis. For fruit and vegetables, the country of origin is the country where it has been grown and harvested. Accurate indication of the country of origin is important for consumers and traders. However, this information is only valuable if it can be verified during inspection. These guidelines provide a procedure for the verification of the country of origin which is indicated on the package, taking into account the different stages of marketing, including cross-border and online trade.

These non-binding guidelines aim to support authorities in the implementation of the OECD Fruit and Vegetables Scheme quality controls in the case of pandemics or other disruptive events. They apply to export and import quality controls and address both physical and remote inspection cases.