Scope of the standard
The international orange standard applies to commercial varieties of oranges supplied fresh to consumers after preparation and packaging. It excludes oranges intended for industrial processing. The standard is a product-specific reference, not a universal rule for every fruit or every market.
Minimum condition and maturity
Check that fruit is whole, sound, clean, practically free from visible foreign matter and pest damage, free from abnormal external moisture, foreign smell or taste, temperature or frost damage, internal shrivelling and extensive bruising or cuts. Maturity is assessed through typical colouring and minimum juice content; the applicable percentage depends on the variety group.
Classes and defects
The standard defines Extra, Class I and Class II. Extra allows only very slight superficial defects. Class I and Class II allow progressively more shape, colour and skin defects, provided the fruit remains fit, retains quality and the defects do not affect the pulp.
Destination markets use different specifications
Before inspection, identify whether the shipment is intended for the EU, North America or another market. Buyers may use different class names, size codes, count-per-box systems, colour expectations and internal-quality parameters. The destination requirement and purchase contract take priority over a general reference article.
Sizing and tolerances
Sizing is based on the maximum equatorial diameter using recognised size codes. Some markets also describe size by the number of fruits per standard box. Confirm the measurement system, permitted range, class, sample basis and lot tolerance before inspection; do not assume that a size number has the same meaning in every market.
Internal quality indicators
For the agreed scope, record maturity indicators such as soluble solids (Brix), acidity or the Brix-to-acid ratio, together with juice content when relevant. These parameters depend on variety, market, method and timing. A field inspection should not present an unverified value as a laboratory result.
Packaging, presentation and labels
Review uniformity of origin, variety, quality and size; whether visible contents represent the package; package protection, cleanliness, ventilation and resistance; and the marking of exporter, packer or dispatcher, product identity, origin, class, size code and count where applicable. The purchase specification should also state box net weight, pallet format and lot identification when these affect acceptance.
How we use the reference
During a site inspection, we can document product condition, visible maturity and colour, size, visible defects, packaging, labels, quantity, temperature where agreed, loading condition and related documents. Brix, acidity, juice content, pesticide residues and microbiological results are separate testing items and require an agreed sampling plan and suitable laboratory method. Official conformity decisions remain with the competent authority. The report should clearly distinguish CONFORM, NOT CONFORM or PENDING for each applicable inspection or testing item.