The standard applies to common (soft) wheat intended for:
Food use: production of flour, groats and bakery products;
Feed use;
Export and international trade;
Long-term storage and state reserves.
The standard was adopted by decision of the Interstate Council for Standardization, Metrology and Certification on behalf of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries (including Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan).
Effective date: 1 July 2017, replacing GOST 9353-90.
Scope:
it applies to all organisations and businesses that handle wheat grain, from agricultural producers to inspection services;
it is used in the acceptance, storage, transport, processing and sale of grain.
The standard sets out:
Classification of wheat into six classes according to quality, colour, vitreousness and protein content;
Requirements for storage conditions, moisture content, pest infestation and gluten content;
Quality test methods, from laboratory analysis to visual assessment;
Permissible levels of GMOs and toxic elements;
The validity period of test results and the documentation procedure.
Moisture content: affects storage life and the risk of spoilage;
Test weight (mass of 1 litre of grain): reflects density and suitability for milling;
Impurities and pest infestation: unacceptable in grain supplied for food use;
Gluten and protein content: the most important indicators for flour production;
Colour and odour: must meet the requirements for food grain.
All indicators are recorded in quality certificates and shipping documents, which must accompany every delivery.
1. Downgrading of the grain class
If even one parameter fails to comply (for example, vitreousness <30%, gluten <18%, gluten deformation index (IDK) >100), the lot may be downgraded to class 4 or 5 or classified as feed grain. This lowers the price and limits the range of uses.
2. Price losses
The price difference between class 3 wheat and feed wheat can be RUB 1,500-3,000 per tonne. On a 1,000-tonne lot, that means losses of up to RUB 3 million.
3. Contract termination
If the grain does not meet the declared parameters, the buyer (especially a foreign buyer) is entitled to refuse to accept the lot.
4. Insurance claim refused
If the loss is caused by poor quality that does not comply with GOST, the insurer is entitled to refuse compensation.
5. Problems with public procurement
Lots that fail to meet GOST are not accepted for purchase by the Federal Agency for State Reserves (Rosrezerv), for state grain market interventions or for other government programmes.
6. Exclusion from exchange trading and tenders
If violations are found repeatedly, the supplier may be removed from the list of accredited participants.
reverse logistics costs;
the cost of additional drying, sorting and cleaning;
having to redirect the grain to feed use at a lower price;
lost time and disruption to the customer's production schedule;
damage to reputation with regular partners.
the supplier is liable for providing inaccurate quality data;
test reports not prepared in accordance with GOST may be ruled invalid in court;
the buyer is entitled to file a claim and recover a fine or a contractual penalty;
in export deals, arbitration and suspension of shipments are possible.
Test according to the current GOST standards: 9353-2016, 54478-2011, 10842-89;
Have test reports issued only by accredited laboratories or through surveyors;
Document vitreousness, gluten, test weight and moisture content;
Use legally valid forms with signatures, stamps and references to the applicable standards;
Work with independent organisations that are accountable for the accuracy of their data.
The standard does not prohibit the use of wheat below class 4, but it restricts its use for food.
Unlike technical specifications (TU), GOST is mandatory for supplies to the domestic and foreign markets if this is stated in the contract.
Amendments and updates to standards are published in the "News" section of the website of the Federal Agency on Technical Regulation and Metrology (Rosstandart). Everyone in the grain supply chain should keep track of them.
GOST 9353-2016 is a quality assurance system built on decades of experience, practice and real food safety requirements. Knowing and complying with it protects the interests of both producers and consumers. It also underpins fair and transparent grain trade in Russia and beyond.
We carry out testing in our own laboratories, issue expert reports and handle the documentation for grain shipment, acceptance and export.
TopFrame laboratories meet GAFTA, FOSFA and GOST/ISO 17025 standards. We guarantee independent and prompt testing and provide detailed, high-quality reports.
Depending on your needs, we can offer either end-to-end support or individual services. All work is carried out by certified specialists with many years of experience.
TopFrame inspections help you reduce risks, cut losses and obtain solid evidence in disputes with counterparties and for insurance claims.
Our company operates throughout Russia and in 30 countries, so we can carry out inspections and sampling at every stage of the route. We work with all modes of freight transport and promptly provide detailed reports, including photo and video records.
Our portfolio includes more than 150 leading exporters, among them major market players such as Avgust Agro, Skopa, KTI Sibir, Grain Gates, Aston, Grain Service, MZK, GAP Resource, Rostov Grain Terminal, Novosibirsk Food Corporation, Yug Rusi and others.
Submit a request on our website and our specialists will contact you to give detailed advice and find the best solution for your needs.
