The new national standard GB/T 43994-2024 "Moisture Content for Grain Safe Storage" was released on April 25, 2024, and will be implemented on November 1 of this year. It specifies the safe moisture levels for the storage of grains such as maize and soybeans at different temperatures ranging from 10-35°C.
Table 1 Moisture Content for Grain Safe Storage
When the average temperature of the grain layer is between two temperatures in Table 1, the safe storage moisture should be determined according to the higher temperature value while ensuring the safety of grain storage.
Currently, the moisture content for soybeans in China (GB 5009.3-2016) is not more than 13%. This parameter mainly reflects the quality of soybeans and serves as a trading standard for soybeans, rather than a standard for the safe storage and transportation of soybeans. The newly released national standard has put forward more explicit and stringent requirements for the safe storage moisture content of soybeans, which will provide a strong basis for shipowners in defending soybeans claims in Chinese courts.
