Inspection, non/compliance and registration fees
Inspection and compliance
Inspection of the facility plays a key role in the management of the QAP system. It is used to ensure that facilities comply with all requirements of QAP registration. These requirements were developed to reduce the risk that an exotic disease would be introduced into Australia via in vivo work in non-laboratory animals.
Detailed on-site inspections of each facility will be conducted by AQIS at least once every 12 months. Additional inspections may be conducted as required. AQIS will conduct both announced and unannounced inspections of facilities. Approval for the facility will be for a specific purpose, eg the manufacture of veterinary vaccines.
Further information on the Quarantine Approved Premises approval process is available on the QAP homepage.
Non-compliance
Initial inspection of premises
Where a laboratory does not meet AQIS’s requirements, quarantine approval will not be given. The laboratory will be advised of all non-conformities in writing by the issuance of a Corrective Action Request (CAR) or similar. The timeframe for correction of the non-conformity will be negotiated. A date will also be determined for re-inspection.
On-going inspections of premises
Where a laboratory being inspected for renewal of approval does not meet AQIS requirements, approval will be suspended immediately. All imported biological material will be ordered into quarantine. Depending on the number and nature of non-conformities, AQIS may issue CAR’s or initiate legal action.
Fees
All fees related to the approval of premises by AQIS, including the initial inspection and annual follow-up inspections are invoiced by the regional AQIS offices in each state and territory. Please contact your nearest QAP officer for further information on current quarantine approval and inspection fees.
Further information on Quarantine Approved Premises is available on the QAP homepage.